The Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB) is inviting applications from practising solicitors and barristers who are eligible to serve as ordinary judges of the High Court.

Those eligible for appointment and who wish to be considered can apply in writing for a copy of the relevant application form to: The Secretary, Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, Phoenix House, 15/24 Phoenix Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7, or by email to judicial.appts@courts.ie.

JAAB says applications should be submitted by 4pm on Tuesday, 31 August. It points out, however, that eligible applicants can submit applications for all judicial vacancies at any time.

Tax-clearance certificates

The board also notes that the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 prohibits it from recommending a person for judicial office unless the person has supplied it with a relevant tax-clearance certificate, issued to the person not more than 18 months before the date of a recommendation.

As a result, it is advising applicants to ensure that their tax-clearance certificate is current. If not, applicants should make early contact with Revenue to ensure that a certificate can be processed and available for inclusion with their application.

Applicants may, at the discretion of the board, be required to attend for interview. Canvassing is prohibited.

Earlier this month, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 gave effect to a Government commitment to appoint an additional five judges to the High Court, to deal with anticipated pressure on the courts as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.