Tel: 0131 244 3131

Email: mailbox@jabs.gov.scot

The Office of Senator of the College of Justice – Closing noon on 7 January 2026

The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) invites applications from suitably qualified and eligible individuals who wish to be considered for appointment to the Office of Senator of the College of Justice.

Senators of the College of Justice hear the most complex and significant cases which come before the courts in Scotland. Decisions made by Senators in the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session constitute an integral part of how the law is understood and applied in Scotland. The role requires the highest standards of conduct and Senators must have integrity and independence of mind.

Successful candidates will have exceptional legal ability and the capacity to make decisions in the most complex and challenging cases. They will be able to manage cases and will have outstanding legal writing skills. Professional training and support is available for all newly appointed Senators to help them develop the necessary judicial skills.

It is expected that most of the successful candidates will take up appointment in June 2026. However, it is possible that some appointments could be later than this depending on retirement dates for existing Senators. This is a matter that would be decided by the Lord President. The induction process with the Judicial Institute for all successful candidates is expected to take place in June 2026.

The salary for a full-time Senator is currently £234,096 per annum.

Further information on the role and application process can be found in the following documents on the JABS Website and JABS YouTube channel:

• The Office of Senator of the College of Justice Role Profile provides applicants with information about the role and the eligibility requirements.
• The JABS Application Guidance Note contains important information designed to support applicants with the process.
• The Online Outreach Video on the JABS YouTube channel explaining the role and the recruitment process for this competition.
• If you have any questions about the competition, you can send these to mailbox@jabs.gov.scot.

We encourage applications from a wide and diverse range of suitably qualified people. The principles of fair and open competition will apply and recommendation for appointment will be made solely on merit.

To apply via our online application system, GetGot, please click here.

Applications must be submitted by noon on 7 January 2026.