The process of appointing a new Lord Justice Clerk of the Court of Session has begun, following notification that the current Lord Justice Clerk, Lady Dorrian, intends to retire on 3 February 2025.

The Lord Justice Clerk is the second most senior judge in Scotland. They are the President of the Second Division of the Inner House of the Court Session. The office of Lord Justice Clerk is also one of the Great Offices of State in Scotland. The office carries with it certain statutory duties relative to the provision of support to the Lord President. It also brings responsibilities for providing leadership to the judiciary, as a member and deputy chair of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) Board and Chair of the Scottish Sentencing Council.

The First Minister has established a selection panel to make recommendations for a new Lord Justice Clerk. The panel comprises:

• Lindsay Montgomery CBE – Laying chairing member, Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland
• The Rt Hon Lord Carloway – Lord President
• The Rt Hon Lord Matthews – Senator, Inner House of the Court of Session
• Elizabeth Burnley CBE- Lay member of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland

Applications are welcome from applicants of the highest legal ability and standing who can meet the statutory eligibility requirements and judicial and personal qualities required for this demanding role. Full details of the statutory eligibility requirements, skills, knowledge, and personal qualities required for appointment are contained in the application pack which will be provided upon request.

The salary is £269,530 per annum, with an annual leave entitlement. The role is pensionable. The mandatory retirement age for Judicial Office Holders is 75.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 08 October 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. The selection panel will interview shortlisted candidates on 2 and 3 December 2024, and make recommendations to the First Minister, shortly afterwards.

For more information on the role or to request and application pack, please contact LordJusticeClerkRecruitment@gov.scot.