Crown Appointments
Appointment of full-time Deemster
The Isle of Man prides itself on its values of democracy, good government and the importance of the rule of law. The judiciary is a key component of delivering these values and to the Island’s international reputation.
Applications are invited from on and off-Island candidates for the position of Deemster. This is a Crown appointment made by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor pursuant to section 3B (1) of the High Court Act 1991.
This is a full time role, however consideration will be given to job share partnerships (which would not necessarily require full-time residence on the Isle of Man) and if interested you should discuss this with the First Deemster.
The Deemster will be particularly responsible for presiding over the Court of General Gaol Delivery (which is broadly equivalent to the Crown Court in England and Wales).
The Deemster will also be responsible for administration, ceremonial and other duties assigned by the First Deemster.
The Deemster will hold office at the pleasure of His Excellency. The appointment will be on the advice of a Selection Panel. Candidates for this position must meet the following criteria:
- A qualified advocate, barrister or solicitor of at least 10 years standing
- Relevant judicial experience either in the Isle of Man or elsewhere within the British Isles for a minimum of 3 years (full or part time) prior to taking up office
- A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Manx Law or an ability and commitment to gain such knowledge
- A comprehensive knowledge of the Rules of the High Court of Justice of the Isle of Man and of court practice and procedure or an ability and commitment to gain such knowledge
- A high level of professional attainment in the areas of law in which they have been engaged
The information pack and application form is available at the Crown Appointment page.
Further information about the post can be obtained from the First Deemster, His Honour Deemster Corlett, Isle of Man Courts of Justice, Deemsters Walk, Douglas, IM1 3AR. Telephone +44 1624 686425.
Applications should be marked ‘In Confidence’ and sent by email to crown.appointments@gov.im.
It is anticipated that interviews will be held in the week commencing 9 December 2019.
The closing date for applications is 19 November 2019 at 5pm.
Appointment of part-time Panel Deemsters
Applications are invited from individuals interested in being considered for inclusion on the panel of part-time Deemsters appointed to assist the full-time Deemsters in their judicial workload.
Successful applicants will join the panel of individuals willing, depending on their relevant experience, to preside over matters within the Divisions of the High Court of the Isle of Man including civil and family matters and/or over the Court of General Gaol Delivery dealing with criminal trials and sentencing hearings. When assigned a matter the Deemster will be responsible for preparing for and presiding over the cases assigned to him or her and for the management of such cases.
In accordance with Section 3B(1) of the High Court Act 1991, appointments to the panel will be made by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, on the recommendation of the First Deemster who will chair the Selection Panel. Candidates for this position must meet the following criteria:
- A qualified advocate, barrister or solicitor of at least 10 years’ standing
- A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the relevant areas of Manx Law or an ability to gain such knowledge and understanding
- A comprehensive knowledge of the Rules of the High Court of Justice of the Isle of Man and of court practice and procedure or an ability to gain such knowledge
- A high level of professional attainment in the areas of law in which they have been engaged
Applicants specialising in criminal law, particularly proceeds of crime and anti-money laundering will be especially welcome.
The information pack and application form is available at the Crown Appointment page.
Further information can be obtained from the First Deemster, His Honour Deemster Corlett, Isle of Man Courts of Justice, Deemsters Walk, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3AR. Telephone +44 1624 686425.
Applications should be marked ‘In Confidence’ and sent to crown.appointments@gov.im.
The closing date for applications is 19 November 2019 at 5pm.
