Diversity Conference

Lord Judge talked about the qualities needed in a judge, the progress made by the Judicial Appointments Commission – and asked the conference to come up with ideas to increase the diversity of the judiciary and legal professions of the future.

“We must do everything we can to achieve wider judicial diversity. We must make sure that the pool of eligible candidates for consideration for judicial appointment is as wide as it can possibly be, and that all eligible candidates at least consider whether to seek a judicial career."

“There are many who, for their own reasons, would not be interested in a judicial career. Not everyone enjoys or would enjoy the responsibilities. But some undoubtedly would and would discharge them with distinction. But how do we make sure that their decisions whether or not to seek a judicial career are founded on fact and reality rather than misconceptions? And how do we get rid of unnecessary barriers which hinder our objectives?”