How to apply

Apply online through our vacancy portal.

If you need help, email: enquiries@judicialappointments.gov.uk.

Find information about every stage of the application process.

Complete your online application

When you have found a suitable role on our vacancy portal you’ll need to create an account before you can apply.

You can apply for any role using the ‘Apply’ button on the vacancy page.

Read the job description and the competency or skills and ability framework before making your application as you will need to provide evidence of the skills and abilities. These are different, depending on the kind of role you are applying for. Find out about:

Don’t forget to prepare before you apply:

In the online application, you’ll need to provide:

personal details
full career history
character declarations
details of chosen independent assessors
confirmation of how you meet the eligibility criteria for the post

For some roles you may need to provide a self-assessment.

Reasonable adjustments

When you fill in your application form, you will be asked if you need a reasonable adjustment for any stage of the JAC selection process. There’s a free text box where you can provide as much detail as possible.

If you need any support or adjustment with the online application form then just email the team running your exercise. Their details are on the vacancy information page.

Tips for completing your application

Here are some helpful tips to improve your application and give yourself the best chance of success.

Use the SOAR method

Structure your answers using SOAR:

Situation – briefly describe the context
Objective – what you were trying to achieve
Action – what you did, how, and why (this should be the main focus)
Result – what happened, and what impact your actions had

Choose strong examples

pick examples that show depth, complexity or challenge
routine examples are fine if you explain them well
some non-legal examples are acceptable, but avoid using too many personal or informal situations – focus on examples that show your skills in a professional context

Avoid general statements

Statements like ‘I always treat people with respect’ or ‘My role involves making important decisions’ are too vague. They do not count as evidence and take up valuable word space. Stick to specific examples that show what you did.

Don’t list too many examples

It’s better to give one or two detailed examples for each skill and ability than to list several with minimal detail. The panel needs to understand what you did, how and why — not just see a list.

Keep it clear and simple

avoid legal jargon, technical language, acronyms or hyperlinks
explain the type of case or situation in plain English – your panel will include lay members
you do not need to write in full sentences, but your answers must be clear
if using more than one example, make sure they’re clearly separated (for example, with a line break)

Submitting written work

If the role requires you to send written work:

choose recent examples where possible
if you hold a judicial role, include at least one judgment written by you
avoid work written as part of a team
in your rationale explain why you selected each piece

Preparing for interview

If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be asked for more examples. You can expand on examples from your self-assessment, but try to prepare some new ones too – panels usually prefer fresh examples.

Cookies on Judicial Appointments Commission