Not all members of the judiciary are lawyers. Some are medical professionals, chartered surveyors, veterans, or people with experience supporting disabled people.
They are appointed because of their expert knowledge in a particular area. This specialist insight helps them understand certain types of evidence and contribute to fair decisions in cases.
Understanding non-legal roles
Non-legal members usually work on a tribunal panel with a judge and sometimes with another non-legal member. They advise on issues related to their area of expertise. After the hearing, they take part in the decision-making process and help draft the decision.
As a non-legal member, you bring your personal or professional experience to help the panel understand the facts of a case more clearly. You might deal with a range of issues within the tribunal you are appointed to, these range from benefit appeals, property disputes, and mental health detentions.
Your input helps make sure that cases are understood fully and that everyone gets a fair hearing.
Find out more about what non-legal tribunal members do.
Tribunals we recruit for
We recommend for appointment for the First-tier Tribunal across all Chambers.
We also recruit for the Employment Tribunal, Upper Tribunal, and Welsh Tribunals. Find out more about how tribunals work.
Read more about the skills and abilities you need for these roles.
Watch Diane Hill talk about why she became a tribunal member, as well as giving valuable insight into a typical day in the role.
Ways of working
You can usually do non-legal tribunal roles alongside your main job. You’ll need to make sure you can commit enough time to prepare for the selection process and to carry out the role if you’re appointed.
Most non-legal roles are paid. You’ll either receive a daily fee or an annual salary, depending on the role.
Career pathways
Read about the routes that people from different backgrounds have taken to become a tribunal member:
Grant Carson: Disability Qualified Tribunal Member, First-tier Tribunal
Suzanna Jacoby: Specialist Member of the Upper Tribunal
Our case studies on non-legal tribunal members provide an insight into their roles and advice about the selection process.
Next steps
If you’re interested in any open non-legal roles, check if you’re eligible and what you need to know before you apply.
Let vacancies come to you
Sign up for the JAC’s monthly newsletter, Judging your Future. Get details of live vacancies and information about selection exercises.