11 October 2021
Fee-paid Tax Judge of the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber)
Application Seminar and Judicial Recruitment Support Scheme
The
Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) will be launching a selection exercise
this month. This exercise will aim to recruit Fee-paid Judges of the First-tier
Tribunal and the Tax Chamber will be one of those looking for new Judges.
Registration for the first stage qualifying test opens on 5 October 2021 and
closes on 19 October 2021.
The seminar
The
Judicial Diversity Committee is holding an online seminar via Microsoft Teams
on Tuesday 12 October at 5pm – 6pm 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
Please register
interest at:
https://www.judicialcareers.judiciary.uk/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finfo&id=47&reset=1
If
you have any queries regarding the seminar please email: JudicialHRDiversityEvents@judiciary.uk