Lay Magistrates Recruitment Scheme
NIJAC is inviting applications for the office of Lay Magistrate.
It is intended to make a minimum of 119 appointments across three Administrative Court Divisions in Northern Ireland and to maintain a reserve list for 12 months from the anticipated date of the first appointment (1 April 2027).
A Lay Magistrate in Northern Ireland is a member of the judiciary who plays a key role in Magistrates' Courts, particularly in the Youth Court and Family Proceedings Court. They also perform a range of official signatory duties.
Lay Magistrates are not required to have a legal background, but instead bring valuable life experience, fairness, and good judgment to the role.
Working alongside District Judges (Magistrates' Courts), they listen to evidence, apply the law as directed, and make decisions on issues like family disputes, youth offending, and some criminal cases. Their involvement helps ensure that community is at the heart of justice.
Fee (as of September 2025):
- Full-day attendance: £226.92 (half-day attendance £113.46)
- Full-day training: £88.98 (half-day training £44.48)
- No payment is made for signatory duties.
Closing date: 7 July 2026 at 12noon
For full details regarding the role, eligibility for it and the process of application please visit the NIJAC website, via clicking the apply icon.
NIJAC is committed to equality of opportunity for all who are eligible for judicial office and welcomes applications from women and men from all backgrounds and sections of the community. NIJAC will appoint the applicants who appear to NIJAC to be the most suitable based on merit.
