Findings from the Judicial Diversity Forum’s 2025 report, which also confirms ongoing disparities in appointment rates by ethnicity, professional background, and gender – with solicitors, Black lawyers, and those with disabilities all facing lower success rates in the recruitment process.
The report marks the final year of the judiciary’s current five-year diversity and inclusion strategy. A new strategy is expected to launch with “ambitious targets”, amid growing calls for faster, structural change.
For the first time, judicial candidates were asked about their socio-economic background, determined by using the occupation of the main household earner when they were aged 14 – an already recognised method.
The figures show a clear correlation between social background and appointment rates:
However, school background appeared to make less difference, with state-educated applicants (9%) performing similarly to those who attended fee-paying schools (10%).
This year’s report also included data on disability for the first time. It found that applicants with a disability had a slightly lower recommedation rate than those without, though no precise figures were published.
Meanwhile, gender representation continued to improve in parts of the judiciary:
The proportion of judges from ethnic minority backgrounds rose from 7% in 2015 to 12% in 2025, with Asian lawyers seeing increased representation. However, Black judges continue to make up just 1% of the judiciary – a figure that has remained largely unchanged.
Although 27% of applicants in 2024-25 were from an ethnic minority background, they accounted for only 17% of those appointed – a statistically significant shortfall.
The statistics also highlight persistent disparities between professions:
This trend has raised concerns across the legal profession about the perception and reality of a level playing field when applying for these roles.
Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr acknowledged the slow pace of progress:
“I am determined to improve diversity in the judiciary. It is one of my key priorities.
“Progress is too slow, and we cannot shy away from that — but we will persist in our efforts to make real change.”
Bar Council Chair, Barbara Mills KC also commented:
“It’s far too slow for Black lawyers, and this is no longer good enough. We are concerned that candidates from a minority ethnic background — particularly Black lawyers — are disproportionately ruled out at each step of the recruitment process.”
She also highlighted the launch this week of the UK Association of Black Judges (UKABJ), describing it as “a testament to our collective commitment to shaping a legal system that truly reflects the society it represents.”
Meanwhile, Law Society President Richard Atkinson referenced the growing disparity in solicitor appointments:
“Solicitors are continuing to achieve appointments at disproportionately low rates compared with barristers, and the numbers are falling.
“Until this percentage significantly increases, we will struggle to persuade our members that entry to the judiciary is a level playing field.”
