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I'm not sure that the professional population levels are strictly relevant. The majority of solicitors don't practice in areas where a judge's job is on the horizon. My wife was such a one. Many in both branches don't want the job esp at HCJ level. Many solicitors are discouraged by their superiors from applying.

I do, however, get the impression that the percentage of solicitor applicants who do not get on the judicial ladder - at whatever rung - is higher than the bar. It may be that their professional lives make the transition process easier - but is that a bad thing.

As to the process, I was shown the exam papers some years ago. I would have failed them. Mainly, I think, because they operated from a judging perspective in a form I couldn't use. I'd been in the job 20 years and may have become a bit set in my ways! So I do wonder if the methodology might need looking at.

In the end, if you think you'd like the job then have a go. You've nothing to lose.