Applying for the High Court - What you need to know.
How many jobs are being advertised this time?
There are ten posts; eight in the Queen's Bench Division and two in the Family Division. On this occasion there are no vacancies in the Chancery Division.
How often are High Court vacancies advertised?
We ran selection exercises in 2006 and 2008, and this exercise will be advertised on 4 March. We expect the next one to be in approximately 18 months' time. The posts become available as serving judges retire.
How many High Court Judges are there?
There are 108 High Court judges in England and Wales. They hear serious criminal cases, important civil cases and assist the Lord Justices to hear criminal appeals.
Where do they sit?
High Court judges usually sit in London, but they also travel to major court centres around the country as well as sitting in London.
What do I do to apply?
You will be asked to fill in an application form, demonstrating evidence of how you meet the qualities and abilities against which you will be assessed. You can draw on your full range of work and personal experience to demonstrate these qualities and abilities including, for example, voluntary work or any publication to which you have contributed.
You will also be asked to nominate referees at this stage.
Where can I get advice on filling in my form?
Details and advice can be found here.
How long have I got to fill in the forms?
The closing date for receipt of applications by the JAC will be noon on 25 March.
What happens next after I have completed the form?
A JAC Commissioner panel, augmented by senior judiciary from the Queen's Bench and Family Divisions as appropriate, will decide who to shortlist for interview by sifting all of the applications and reference material, assessed against the published qualities and abilities. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to the next stage, which is a selection day. This is likely to be in June.
Who do I ask for references?
You are invited to nominate up to six referees who know you well either personally or professionally. We strongly recommend that you check with your referee that they are not conflicted.
You will also be asked to nominate judicial (if you are a judge) and professional (if you are in practice) referees. These will be identified in the section in your information pack titled 'JAC nominated referees'.
You must also tell us if you do not wish us to approach the relevant professional referee immediately, and give reasons.
What happens on selection days?
If you are shortlisted you will be invited to a selection day. The selection day for this exercise will consist of a panel interview which may include a short presentation. Further details will be sent with invitations to attend. The overall assessments made by the panel are provided to Commissioners when they make their selection decisions.
How soon would I be appointed if I am successful?
The timing of any offer will be dependent on when posts become available. Those successful in this exercise are expected to be appointed from around October 2010 to 2012.
Do I automatically get an appointment if I am successful or might I just be added to a list?
All candidates who are successful and accepted by the Lord Chancellor are guaranteed an offer of appointment to the High Court.
Learn about the 2010 High Court Judge selection exercise here.