How to Become a Magistrate in 2025
The complete guide to unlocking and passing the magistrate recruitment process.
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HOW TO Become a MAGISTRATE
The selection process for becoming a magistrate consists of a number of phases including an application form and two sets of tough interviews. This excellent insider’s download guide has been created by barristers and law professionals and covers every stage of the magistrate application process with sample application form responses and interview questions.
Magistrates are appointed by the Lord Chancellor on behalf of the Crown but he works very closely with the Lord Chief Justice who, as head of the judiciary, has considerable involvement with matters relating to magistrates. The Lord Chancellor, in close liaison with the Lord Chief Justice, operates through local Advisory Committees for these purposes.
These committees and the interview panels they form (which comprise both serving magistrates and members of the general public) will undertake the recruitment, interview and recommendation functions and, in doing so, will work to the Lord Chancellor’s national ‘Directions’.
It is important before you proceed to apply to become a magistrate that you check to see if there are any issues around your eligibility for appointment as governed by these directions.
There are some absolute bars to appointment as a magistrate
This list is far from exhaustive and may, on occasions, be capable of special adaptation.
You should check with the guidance for applicants and/or your local Advisory Committee if you (or a spouse, partner or close relative) is in any way closely involved with any activity connected with magistrates’ courts which might possibly give rise to a potential conflict of interest.
Although being 65 years or over is not an automatic bar to appointment, in practice the selection and training process can be fairly lengthy and the Lord Chancellor would normally expect at least five years’ service before retirement from the bench occurs at aged 70 years.
There are many other personal factors that may or may not affect the likelihood of your appointment, which the Advisory Committee will need to evaluate.
If you want to learn more about becoming a magistrate then our guide will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a magistrate, including how to pass the selection process.
The Magistrate Selection Process
The selection process will normally consist of the following elements:
Eligibility Checking
Application Form
First Stage Interview
Second Stage Interview
Stage 1 – Self-Eligibility Check
We recommend that prior to applying to become a magistrate you should read all of the available documentation regarding the role thoroughly to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to become a magistrate.
In a section above (Reasons why you can’t become a magistrate) we have listed some reasons why you will not be eligible to become a magistrate in the UK. So, to avoid any disappointment, we believe it is vital you thoroughly research the requirements to join. The list we have provided is in no way exhaustive, so you should speak to the advisory board regarding your personal specific circumstances.
Stage 2 – application form
Once you have completed your research and have ascertained you are eligible to apply to become a magistrate the next stage is to download and fill out the application form. Most of the time, your application for a role will be done by downloading the form from the .gov website. You can download from the following UK Government website.
Stage 3 – FIRST MAGISTRATE INTERVIEW
If you pass the initial application stage you will be invited to the first of two interviews. The first interview will focus on clarifying and discussing areas from your application form and and asking further questions regarding this.
You will be assessed on your knowledge and ability to demonstrate the 6 Key Qualities of a magistrate. You will more than likely be asked a number of questions around criminal justice and your observations from any pre-interview court visits.
Stage 4 – second magistrate interview
Upon successful completion of the first interview, you will be invited to attend a second interview. This interview will include discussion surrounding two separate case studies which you will receive upon arrival at the interview. You will only be given minimal time to read through the cases. During the interview you will be asked questions around a ranking exercise and an individual case exercise. The interview will last around 40 to 50 minutes.
How to Become a Magistrate: Commonly Asked Questions
What does a magistrate get paid?
Becoming a magistrate is an unpaid volunteer role. However, many employers will grant time off for their magistrate employees with full pay. By law companies must grant a reasonable amount of time-off for employees who are magistrates. If a magistrate does suffer a loss of earnings they can claim for a loss of earnings at a set standard rate. You are also allowed to claim for travel and other expenses. Magistrates must be able to commit to at least 26 half days per year.
Who cannot be a magistrate?
There are a number of reasons which will disqualify you from becoming a magistrate. If you are under 18 years old, you will not be able to apply to become a magistrate. Certain occupations will also prevent you from becoming a magistrate such as a police officer, members of the armed forces to name a couple. There are also other professions or occupations which are excluded. Further information can b e found within this guide and on the .gov website.
