The number of solicitors breaking into the ranks of the judiciary has hardly increased since the first recruitment drive by the Lord Chancellor's Department (LCD) back in 1988.

Then, only 40 out of 420 circuit judges were solicitors.

This year, the number has risen to 72 from a total of 517.More significantly the figures for recorders and assistant recorders, the traditional rank at which solicitors enter the judiciary, make even more depressing reading.

In 1990, 58 out of 451 assistant recorders were solicitors and 65 out of a total 776 were recorders.

The LCD's latest figures reveal that 67 of 354 assistant recorders are solicitors while the proportion of solicitor recorders has remained static.To help remedy this the Lord Chancellor has recently announced a fairer selection procedure which would reduce delays in the processing of applications for new assistant recorder posts due to be advertised in February.

All applications will now be processed within 12 months and assessed by an interviewing panel which will include one layperson.Nevertheless many solicitors with ambitions to join the judiciary still feel the odds are stacked against them when they try to get onto the Bench.

The LCD's refusal to discuss the reasons why it is standing down solicitor recorder Rivers Hickman after 19 years of judicial service fuels many solicitors' suspicions that the judicial appointments system is biased against solicitors.But those who are appointed speak of a rewarding and fulfilling career.Harvey Crush (HC), 56, sits as a circuit judge at Croydon Combined Court.

He was appointed a recorder in 1992.

In June he was appointed a circuit judge and primarily hears civil cases.Paul Hampton (PH), 54, since 1991 assistant recorder at Knightsbridge Crown Court and Wands-worth County Court.

He chairs the Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates.

Rivers Hickman (RH), 59, was stood down as a recorder this month (see [1995] Gazette, 17 January, 11).

He will continue to work as a sole practitioner in Pershore, Worcestershire.

Michael Caplan (MC), 42, has been an assistant recorder at Harrow Crown Court for two years.

He is a partner with London firm Kingsley Napley, which specialises in crime.Q: Is it getting any easier for solicitors to be appointed as judges?HC: 'Harder.

When I applied to become an assistant recorder it took just three months to be appointed.

Now it can take years.

This is partly because of the Lord Chancellor's efforts to get more people to apply and partly because of the recession.'PH: 'I think the new rules will make little difference unless you have a solicitor who is little known to the judiciary.'RH: 'The present system is much too cosy.

It's all about who you know in chambers and which High Court judges know you.

How far are you willing to approach people for references?'Q: Does the judicial appointments system favour barristers?HC: 'We are less visible than barristers.

It's all right once you become an assistant recorder and you sit because the buzz will so on go back about your work.

An additional potential handicap for solicitors is that their partners may not want to sponsor them.

I was a sole practitioner and simply closed my practice when I was appointed.

You also take a pay cut.'MC: 'I have been very lucky because my fellow partners have given me every support.

I have to arrange my affairs so that I keep the day after a case free and be prepared to come back for sentencing.'RH: 'I went through a stage when the Lord Chancellor's appointment secretary said they would only appoint QCs as circuit judges.'Q: What would be your advice to solicitors thinking of a career on the Bench?HC: 'It's necessary to have thought about it before you are 40 otherwise the system is so drawn out that you can't do it.

To get a full judicial pension you have to serve for 20 years.'RH: 'Make sure you have good references.

Try to get a High Court judge.

Also have considerable experience in the magistrates' court.

It's even better if you can say you have experience in both crime and civil work.'Q: What was your first day in court like?HC: 'On my first morning I drove into the court car park where an usher came over to meet me and addressed me as "Your honour".

It was at that moment that I knew I was going to like it.'PH: 'It takes a few seconds to realise that you're not one of the advocates.'MC: 'It was terrifying.

The case finished early and I spent the first night preparing the summing up.'RH: 'It was a fairly awe-inspiring experience.'Q: What is your greatest fear when you are hearing a case?HC: 'That I might be attacked by some deranged litigant.'PH: 'Not being able to read my notes afterwards.'Q: Do you mind being appealed?PH: 'My first reaction is that it won't succeed and it usually doesn't.'HC: 'Nobody's ever got off once potted.'RH: 'I think the Court of Appeal is probably looking out for solicitor appointments who are going to make mistakes.'ADVICE ON BECOMING A JUDGE FROM THOSE ALREADY ON THE BENCH:-- Candidates will have to start at the bottom as a stipendiary magistrate or an assistant recorder.-- Candidates should build up as much experience as they can sitting on tribunal panels or doing quasi-judicial work such as arbitration.

Most tribunals require solicitors to have practised for at least seven years.

Get involved with the local law society and join community groups.

A commitment to public service is one of the criteria for an assistant recorder.-- Build up experience in both criminal and civil practice.

It is more cost-effective to appoint a judge who is qualified to hear both criminal and civil cases.-- If candidates are not regularly seen in court they should try to get themselves noticed.-- Start now.

Candidates can become assistant recorders at 35 but by 50 will be considered too old.

Send for a full statement of criteria from the Judicial Appointments Group at the Lord Chancellor's Department.