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Judicial vacancy - 2023

Judicial vacancy - 2023

Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

As a result of the retirement of Lord Kitchin at the end of September 2023, applications are sought for the appointment of a Justice of the UK Supreme Court.

The UK Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council hear a wide range of very complex and high-profile legal appeals, which can have a considerable impact across the United Kingdom and beyond.

All those appointed to the Court need to be people of truly exceptional intellectual and legal ability, with sound judgment and decisiveness. Candidates must be able to address the full range of legal subjects. No particular area of legal expertise is sought. The selection commission is looking for candidates who can show an ability to contribute to the collegiate decision-making of the Court, a sensitivity to the needs of different communities and groups and an ability and willingness to engage in the wider representational and leadership role of a Justice, together with an appreciation of the developing nature of the constitution and law in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The Supreme Court is required by statute to have judges with a knowledge of, and experience of practice in, the law of each part of the United Kingdom.

The UK Supreme Court's commitment to diversity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values. We recognise that diversity brings richness to the judiciary and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We support part-time and flexible working, subject to the needs of the Court.

In this short video the President of the Supreme Court, Lord Reed, announces the launch of the recruitment campaign and provides some information about the role of a Supreme Court Justice and details about the application process

The UK Supreme Court's commitment to diversity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values. We recognise that diversity brings richness to the judiciary and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We support part–time and flexible working, subject to the needs of the Court.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 22 May 2023.

Listen

We have produced a short series of podcasts, featuring interviews with serving Justices. In these, Justices speak about their career path and why they applied to become a Justice, as well as sharing insights into what the application process felt like and what advice they would give someone considering applying.

Watch

A webinar recording on career pathways to becoming a Justice. This provides an opportunity to learn more about the appointment process and what it takes to become a well-qualified candidate, enabling aspiring future Justices to kick-start long-term career planning.

Three short videos have been released on social media during the application period where Justices talk on themes such as: the qualities of a Justice; tips for Justices; and diversity in the judicial profession. You can watch these videos via the links below.

Videos

Key documents

Further information which may be of interest to applicants

The independent selection process

Appointment of Justices of the UK Supreme Court

Much of the selection process is set out in statute, namely the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (as amended by the Crime and Courts Act 2013) and The Supreme Court (Judicial Appointments) Regulations 2013. The process is overseen by an independent selection commission convened by the Lord Chancellor in accordance with sections 26 to 27B of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 and The Supreme Court (Judicial Appointments) Regulations 2013.

The appointments process is described on our Appointments of Justices webpage.