How long will it take to become a magistrate?
Magistrates are not required to have any specific legal knowledge or any qualifications to undertake the role. However, you will be required to undertake three and a half days of training. Once this training is complete you will be allocated a mentor for your first year in court. After a year you will be appraised by specialist magistrates and during your career, you will be required to undertake further ongoing training sessions.
DO YOU HAVE THE SIX KEY QUALITIES
1 Good Character
What type of character do you think you need to have in order to become a magistrate? You must be honest and possess a high level of integrity. Before you are offered a position as magistrate the assessing panel will ask for references. Each reference that you provide must be capable of vouching for your character.
2. Understanding and Communication
Magistrates must be able to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally. They must also have a strong ability to understand, read and interpret written documents, and also extract relevant facts that will assist them in dealing with the case in hand.
3. Social Awareness
Having an understanding of society is crucial to the role of a magistrate. You must also understand and have respect for diversity and people from different cultures and social backgrounds. Ask yourself the following question – “Do I understand my local community?”
4. Maturity and Sound Temperament
All magistrates must have a good level of maturity and temperament. They must be capable of working with other people on a professional basis and understand that everybody has a differing opinion. They must have respect for other people and their differences and be able to reach agreed solutions to problems. They must also be assertive when required, decisive and confident, be fair and have respect and courtesy for everyone.
5. Sound Judgement
As a magistrate you must be capable of making sound judgements that are not based on your own personal feelings, prejudices or biased opinions. For example, if you have personally been the victim of burglary or theft previously, how would you feel if an offender was in front of you for a similar offence? Would you be inclined to pass down a tougher sentence, simply because you have been a victim before?
6. Commitment and Reliability
Because magistrates are not paid a salary the role requires a high level of commitment and motivation. You need to be motivated for different reasons other than financial gain. A commitment to serve the community is obviously a must and you will be assessed against this desire during the selection process. If you have already worked within the community previously then this can work in your favour. Any form of voluntary work will demonstrate to the assessors that you are committed and motivated by other reasons than financial reward.
THE ‘GOOD CHARACTER AND BACKGROUND’ QUESTION
Both in the application form and at both interviews you will also be asked what used to be called the ‘Key Question’ but is now known as the ‘Good Character and Background Question’:Is there anything in your private or working life or in your past, or to your knowledge in that of any member of your family or close friends, which, if it became generally known, might bring you or the magistracy into disrepute, or call into question your integrity, authority or standing as a magistrate?Consider how you will answer the ‘Good Character and Background Question’ (you might end up answering it on three separate occasions).It’s far better to be informed at the outset as there probably is nothing to worry about rather than to fail to mention an issue and then later for you to say that you thought that it was not relevant.This may be viewed as evidence of poor judgement or a lack of integrity rather than openness and honesty. Knowing what is and is not relevant in any given situation is part and parcel of being a magistrate.
PASS THE MAGISTRATE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
We guarantee that our How To Become a Magistrate online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 100+ pages of recruitment insider tips, practice tests, and proven strategies which will guide you through each element of selection, including the application form, the interviews and how to understand the 6 key qualities.
Start Preparing Now 👉
TOPICS AND INFORMATION INCLUDED WITHIN THIS GUIDE INCLUDE:
PREPARING FOR THE MAGISTRATE SELECTION PROCESS
- What you need to know before you apply to become a magistrate
- The essential qualities and attributes that are required to perform the role competently
- How to study the role effectively and apply your skills to the selection process
- Where to apply including application form details
- The top INSIDER TIPS AND ADVICE brought to you from serving magistrates
- What the selection process involves
- Courtroom procedure
- The process of sentencing
HOW TO COMPLETE THE MAGISTRATE APPLICATION FORM TO ENSURE SUCCESS
- Where to obtain the application form and how to apply
- Detailed information on what the assessors are looking for in successful applications
- Sample successful responses to the application form
- Using keywords and phrases that match the qualities required to become a magistrate
- Insider tips on how to ensure your application gets through
- The common mistakes that you MUST avoid if you are to be successful
HOW TO PASS THE MAGISTRATE FIRST AND SECOND INTERVIEWS
- Actual sample interview questions
- Detailed explanation on what the Local Advisory Committee are looking for
- Sample successful responses to the interview questions
- How you will be assessed during the first and second interviews
- Insider tips on how to pass the interviews
- How to ensure SUCCESS and create the right impression
Pass the Magistrate Selection Process. First Time.
Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: become a magistrate.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Scoring Criteria
Essential information about how you will be assessed during every stage of the selection process.
APPLICATION FORM SAMPLE ANSWERS
Lots of up-to-date sample application form questions, responses and tips on how to pass this initial stage.
THE SIX KEY QUALITIES
Step-by-step information on how to use the 6 key qualities to ace the selection process
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Sample answers for both the first and second interview.
INSIDER SECRETS
Insider tips on how to answer the interview questions and advice on how you will be scored.
SCORE-BOOSTING STRATEGIES
Get ahead of the competition with unique and proven strategies 16 years in the making.
Customer Success Stories
Having helped 1,000s of aspiring magistrates for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…
Excellent Training, It really helped me boost my confidence in the interview.. Thank you. – AH. – TrustPilot
Very good product value loads of valuable information… – Jamie W. – TrustPilot
Great source of information – very useful – Diana. – TrustPilot
The guides and resources were fantastic… interview last week and passed… – Hilary. F. – TrustPilot
This is the 2nd time I have used How2Become and the 2nd time I have got the job…If your looking for that slight edge over your competitors then look no further. – Chris H. – TrustPilot
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?
Complete guidance to ensure you pass the ENTIRE recruitment process
Insider advice on how to complete the application form, including sample questions and answers
Previously successful application form responses that you can use to develop your own winning application!
Discover exactly how you are assessed throughout the entire selection process (hint: understanding this will allow you to know exactly how the assessors want you to act at every stage)
Sample magistrate motivation-based interview questions and guidance on how to answer each one of them
What are competency-based questions, how to structure your responses, what keywords you MUST use, and how to impress when answering each question
A full breakdown of the 6 key qualitiesand cutting out the filler so you can memorise only what you NEED to know, making preparation a lot easier!
Practice questions and answers for the second interview
The importance of ensuring you meet the minimum eligibility requirements (and understanding the role of a magistrate
PLUS…BONUSES!
BONUS #1
150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide
FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ online guide free of charge. It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough magistrate interviews!
- All of the most common (and not so common) interview questions you are likely to face broken down.
- Full and detailed answers to every question – ensure you always have the perfect answer!
- How to use the STAR method to come up with your own winning answers that match the experience, values, and skills the interview assessor is looking for.
- Created by interview panel experts and packed full of insider advice.
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is exclusively available as a limited-time bonus!
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE
BONUS #3
PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online Magistrate Training Platform!
As well as lifetime access to the magistrate career resource, this product also includes a 30-day free trial to our Online Magistrate Video Training Platform (usually £9.99+vat per month).
- Pass the first Magistrate Interview Modules to help you prepare for the first magistrate interview
- The 6 key qualities explained and how you can use these in your interview responses
- Instant online access. Compatible on mobiles, tablets and computers.
Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the quick-win strategies and tip tutorials to give you the advantage right away.
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE for 30-days*
*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.
Features
You don’t just get advice on what to do. We will show you exactly how to pass the magistrate recruitment process.
Proven Guidance
Over 16 years’ of experience packed into on-demand insider recruitment guides that have helped 1,000s.
Unique Training
Includes unique recruitment training content built from the ground up and not found anywhere else.
Actionable Content
We don’t just share what you need to do, but also HOW you should do it with tips and strategies you can implement today!
Swipeable Templates
These templates are worth the value of the resource themselves – we give you the exact foundations you can use to build your application and master all stages!
Your 100-Page Guide To Success.
Our guide in a compact, accessible, online format to hold your hand throughout the entire magistrate selection process.
Created By Experts. Made For You.
With over 16 years of history behind us, we are the leaders in magistrate recruitment advice. So whether you want to understand the scoring criteria, learn what must go on your application form, recognise what not to say at the interviews, you can access it all at your finger tips, today.
