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Legal Member
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal invites applications from suitably qualified persons to become a legal member of the Tribunal. Details of the qualification requirements can be found in the information pack. It is expected the successful applicant will take up post in autumn 2026.
The Tribunal was established by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). It investigates complaints about:
- conduct by various public bodies, in relation to individuals, their property or communications
- any alleged conduct by or on behalf of the Security Service (MI5), the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters).
The Tribunal also has jurisdiction to consider claims under the Human Rights Act 1998 against a number of public bodies, mainly the police, other law enforcement agencies and the intelligence services.
The Tribunal has a UK-wide jurisdiction. It is composed of judges, drawn from the High Court and the equivalent in Scotland, and a number of legally qualified persons who also act as judges of the Tribunal. The President is Lady Carmichael, a Senator of the College of Justice in Scotland who sits in the Inner House of the Court of Session. The Vice-President of the Tribunal, Mrs Justice Farbey, sits in the High Court of England and Wales.
The Tribunal is looking for a distinguished lawyer with a proven track record of expertise capable of being applied to the work of the Tribunal. The person appointed should be able to make judicial decisions on issues which can be of national importance and involve dealing with sensitive and classified material. The successful candidate will have considerable experience in the law at a senior level, be familiar with administrative law and have a sufficient knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework including RIPA, the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and the Human Rights Act 1998. Judicial experience will be an advantage.
Members can expect at least 15 days work annually for which they are paid a daily fee equivalent to that paid to a deputy High Court judge. Travel and subsistence costs will also be paid where applicable.
