News

The King is pleased to approve the appointment of a Justice of the High Court. This appointment will take effect from 29 January 2026.

Ensuring that people who serve in our courts and tribunals are selected openly, fairly, and on merit is an important part of maintaining trust in our judicial system. The independent Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) leads this process for England and Wales – and at the heart of our selection panels are lay panel members – independent individuals from outside the judiciary who help assess candidates for judicial office.

The King is pleased to approve the appointment of a Justice of the High Court. This appointment will take effect from 12 January 2026.

The Lord Chancellor has asked the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to convene a selection panel to recommend candidates to fill up to seven vacancies in the Court of Appeal.

The Lord Chancellor has asked the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to convene a selection panel to recommend a new President of the Family Division, as successor to Sir Andrew McFarlane who is retiring at Easter 2026.

The King is pleased to approve the appointment of a Justice of the High Court. This appointment will take effect from 12 November 2025.

The King is pleased to approve the appointment of a Justice of the High Court. This appointment will take effect from 3 November 2025.

The King is pleased to approve the appointment of a Justice of the High Court. This appointment will take effect from 17 November 2025.

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) publishes an external review on neuroinclusive judicial recruitment. Independent research provided 17 recommendations to enhance JAC selection processes, supporting neurodivergent candidates.

Originally published by the Law Society Gazette on 18 September 2025, this blog explores the role of lay voices in the judicial appointments process with outgoing commissioners Barry Morgan and Sue Hoyle.