High Court Judge

Lawsoc Ni; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A judicial appointments organization is seeking to fill the position of High Court Judge, requiring candidates to have at least ten years' standing as either a member of the Bar or as a solicitor in Northern Ireland. The selection process aims to appoint the most suitable candidates based on merit, while maintaining a reserve list for future appointments. Commitment to equality of opportunity is essential in the assessment of all applicants. Closing date for applications is 12 January 2026.

Qualifications

• A member of the Bar of Northern Ireland with ten years' standing.
• A solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland with ten years' standing.

Responsibilities

• Assessing suitability based on merit for judicial appointments.
• Managing a reserve list for future judicial vacancies.

Job description

To be eligible for appointment as a High Court Judge a person must, by the anticipated date of appointment (7 September 2026), be either:

• a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland of at least ten years’ standing, or;
• a solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland of at least ten years’ standing

Section 107 (1) of the Judicature (NI) Act 1978 provides for the aggregation of years’ standing for holding office of solicitors who have been barristers, and vice versa.

It is intended to make one appointment and to maintain a reserve list which will last for 12 months from the date of the first swearing in (but no more than 15 months from the published anticipated appointment date (7 September 2026).

Please note that inclusion on a reserve list does not guarantee that a judicial appointment will be offered.

NIJAC is committed to equality of opportunity for all who are eligible for judicial office and welcomes applications from women and men from all backgrounds and sections of the community. NIJAC will appoint the applicants who are assessed to be the most suitable based on merit.

Closing Date: 12 January 2026 at 12 noon.

For full details and to apply online please visit www.nijac.gov.uk or phone [phone]