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The application process is unfavourable to solicitors as they have to tell their firms before applying which is the end of their careers. Even once appointed they can be on a list for 2 years, known as the "limbo list". Moreover once appointed as deputies you are obliged to do 30 days which firms will not allow. Extensions to sitting days of over 50 are granted late in the year by which it is too late for a solicitor to rearrange their working life. Bluntly, it is a mess. However the JAC has skewed the process in favour of women by positive discrimination where candidates are equal they appoint women. They did this over 20 times this year. This takes place when recommended so male applicants have been told they haven't got it owing to this provision after months of waiting.