This month, the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) launches a selection exercise to recruit 36 full-time equivalent salaried Employment Judges for deployment in London (all three London regions: Central, East and South), the South East England region (encompassing the east of the region: Norwich, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge), and the Midlands West region (Birmingham). Applications are also invited from fluent Welsh speakers for one position in Wales. Candidates do not need to have prior judicial experience, but they do need to possess employment law experience. 

Judge Barry Clarke, President of Employment Tribunals in England and Wales, encourages those eligible to consider applying.

A modern tribunal

Ours is a busy, welcoming, and innovative jurisdiction, ready to embrace change to meet the challenges of delivering justice to those in the 21st century workplace.

It is not hyperbole to describe the pace of change over the last few years as breathtaking. We have seen the successful completion of the “Reform Programme” (by which His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has introduced digital case files and created a new portal for interaction between users and the justice system); the introduction of recorded hearings and arrangements for their transcription; the creation of the “virtual region”; changes to panel composition; expanded use of alternative dispute resolution; and the transfer of responsibility for our rules of procedure to the Tribunal Procedure Committee. Soon, we will start preparing for the Employment Rights Bill coming in to force. All this has happened alongside our recovery from the impact of the pandemic and the continued and dynamic evolution of employment and discrimination law. And, in 2025, we will mark 60 years of delivering workplace justice.

We need to grow our team of salaried judges. These judges hear the full range of cases and particularly our lengthier, more challenging and significant cases. It is a rewarding and fulfilling career for any employment lawyer, and a noble calling to ensure that the rule of law applies as much in the workplace as it does in wider society.

Why consider becoming a salaried judge?

Becoming a salaried judge is a prestigious step and, for many, the pinnacle of a legal career. The work is intellectually challenging, and it is rewarding to assemble the professional skills necessary for good judgecraft, which are very different from the skills needed to be a practising lawyer.

Salaried judges take up “lifetime” appointments. In practice, this means it is a one-way move. Many salaried judges retire at their state pension age, but lots will continue beyond, and can do so until the mandatory retirement age of 75. This can be attractive to those for whom private practice may have lost its allure.

Although salaried judges must be ready to forego their professional practice, which requires a careful and committed decision, there is so much to be gained. An opportunity to deliver justice rather than simply represent client interests, membership of the wider judicial family, a structured workload, paid holidays (which is a new experience for barristers) and truly exceptional collegiality. There is opportunity to undertake additional responsibilities such as training, outreach, and mentoring. For those who seek it, there are career development opportunities for the Circuit Bench and beyond.

Training and support

Successful candidates will be well supported by a sophisticated programme of observation, induction and continuation training.

Every newly appointed judge will be assigned an experienced mentor, who will be available to act as a confidential sounding board and support you in the initial stages of your judicial career.

Is this the role for you?

Only you will know if the time feels right, in the words of the judicial oath, to do right to all manner of people, without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

To be a judge is to support the rule of law, and to be a judge in the Employment Tribunals is to support the rule of law in the workplace. It is a fascinating and rewarding role; no two days are ever the same. It is also intellectually and emotionally demanding, requiring stamina and personal resilience. I would also say that the role of judge is a noble one; although a judge assumes a role with great power over the lives of people, it is a power best exercised with clarity, humility and courtesy.

You may have tried before and not succeeded. If that is you, please try again. Believe me when I say that the judiciary is well populated by those who only succeeded in obtaining appointment after several attempts!

I very much hope that you will consider applying. Your personal and professional development will thrive if you are ultimately successful.

Observation opportunities

If you would find it helpful to observe an Employment Tribunal hearing before deciding to apply, followed by a conversation with an existing Employment Judge, please contact etpresidentsupportoffice@judiciary.uk.

Subject to demand, my office can put you in touch with a Regional Employment Judge to arrange a suitable opportunity for you.

Further information

• To help us manage demand, please only express an interest if you meet the eligibility requirements. Your email should include:
  • your name
  • a contact address
  • your preferred regional office
• It would be sensible not to observe a hearing or speak to a judge in a region where you regularly practise or appear. You will be told the names of the parties so that you can identify any conflicts that might arise.