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✓ 100-page How to Become a Magistrate Download Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Online Magistrate Interview Training Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 + vat per month (Monthly Service)?
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✓ 100-page How to Become a Magistrate Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 85-page Magistrate Interview Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Complete Job Application Forms Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ Psychometric & IQ Test Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Online Magistrate Interview Training Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 + vat per month (Monthly Service)?
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How will the 'How2Become a Magistrate' resource help me to gain employment as a magistrate?
Simply put, this training works and is proven to help people like you to successfully become a magistrate. As a lifetime access member, you will not only benefit from our flagship 100-page guide, but you’ll also get access to a dynamic portal of content that we update frequently with all the very latest information, practice material, and strategies that are helping people across the UK become magistrates. With 1,000s of customers frequently thanking us for the career success we have helped them gain, and 16 years’ experience in providing recruitment and assessment centre training, you can rest assured knowing you are getting the best recruitment training material on the market.
Who is a good fit for the 'How2Become a Magistrate' guide?
This resource is designed to help anyone looking to become a magistrate and conquer the gruelling selection process.
It is ideal for those just staring out at the application stage, who want an “over-the-shoulder” guide to passing each stage of the process.
If you have already begun the selection process, then you’ll be able to pick up this guide from the exact stage you are at and follow the step-by-step guidance to passing the application form, interviews, and more with winning confidence.
Whatever stage of the process you are at, you can be confident you’ll have all the strategies and tools you need to succeed.
What training is included in the guide? Will it really help me become a magistrate?
Yes! With the ‘How to Become a Magistrate’ guide you will be able to access training that has been helping students successfully pass the selection process for over a decade.
At How2Become.com we like to do things a little differently. Instead of just giving you access to guides which explain how the selection process works, and what you need to do to pass, we teach you HOW to do it also. For example, we don’t just provide you with sample interview questions, we provide winning sample responses and step by step guidance on how to create your own successful answers. Whether you are thinking about applying, or you are half way through the selection process, this guide ‘hold your hand’ step-by-step. Here is a full list of everything you will get within this resource.
Is there a time limit on accessing the material?
You will get unlimited access to all of the content contained within this resource with no time restrictions! We understand that applying for roles can be a long and stressful experience, that is why we want to take away one less worry – you will get access whenever you need, whether its just for a week, or for a year, you will have full access to the ‘How to Become a Magistrate’ guide whenever you need it. You will also access to all future updates we make to this guide, ensuring you are getting the latest guidance.
Are your resources specific for geographical regions?
When we launched How2Become.com we wanted to ensure our content would help as many people as possible no matter where they are, and we are achieving just that! We sell our resources to every country in the world, with 1000s of customers in the USA, UK, India, Australia, Africa and more! All of our content is either written or spoken in English, with the content designed to be as universal as possible unless otherwise stated. Our guide is designed specifically for the UK magistrate selection process. If you can’t see a guide you need in our huge catalogue, then just let us know and we will help if we can!
How will I access the guide/training materials?
As soon as your order is complete you will be able to access all of the guides, training resources, and view the on-demand video via your How2Become account! You can use any smart phone, PC, Mac, or tablet to access your materials.
Is your training really driving success?
Yes, absolutely! We get 100s of testimonials and comments each month from those that have used our training thanking us for the help it has given them.
How often is this guide updated? Is it relevant for the role I have applied for?
Having been creating recruitment guides for the last 16 years, we know how often selection processes change. In addition, with the vast array of role available with the offshore industry. That is why we keep close ties to those in the know and we regularly update our content. You will get the latest and best strategies to enable you to become successful in your application to become a magistrate.
WHY BUY WITH HOW2BECOME?
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Firstly, these guides are created by us and our team of experts – we have all the answers to your questions and will help you succeed (like we’ve been doing for the last 16 years), we update our material frequently and you can contact us at any time with any questions you have.
Secondly, we provide exclusive bonuses with all our products that you won’t find anywhere else. These bonuses include free guides, powerful online testing suites and more!
Finally, our guides and training just work. Take a look at our TrustPilot page where you will see our rating of 4.9/5. There, our customers share their positive buying experiences and more importantly the time-saving success our resources have given them.
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