Appointment of a Solicitormemberto the

Family Procedure Rule Committee

The Family Procedure Rule Committee was created by the Courts Act 2003. Its purpose is to make rules of court governing the practice and procedure to be followed in family proceedings in the High Court, county courts and magistrates’ courts.

The Secretary of State for Justice, in his capacity as Lord Chancellor, invites applications for the position of Solicitor member. (Please note that the appointment is not restricted to solicitors but must be someone who has been authorised by a relevant approved regulator to conduct litigation in relation to all proceedings in the Senior Courts and has particular experience of family practice in magistrates’ courts.)

Essential Criteria

  • The appropriate knowledge and experience for the appointment, in particular from the perspective of a solicitor practising in family cases in a magistrates’ court.
  • Evidence of the ability to work in a committee and take an active and influential part in debate and to make time to serve on the Committee.
  • Commitment to the simplification and reform of family justice procedures.
  • Evidence of sound committee experience and inter-personal skills

Desirable Criteria

  • Knowledge of and interest in the rule making process
  • Familiarity and knowledge of the court processes and administrative procedures within the family jurisdiction
  • A good understanding and commitment to valuing diversity

Appointments will be for a period of three years. The committee meets in central London at regular intervals. No remuneration will be payable. However, members will be reimbursed for their travelling and out of pocket expenses incurred in connection with Committee business.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or any other irrelevant factor. There will be open, fair and transparent recruitment process overseen by an Independent Assessor and appointments will be made on merit. This appointments process is being conducted in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice on appointments to Public Bodies. Alternative format versions of this advertisement are available on request from: .

If you are interested in finding out more or obtaining an application form please visit: and searching under the Ministry of Justice.

Applications should be sent to:

And/or send a hard copy to:

Alex Randall

Ministry of Justice

Public Appointments Advisor

ALB Governance Division

3rd Floor 3.18

102 Petty France

London

SW1H 9AJ

Tel. 0203 334 5365

The closing date for applications is: Noon Monday 19 September 2011