NIJAC is inviting applications for the office of District Judge (Magistrates' Courts).
It is intended to make three appointments and to maintain a reserve list for 12 months from the anticipated date of the first appointment (31 July 2026).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for appointment as a District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) a person must by the anticipated date of appointment (31 July 2026), be either:
A member of the Bar of Northern Ireland of at least seven years standing; or
A solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland of at least seven years standing.
Section 107 (1) of the Judicature (NI) Act 1978 provides for the aggregation of years’ standing for holding office of solicitors who have been barristers, and vice versa.
This judicial appointment is to a full time salaried and pensionable role.
The current full time salary is £139,469 per annum.
Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 27 April 2026.
Watch a YouTube video with Judge Keown, the Presiding District Judge for the Magistrates' Courts launching the Scheme.external link opens in a new window / tab)
For further information and to apply online please click here