UK Supreme Court opens new selection process

Applications are being invited for the positions of Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court and two other Justices of the court, which will fall vacant during the next 12 months.

Lord Mance, the current Deputy President, will retire in June 2018, while Lord Hughes and Lord Sumption are due to retire in August and December 2018 respectively. All three have an English law background.

In the event of a serving Justice being appointed Deputy President, consideration will be given to the appointment of a third new Justice from this present competition.

The statutory minimum qualification for all appointments advertised is to have held high judicial office for a period of at least two years, to have satisfied the judicial appointment eligibility condition on a 15-year basis or to have been a qualifying practitioner for at least 15 years. In making its recommendation the selection commission will have regard to the requirements that selection must be on merit, and that the commission must "ensure that between them the judges will have knowledge of, and experience of practice in, the law of each part of the United Kingdom".

Applications are sought from serving Justices and from the widest range of eligible candidates outside the court, particularly those who will increase the diversity of the court. The competition is open to candidates from any part of the United Kingdom and with any professional background which meets the statutory criteria for appointment.

The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday 26 January 2018. Appointments are expected to take effect between June 2018 and January 2019.

The court will host "insight visits" for potential candidates, including an opportunity to sit in court and follow proceedings for up to two hours; and/or a private meeting with a current Justice to discuss the role. Expressions of interest may be submitted until 5pm on Friday 12 January 2018.

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