Judicial Vacancies: President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

As a result of the retirement of Lord Reed in January 2027, applications are sought for the appointment of a President of the UK Supreme Court.

uksc_court_entrance_2366ab0dd2.jpg

The UK Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council hear a wide range of very complex and high-profile legal appeals, which can have a considerable impact across the United Kingdom and beyond.

The President of the Court occupies the most senior UK judicial position, with responsibility for the Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and has a national and international public profile. The role requires not only outstanding judicial skills but a leader of the highest calibre.  The President has a range of statutory functions and responsibilities and is expected to lead on external relationships, nationally and internationally, including relations with governments, Parliament, other courts, and the media.  The President must also foster collegiality within the Justices and a collaborative working culture within the administration.   

The role of President of the Supreme Court is in addition to the role of Justice. Consequently, applicants who are not currently a Justice of the UK Supreme Court will need to meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate their suitability for appointment as a Justice. 

The President must have the highest legal standing, commanding the confidence of the Justices, the judiciary and the legal profession. The selection commission is looking for candidates who can demonstrate outstanding intellectual and legal ability sufficient to preside over the Supreme Court and the JCPC, the ability and experience to engage with members of the executive, Parliament, and the devolved governments on the basis of mutual respect and comity between branches of the state, with the media and professional and other bodies, representing the Court with authority. The President must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively and build rapport with the public and individuals from diverse backgrounds.   

The UK Supreme Court’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is deeply rooted in its values. We recognise that diversity brings richness to the judiciary and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please contact Grainne Hawkins (grainne.hawkins@supremecourt.uk tel: 020 7960 1906) for further details on the selection process and/or an application form.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 17 April 2026.

Key documents

  • Information pack for appointment for President of the Supreme Court

    Further information which may be of interest to applicants

    Statutory selection process

    The President is selected in accordance with the provisions of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, as amended ("the Act"). The Act requires the Lord Chancellor to convene a selection commission, the membership of which is prescribed in the statute and in the Supreme Court (Judicial Appointments) Regulations 2013. There is a full description of the process here: Appointment of Justices - The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.

    Mr Colm Donaghy (Chair)Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission
    Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-HillLady Chief Justice of England and Wales
    Lord Lloyd-JonesJustice of the UK Supreme Court
    Dr Uchechi IgbokweJudicial Appointments Commission, England and Wales
    Mr Lindsay MontgomeryJudicial Appointments Board for Scotland

    Applicants that are not serving Justices will need to fulfil the statutory eligibility requirements and additional criteria for appointment, found in Annexe B of the information pack.

    Watch

    In this short video, Lord Reed discusses the role of President of the Supreme Court.

    Back to top