JAC: Judge Advocate General Pre-Application Seminar 2026 Equips Applicants

• The Judicial Appointments Commission will launch a selection exercise in October to recommend one candidate for the Judge Advocate General post.
• A pre-application seminar for the Judge Advocate General role will be held online on Thursday, 17 September 2026, from 5pm to 6pm.
• The seminar aims to prepare applicants and provide guidance on the JAC’s selection process, featuring representatives from the JAC and the current Judge Advocate General, Judge Alan Large.
• Applicants for the role must have a minimum of 30 days of previous judicial experience, with applications particularly welcomed from under-represented groups.
• Queries regarding the recruitment campaign should be sent to JAG362@judicialappointments.gov.uk, while seminar-specific questions can be directed to JudicialHROutreachEvents@judiciary.uk.

Lawyers and compliance officers with prior judicial experience (minimum 30 days) who are considering a judicial career, particularly as the Judge Advocate General, should attend this seminar to gain crucial insights into the application process and selection criteria, thereby enhancing their preparedness for the role.

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is set to initiate a significant selection exercise in October, aiming to identify and recommend a single candidate for the esteemed position of Judge Advocate General. In anticipation of this crucial recruitment drive, the Judicial Office is organizing a specialized Judge Advocate General pre-application seminar in 2026, designed to equip prospective applicants with comprehensive guidance.

This preparatory event, scheduled for Thursday, 17 September 2026, will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams, running from 5pm to 6pm. Its primary objective is to ensure candidates are thoroughly prepared to submit robust applications and to provide them with the most current advice regarding the JAC's rigorous selection procedures. Lawyers and compliance officers with prior judicial experience (minimum 30 days) who are considering a judicial career, particularly as the Judge Advocate General, should attend this seminar to gain crucial insights into the application process and selection criteria, thereby enhancing their preparedness for the role.

Attendees of the Judicial Appointments Commission seminar will benefit from direct engagement with key stakeholders involved in the JAC Judge Advocate General selection process. Representatives from the Judicial Appointments Commission itself will be present to outline the intricacies of the selection exercise, offering invaluable perspectives on what is expected from candidates. Furthermore, the current Judge Advocate General, Judge Alan Large, will share his insights, providing a unique understanding of the role and its demands.

This session is particularly vital for those interested in GB judicial career opportunities within the military justice system, as it will delve into the legal framework underpinning the discipline of the British Armed Forces. Participants will receive up-to-date guidance and advice directly from the authorities responsible for the selection, ensuring they are well-informed about the specific requirements and expectations for this significant military justice judicial role in the UK.

A fundamental prerequisite for the Judge Advocate General position is a minimum of 30 days of previous judicial experience. This requirement underscores the specialized nature of the role and the need for candidates to possess a proven track record in judicial functions. The Judicial Office actively encourages applications from a diverse range of legal professionals who meet this criterion.

In a concerted effort to foster judicial recruitment among under-represented groups, applications are especially welcomed from women, ethnic minority candidates, disabled candidates, and individuals with a solicitor background. Further details regarding the specific responsibilities and scope of the Judge Advocate General's role are available for review on the judicial website, offering a deeper understanding of this critical appointment.

Prospective candidates interested in attending the pre-application seminar must register for the event through the Judicial Careers Portal website. This portal serves as the central hub for event registration and provides access to essential information for those considering a judicial career.

For any specific inquiries pertaining to the broader recruitment campaign or the selection exercise for the Judge Advocate General, individuals should direct their questions to the JAC selection exercise team via email at JAG362@judicialappointments.gov.uk. Separate queries exclusively related to the pre-application seminar itself can be sent to JudicialHROutreachEvents@judiciary.uk. Additionally, the JAC’s future vacancies page offers further information on upcoming judicial opportunities.

Lawyers and compliance officers with prior judicial experience (minimum 30 days) who are considering a judicial career, particularly as the Judge Advocate General, should attend this seminar to gain crucial insights into the application process and selection criteria, thereby enhancing their preparedness for the role.

Source: Original reporting via Judicial Office and Judicial Appointments Commission.