The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is to recruit 56 district judges over the next two to three years.

This is the first time in more than two years that any district judge (civil) positions have been available. It is unlikely there will be another opportunity to apply until 2013.

More than 500 applications were received for 81 positions in the last round.

Under-represented groups in the judiciary performed strongly, with a significant proportion of women, solicitors, and black and minority ethnic applicants, being successful.

A number of disabled applicants were also appointed, although figures are not available for how many of them were in the pool of eligible candidates.

Part-time opportunities are likely to be available.

District judges (civil) play a key role in the efficient running of the county courts.

Their activities include conducting trials in open court, hearings in chambers and making written decisions.

They determine applications on judgment enforcements, divorce petitions, financial orders, cases under the Children Act 1989, assessment of costs, allocation and management of defended claims and other matters.

Other responsibilities range from mentoring to liaising with family proceedings courts and serving on various advisory committees.

The JAC welcomes applications from solicitors, barristers and fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives with at least five years’ post qualification experience, and from candidates with other relevant legal expertise.

Applicants are expected to have sufficient, directly relevant judicial experience, although exceptions may be made for candidates who have demonstrated the necessary skills in some other significant way.

Applications should be with the JAC by noon on 10 May 2011. See the Judicial Appointments Commission website.