Recruitment launched for Justice and Deputy President of the Supreme Court

A page on the Supreme Court website (Judicial Vacancy 2025) has been created to explain the roles, the application processes and how to apply. It also has interviews with former and serving Justices about their career paths, why they applied to become a Justice, and what to expect in the role.

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

The Court needs people of truly exceptional intellectual and legal ability, with sound judgment and decisiveness. 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. 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.

Lord Reed, President of the Supreme Court said:

"Today, two selection commissions for the selection of a Justice of the Supreme Court and a Deputy President of the Court are beginning the selection processes.

The cases dealt with by the Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council involve complex points of law of general public importance. Candidates require a deep level of legal knowledge and understanding, combined with high intellectual capacity and an understanding of the social context in which these issues arise and of the communities which the law is there to serve. They will need to demonstrate exceptional legal ability, maturity of judgment, an ability to work within a system of collegiate decision-making, an understanding of the constitutional context in which the Court operates, and a willingness to engage in wider outreach activities.

The role of Deputy President of the Court supports the President across the whole range of his duties. The role requires senior leadership, administrative and managerial skills. Not only does the Deputy President foster collegiality within the Justices, she or he supports the President in managing internal and external relationships, including relations with government, Parliament, other courts, and the media. These responsibilities are in addition to the work usually undertaken by a Justice.

For the Justice recruitment exercise, the selection commission will expect applicants to have knowledge of, and experience of practice in, the law of Scotland.

The Supreme Court is committed to diversity and inclusion, and the selection commissions welcome applicants from all backgrounds."

The closing date for applications is 25th April 2025.

Notes to editors

The full process for appointing a Supreme Court Justice can be found here: Appointments of Justices - The Supreme Court

Back to top