Apply to become a senior circuit judge – 2023 vacancies

The role

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is recruiting for two senior circuit judges (designated civil judge) in West London and Leeds.

Designated civil judges have overall responsibility for the civil work of the county courts and district registries in a given area, including:

• providing leadership to the civil judiciary who sit at courts in that area (circuit judges, district judges and fee-paid judiciary)
• ensuring efficient judicial business at those courts

Find out more about the vacancy

Who can apply

Candidates must:

• have at least seven year's post-qualification experience as a solicitor or barrister
• live within reasonable travelling distances of the courts
• be able to commit to a full-time role for at least three years before retirement
• be a citizen of the UK, another Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland  

You should also have at least 30 days' experience sitting as a judge. 

Before you apply

Before you apply, read the skills framework for the role and the job description on the JAC website.

Guidance and support

JAC guidance on the judicial selection process

Case studies 

Frances Kirkham – following a non-traditional route to become a senior circuit judge

Become a circuit judge for enhanced job satisfaction

Resources for members of the Solicitors Judges Division

Preparing for judicial interviews: competency-based examples

Webinar: Next steps for solicitor judges – email solicitorjudges@lawsociety.org.uk to request a recording, created in collaboration with the Judicial Office and Judicial Appointments Commission.