Women are better represented on the bench, but the percentage of Black judges has barely increased
The diversity push of UK courts has recorded considerable progress in some areas and little movement in others, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Justice.
Women comprised 40 percent of judges in court this year, representing a 12-percentage point increase compared to 10 years previously. They also made up 54 percent of tribunal judges – a 10-percentage point uptick.
The percentage of Asian and mixed-ethnicity judges recorded a gradual increase; however, by contrast that of Black judges inched up by just 0.2 percent between 2016 and 2026. Lord chancellor David Lammy indicated that while the numbers were indicative of progress, further advancement was needed to “ensure talent from all backgrounds can fulfil their full potential,” per a statement published by the Law Society Gazette.
“That’s why we established the Judicial and Legal Diversity Board, bringing together leaders from across the profession to break down barriers and create a judiciary that reflects modern Britain,” Lammy said.
The justice ministry said the board would collaborate with Black and minority legal professionals to improve mentoring and support resources.
The numbers also showed that the percentage of non-barrister court judges dropped from 31 percent to 30 percent between 2025 and 2026. While 60 percent of tribunal judges are non-barristers, it marks a five-percentage point decline compared to 2016.
While more solicitors than barristers submitted applications, they received a smaller percentage of recommendations. UK Bar Council chair Kirsty Brimelow noted that recommendation rates were low for those who studied in state schools, were the first in their families to go to university, and were from low socio-economic backgrounds.
“Solicitors are continuing to achieve appointments as judges at disproportionately low rates compared with barristers. Our concern remains that until this percentage significantly increases, we will struggle to persuade our members that entry to the judiciary is a level playing field or that their skills are understood and valued,” said Brett Dixon, vice president of the Law Society of England and Wales, in a statement published by the Gazette.
Earlier this year, the UK government unveiled its “Judiciary Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for 2026-30,” which will focus on diversity in the pool of applicants to the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Last year, the Law Society introduced a new equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy in response to equality concerns in senior leadership and workplace cultures as well as disability in the profession.
