I try and update this blog when new information becomes available but the JAC are consistently inconsistent! I have updated this in February 2021 and it is simply an attempt to explain how the JAC qualifying tests work, what to expect, some advice and links that may help candidates.
The judicial appointment process continues to evolve but it seems to have reached a bit of a crossroads. The core problem appears to be the widely held view that the MoJ are unable to attract the required quality of candidates for some High Court Divisions. Hence the launch of the Deputy High Court Judge competitions last year which is being run again as I write. When the list of successful candidates, from the 1st competition, was finally published it featured many highly respected Silks (although a number of these were already sitting as Recorders) and one solicitor. It is an impressive array of talent and bodes well for future full-time appointments. The JAC have just announced a 2 track High Court Judge competition for those who have not previously sat and s9(4) judges.
In September, I was invited to be on a panel for a PM Forum event in London where we shared some ideas on marketing on a budget. It was geared to professional services: lawyers, accountants, architects but most of the ideas can be applied across industries and sectors. Subsequently, I was asked to write an extended article and that was recently published- “Punching Above Your Weight – Uncommon Sense”.
I’d welcome your feedback and thoughts:
“We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking that created them” Einstein
I’ve found myself drawn into mentoring individuals from different sectors with a very diverse spectrum of issues. It started when a couple of people suggested that I should get involved with Entrepreneurial Spark It has exploded since then – and I’m loving it!
I’ve tried to find a definition for mentoring that I like or describes what I try to do but they all seem a bit too grand for me. I don’t have a set list of questions or a programme – all I do is make time to listen and then share examples and stories from my experience to encourage people to take a positive step.
You can read below some reactions to my approach –
Back in 1996 we were travelling in New Zealand and hired a car to tour around the islands for about a month. The car had a cassette player and we decide to find a record store in Auckland and treat ourselves to a tape. On impulse we bought Cheryl Crow’s “If it Makes You Happy” but we knew we needed more than one song!
“I got it!!!” – Circuit Judge
***** UPDATE 11 July 2023*****
Thia year’s competition launches next week on Tuesday 18 July 2023 – deadline for applications is 13:00 on Tuesday 8 August 2023 – there are currently 52 vacancies (40 in crime, 7 in family and 5 in civil). Successful candidates will be informed in June 2023!!
“Your input has been invaluable” – Resident Judge Candidate
It looks very similar to previous CJ competitions and in many ways, this is one of the most straight forward competitions that the JAC run. It has evolved over the years and now successful candidates know what they have to do: demonstrate their evidence of the competencies. You have two panels you need to convince – the short-listing panel and the selection day panel. There is some very helpful feedback, sound guidance and clear advice from the JAC on their website. There are expected to be 80 vacancies, but as with other competitions, the number may vary as the competition progresses.
Entering the third year of running my consultancy and seem to have even more to learn and do!
So, a good time to take stock, lift my head up and try and see where we’re heading. I must start by saying a big Wow Thank You to all my clients. I’ve worked with some great and seriously talented people, at times it has been challenging but also deeply rewarding to receive your positive feedback. THANK YOU.
3 words and an image
Can create a personalised poem for you
Can create a Moroccan dream for him
But absolutely no chance of making a poet out of me!
For the curious and/or generous:
We all face different challenges. I’m really proud that Tadhg had the courage to go for it and sing on stage with Bruce Springsteen at Wembley (story). That was certainly out of his comfort zone but two years on he has a new challenge. He has recently been given a fantastic opportunity to go to Morocco with scouts, which will be a big challenge for him and hopefully a great adventure. But his immediate challenge is to raise £1800!
He watches and listens and has decided to challenge himself to write personalised poems (not inspired by my recent number plate Staple Story!) for anyone who’d like to support him.
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