An exercise to identify candidates to recommend for the post of salaried judge of the First-tier Tribunal opens today. There are 45 immediate vacancies and 20 that are expected to arise in the near future.

Unlike previous exercises for the First-tier Tribunal, which identified candidates for a specific chamber, this exercise will identify candidates who can be deployed to any of the First-tier Tribunal Chambers.

This is an excellent opportunity for solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executives from all areas of the professions, as candidates do not need to have previous judicial experience to apply.

Most initial assignments are expected to be to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber and the Social Entitlement Chamber. There is also 1 post in the War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber. Most assignments will be across England and Wales with 4 expected in Scotland; 2 in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber and 2 in the Social Entitlement Chamber.

If you are interested in the role of salaried judge in any First-tier Tribunal jurisdiction, including chambers other than those with immediate vacancies, you should apply in this exercise. Depending on business needs, opportunities could arise in any of the First-tier Tribunal Chambers in the near future. Applications close on 24 May.

More details and how to apply below. It looks like they are aiming to recruit 65 new salaried, full time tribunal judges, which is a lot. It is about time, though, given that waiting times for some immigration appeals now stand at 83 weeks.

Source: Applications open for salaried judges of the First-tier Tribunal | Judicial Appointments Commission