Lay Magistrates FAQs

There are 119 vacancies across the three Administrative Court Divisions (ACDs). 55 in South-Eastern ACD, 38 in North-Eastern ACD and 28 in Western ACD.

NIJAC expects to open the competition for applications on 4 June 2026. Applications can be submitted online at Apply online | Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission. The competition is expected to close on 7 July 2026.

If you require a reasonable adjustment to complete your application, please contact NIJAC as soon as possible after applications open by emailing laymagistratesni@nijac.gov.uk or by calling 028 9056 9115 and leaving a message if required.

Lay Magistrates are paid for their sittings in the Youth Court and Family Proceedings Courts. As of September 2025 the fees are:

Full day attendance: £226.92

Full day training: £88.98

Half day attendance: £113.46

Half day training: £44.48

No payment is made for signatory duties.

We encourage you to review all of the materials provided by NIJAC so you understand what you need to demonstrate in your application and throughout the assessment process. Preparation is essential in any competitive recruitment scheme, and the time you invest in completing your application and preparing for each stage will be invaluable. Use the resources in this Website Hub to gain a clear understanding of the role, the commitment involved and the challenges you may encounter.

The skills, attributes and behaviours expected of a Lay Magistrate include quick thinking, integrity, independence of mind, sensitivity to people from diverse backgrounds, diligence, patience, courtesy, and a strong commitment to the role. Full details will be outlined in the Applicant Information Booklet when the scheme opens for applications.

The time commitment varies, but applicants should be aware that they are expected to make themselves available for up to 10 court sittings per year, share duties fairly, undertake some out-of-hours work, and attend required training.

Yes. However, this is subject to certain restricted employments as set out in the Eligibility Criteria. It is important to note that appointment as a Lay Magistrate is not employment; it is an appointment to a judicial office. Applicants who are in employment should consider their employer’s likely position on releasing them for these duties before applying.

NIJAC aims to encourage a high volume of applications and has scheduled the scheme’s events to allow the necessary administrative work to be completed. As a result, the overall process will take longer than usual. It is currently expected that shortlisting will take place between September and October 2026, with interviews running from November 2026/December 2026 through to February/March 2027.

Lay Magistrates take part in cases across a wide range of Family and Youth matters heard in the Magistrates’ Courts. They typically sit alongside a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) and another Lay Magistrate.

Lay Magistrates sit in both the Youth Court and the Family Proceedings Courts. Further information about these courts and the types of cases they hear is available in the Inside the Courts section of this website. 

While there is no formal dress code, Lay Magistrates should be mindful of the formal environment in which they operate and ensure their appearance reflects the professional conduct expected in court.

Training will be provided for all Lay Magistrates; in fact, it is a legal requirement that they receive a programme of training in order to carry out the role.

Allowances are provided for attending training, as well as for travel and subsistence. No payment is made for loss of earnings.

For anyone who values a strong, fair and connected community, the role of Lay Magistrate offers a meaningful way to contribute. Although Lay Magistrates receive payment for most duties, financial reward is not the main motivation for taking on the role.

A good Lay Magistrate will benefit from making their contribution within the justice system in Northern Ireland by helping to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our society.  The role, whilst paid, also provides the office holder with the opportunity to make a positive difference, ensuring that the public have an effective and transparent role in the delivery of justice.

All judicial offices are positions requiring the upmost trust, accordingly those seeking appointment to the role of Lay Magistrate will be held to a correspondingly high standard. 

Pre-appointment checks will include (but not be limited to): an examination of the Character and Fitness to Practice section of your Application Form and of information received from any other source during the assessment and selection process, an Enhanced Level Criminal Record Check and an examination of any conflicts of interest or interests declared (which can include matters related to employment/self-employment, political activity etc.). Further details regarding the standards applied will be provided at the time of application.

Reasonable adjustments required to carry out the role are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service. NIJAC encourages applications from those with disabilities and those without. For any applicant who declares a disability, NIJAC will discuss their specific needs for the assessment process and work to agree appropriate and effective reasonable adjustments.