A question of judgment

It was encouraging to hear the Lord Chancellors comments at last weeks Association of Women Solicitors annual dinner on the judicial bench.True, on the...It was encouraging to hear the Lord Chancellors comments at last weeks Association of Women Solicitors annual dinner on the judicial bench.True, on the face of it, Lord Irvine stuck to his guns in defending a slightly modified status quo.

True, he did again admonish the Law Society for withdrawing from the consultation process.

But his tone was much more constructive than in the past, as he appeared to leave the door open to discussions about a totally independent judicial appointments commission which might convince the Society to reconsider its position.He also drew attention to some cold figures and common sense conclusions.

The number of women in the profession with 15 to 20 years experience the amount of time normally required before consideration for the bench is far smaller than the percentage appointed.

Women are doing quite well and will do better once greater numbers mature in the profession.But women face greater problems with career breaks and flexible working time than men, so getting sufficient numbers into that 15 to 20-year bracket of experience is easier said than done.The Lord Chancellor must also address the unfair preponderance of barristers relative to solicitors who become judges.

It is good to hear him sounding agreeable, but actions speak louder.