Fee-paid Tax Judge of the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) - Application Seminar and Judicial Recruitment Support Scheme
The seminar
The Judicial Diversity Committee is holding an online seminar via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 12 October (4.50pm registration for a 5pm start) for those interested in applying for appointment as a
fee-paid Tax Judge.
The seminar aims to help applicants be better prepared to make an application and to receive up-to-date guidance and advice on the JAC’s selection process. You will hear from Judge Greg Sinfield (President of the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (England and Wales)), Tax Judge Kim Sukul and a representative from the JAC.
Who should attend?
The competitions will be open to candidates who do not have previous judicial experience.
Five years legal post qualification experience is needed.
Judicial Recruitment Support Scheme
The Tax Chamber has also launched its Judicial Recruitment Support Scheme to offer targeted support for those considering an application for judicial appointment as a judge within the Chamber, on either a salaried or fee-paid basis.
The scheme provides detailed information about the role of a tax judge as well as general guidance on the Judicial Appointments Commission’s application process, and is aimed at candidates with a tax background who meet the legally qualified eligibility criteria for judicial appointment. You can check your eligibility at:
https://judicialappointments.gov.uk/eligibility-for-llegally-qualified-candidates/
If you have an interest or background in tax but you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you can still contact the Chamber at the email address below to discuss shadowing opportunities, which can be arranged outside the scheme.
The opportunities on offer through the Tax Chamber’s Judicial Recruitment Support Scheme are as follows and are available separately or in combination with each other, depending on the individual needs and circumstances of the candidate:
INITIAL PRIVATE DISCUSSION
Prospective candidates for judicial appointment are offered the opportunity for a private in-person meeting or video call with a judge to discuss the role in more detail, answer any initial questions and consider what further support may be appropriate for the candidate.
FLEXIBLE SHADOWING AND WORK EXPERIENCE
The Chamber offers candidates fully flexible options to participate in shadowing and/or unpaid judicial work experience, with a view to accommodating those from the widest range of circumstances.
Shadowing provides the opportunity to sit with a judge to observe a hearing. You will also have an opportunity to speak with the judge before and after the hearing to gain a deeper insight into the work of the Tax Chamber. Extended shadowing is also available and allows candidates the possibility of shadowing several judges, spread over several days, possibly over an extended period.
Judicial work experience offers a ringside view of the trial process and first instance decision-making from the perspective of a tax judge. You will be allocated a judge to facilitate your work experience and you will be given the option, as appropriate opportunities arise, to undertake one or more of the following tasks, intended to provide candidates with valuable exposure to judicial work. These tasks are:
- Carrying out legal research
- Reviewing and organising bundles
- Note-taking during hearings
- Summarising documents and evidence
- Drafting responses on case management applications
These shadowing and work experience opportunities can be organised on a part-time or temporary basis, over a single day, a number of days or an extended period, with fully flexible hours available, including outside business hours, and remote working options. Personalised terms will be agreed separately with each candidate based on their specific requirements, circumstances and availability.
JUDICIAL GUIDE
Joining the scheme enables prospective candidates to be paired with a tax judge throughout the application process. Your judicial guide will provide you with ad-hoc, informal advice and guidance and you can discuss your preparation with your guide at each stage of the process.
Join the Scheme
If you are interested in joining the Tax Chamber’s Judicial Recruitment Support Scheme, or have any questions, please email presidentsofficestax@justice.gov.uk providing your contact details. Your contact and involvement with the scheme will be treated in strict confidence.
Seminar
If you have any queries regarding the seminar please email: JudicialHRDiversityEvents@judiciary.uk
VIA MS Teams
United Kingdom