The latest statistics show women are making a strong showing in the latest appointments to the bench
As women continue to battle for the top jobs, the latest statistics show they are blazing a trail in the legal field - and there's not a quota in sight.
The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) shows 43 per cent of the candidates recommended as district judges were women, even though women only make up 19 per cent of the eligible pool.
'In our merit-based selections women continue to perform well and are being selected in greater proportions than men in some exercises,' says chairman of JAC, Christopher Stephens. 'Almost a thousand women have now been selected.'
'Their strong performance in competitions for entry and middle level roles bodes well for the future if they choose to seek more senior positions.'
But despite women making tracks, the proportion of women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups being selected is poor compared to the proportion applying.
'We are keen to see a more diverse judiciary that is more reflective of our society,' says justice minister Lord McNally. '
The government is in the process of making changes to help remove obstacles for women such as extending part-time working patterns for senior judges to help them better balance work and family life.
'I hope that this welcome trend encourages more women and BAME members of the legal professions to consider the judiciary as a realistic career,' says Lord McNally.
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