§ Mr. O'HaraTo ask the Attorney-General if he will describe the current arrangements for senior solicitors to become judges in respect of(a) the procedures that are followed when solicitors put themselves forward as potential candidates for judicial office and (b) the measures he is taking to invite solicitors to apply for judicial office; and if he will make a statement on future proposals in this area.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Lord Chancellor's general policy is that before being considered for a full-time judicial post a candidate must first have served in a part-time capacity for long enough to establish his or her competence and suitability. Those wishing to become judges usually serve initially as assistant recorders or deputy district judges. All applicants are considered on their merits, having regard to the numbers of appointments required.
Views are sought from those able to comment on an applicant's practice, professional standing and other qualities. Interviews are also held.
Applications from suitably qualified solicitors for judicial appointment are welcomed. The Lord Chancellor has taken steps to encourage more solicitors to put themselves forward for consideration. Such measures include continuing discussion with the Law Society, public speeches, meetings with solicitors' groups and the publication and wide distribution of a booklet explaining the judicial appointments system. In 1988 a special pilot scheme was set up, involving senior solicitors on local review committees, with the aim of testing a further method for identifying solicitors for potential appointment: the results of this scheme are currently being evaluated.