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Judicial vacancies

Judicial vacancies

Please note: this webpage was created for the 2022 Justice recruitment. For the recruitment launched 28 April 2023, please visit the page for the Judicial Vacancy 2023.


Justices of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

As a result of the retirements of Lord Lloyd–Jones and Lady Arden of Heswall, applications are sought for the appointment of two new Justices of the UK Supreme Court.

The UK Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council hear a wide range of very complex and high–profile legal appeals, which can have a considerable impact across the United Kingdom and beyond.

All those appointed to the Court need to be people of truly exceptional intellectual and legal ability, with sound judgment and decisiveness. The selection commission is looking for candidates who can show an ability to contribute to the collegiate decision-making of the Court, a sensitivity to the needs of different communities and groups and an ability and willingness to engage in the wider representational and leadership role of a Justice, together with an appreciation of the developing nature of the constitution and law in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The Supreme Court is required by statute to have judges with a knowledge of, and experience of practice in, the law of each part of the United Kingdom.

In this short video the President of the Supreme Court, Lord Reed, announces the launch of the recruitment campaign and provides some information about the role of a Supreme Court Justice and details about the application process

The UK Supreme Court's commitment to diversity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values. We recognise that diversity brings richness to the judiciary and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We support part–time and flexible working, subject to the needs of the Court.

Please contact Grainne Hawkins (grainne.hawkins@supremecourt.uk tel: 020 7960 1906) for an application form.

The closing date for applications for both competitions is midday on 4 March 2022.

Support and further information for prospective candidates

An opportunity for potential candidates to have a tour of the Supreme Court building and meet with a Justice, to discuss working at the court, can be arranged. More information is available via the following link: Familiarisation conversations for potential judicial candidates

Listen

We have produced a short series of podcasts, featuring interviews with serving Justices. In these, Justices speak about their career path and why they applied to become a Justice, as well as sharing insights into what the application process felt like and what advice they would give someone considering applying.

Watch

  • A webinar recording on career pathways to becoming a Justice. This provides an opportunity to learn more about the appointment process and what it takes to become a well-qualified candidate, enabling aspiring future Justices to kick-start long-term career planning.
  • Three short videos have been released on social media during the application period where Justices talk on themes such as: the qualities of a Justice; tips for Justices; and diversity in the judicial profession. You can watch these videos via the links below.

Videos

Key documents

Further information which may be of interest to applicants

The independent selection process

Debate days at The UK Supreme Court

Much of the selection process is set out in statute, namely the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (as amended by the Crime and Courts Act 2013).

In short, the steps undertaken by the independent selection commissions (once convened by the Lord Chancellor) are:

  • Consultation with the Lord Chancellor on the position to be advertised and the process of selection
  • The vacancy is advertised, with candidates invited to submit a personal statement, examples of work and details of independent assessors. The basic eligibility criteria are set by Parliament.
  • The statute also requires that the Lord Chancellor, the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister of Wales, the Judicial Appointments Commission in Northern Ireland and senior judges across the UK are consulted as part of the selection process.
  • Candidates are shortlisted and interviewed by the panel. Under changes introduced by the Crime and Courts Act 2013, where two candidates are deemed to be of equal merit, the commission can give preference to one candidate over the other for the purpose of increasing diversity within the Court.
  • After interviews, a report is sent to the Lord Chancellor for his consideration. There is another round of consultation with the senior politicians and judges. The Lord Chancellor then accepts the recommendation(s), or can reject it, or ask the commission to reconsider.
  • When the Lord Chancellor accepts a recommendation, the name is notified to the Prime Minister and HM The Queen. The candidate is informed of the outcome, and the Prime Minister's Office then makes an announcement.

A more detailed description of the process is also available on our Appointments of Justices section.