Additional Resources

Judicial Appointments Commission Resources

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) website has a wealth of resources to help with an application to the judiciary. Below are a couple of helpful links to assist you with a future judicial application.

We suggest signing up to the JAC’s monthly e-newsletter which provides updates about open and forthcoming exercises. Judging Your Future – Judicial Appointments Commission

• JAC Targeted Outreach Programme
  • The Targeted Outreach and Research (TOR) team leads initiatives which specifically respond to the need to improve judicial diversity. The small team is separate from the JAC selection process and engages directly with candidates from under-represented groups to support them through their judicial applications.
• JAC Updated Judicial Skills and Abilities Framework Guidance
  • JAC exercises launching from October 2025 will include this new framework and these are the judicial skills and abilities you will be assessed against.
• JAC Prepare before you apply
  • Judicial selection exercises are competitive, so it is important that you prepare thoroughly in advance.
• JAC Practice Qualifying Test Tool
  • This practice qualifying test has been designed as a practice tool to help you get familiar with the format, software and question style used in qualifying tests.
• JAC Mock Assessment application form
  • Participating in a mock assessment as a mock candidate is an excellent opportunity if you are considering applying for judicial appointment in the future to familiarise yourself with the selection process.
• JAC Guidance on the application process
  • There is information and guidance on the various stages of the application process.
• JAC Example Roleplay
  • Roleplays are part of the suite of assessment tools that may be used alongside an interview at selection days for judicial roles.
• JAC Hear from successful candidates
  • We have spoken to a range of successful candidates who have shared their insights about what it is like to be a judge, their experience of the selection process and their advice for making an application.
• JAC Independent Assessment guidance
  • We use independent assessments to help us decide whether a candidate has the right skills, experience and behaviours for the role.
• JAC Future Vacancies
  • This page lists the vacancies which will launch soon.
• Pre-Application Judicial Education Programme (PAJE) – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
  • The programme supports talented lawyers from under-represented groups to feel more equipped, confident and prepared when considering applying for a future judicial role.
• JAC Reasonable Adjustments

Judicial Office Resources

The Judicial Office run outreach seminars to support judicial applications. Please check the Upcoming Events page regularly to get updates.

Judicial Office Schemes:

• Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme
  • This scheme is aimed at boosting and encouraging greater diversity at all levels of the judiciary.
• Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme
  • The Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme (JWSS) gives eligible legal practitioners who are considering a career in judicial office an insight into the work of a judge. 

Other Resources

• Equal Treatment Bench Book – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
  • The Equal Treatment Bench Book (ETBB) aims to increase awareness and understanding of the different circumstances of people appearing in courts and tribunals. It helps enable effective communication and suggests steps which should increase participation by all parties.

• Volunteer as a magistrate
  • Gain courtroom experience and help make the decisions that shape your community.

If you have any comments or suggestions for ways to improve this website, please email website.enquiries@judiciary.uk