Seminar for judicial recorder applicants
The Judicial Office has recorded a seminar for those interested in applying for appointment as a fee-paid recorder.
It aims to help applicants:
- be better prepared to apply
- receive up-to-date guidance and advice on the JAC’s selection process
Watch a recording (45 minutes)
You’ll hear from:
- a recorder (previously a solicitor in private practice)
- a judge in the first-tier tribunal
- representatives from the JAC
The seminar was recorded on 9 December 2021.
The event was organised on behalf of the Judicial Diversity Committee to support the Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
The role: recorder
A recorder's statutory jurisdiction is similar to that of a circuit judge.
Main activities include:
- reading and assimilating case papers before a hearing or trial begins
- case management in the Crown Court, County Courts and Family Court
- presiding over court hearings
- deciding appeals
- determining any necessary paper applications
- assessing costs and reviewing detailed assessments
Case studies: recorders
In the following case studies, solicitors write about their experience of becoming a judicial recorder:
Location and jurisdiction
Recorders are appointed nationally and assigned to a circuit within England and Wales by the Lord Chief Justice.
When you apply, you should carefully consider how you rank jurisdiction and location, as deployment recommendations are based on the following:
- the merit order of candidates
- requirements from HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
- your ranked location preferences
- your home address