The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is to launch a streamlined process for the appointment of High Court judges this month, with procedures that should benefit solicitors aspiring to the bench.


Chairwoman Baroness Prashar said the commission wanted to see more solicitors, academic lawyers and members of the Government Legal Service (GLS) applying to become judges in the High Court.



The current 29-page application form will be reduced to nine pages, with applicants judged for five key qualities and 14 supporting abilities.



Under the new system, applications must be supported by both 'candidate-nominated referees' and 'commission-nominated referees'. The form will allow candidates to put forward up to six of their own referees, but there will be no obligation to use this many - in recognition of the fact that it can be difficult for solicitors to find referees outside their firm.



The JAC is also understood to be considering whether the requirement for candidates to have completed part-time judicial work before they can apply for a permanent High Court post - which can be difficult for solicitors to achieve - is necessary.



Baroness Prashar said: 'In future, the process will be simple and transparent, and whatever your background, you will be treated fairly. It's a myth to think that you have to be an advocate. We are very keen to widen the pool so that the Government Legal Service, academics and solicitors can apply.'



The JAC takes over the appointment of High Court judges from the Department for Constitutional Affairs next month.



By Rachel Rothwell