The Judicial Service Commission Invites Applications for High Court Judge Vacancies in Lesotho

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Lesotho is calling for individual applications and nominations to fill three vacancies of Puisne Judges in the High Court. This invitation is extended to members of the public, non-profit organizations, and any interested parties who meet the criteria.

Individuals wishing to nominate candidates must complete the Nomination Form (JSC/JHC/01), which requires basic information about the nominee and must be signed by the nominator or the nominee themselves. Both nominees and individual applicants are also required to complete additional forms: the Authorization Form (JSC/JHC/02) for obtaining a statement from the Law Society and other regulatory bodies, the Background Check Consent Form (JSC/JHC/Q3) to permit a background check on health status and compliance with laws, and the Questionnaire (JSC/JHC/04) to provide essential data for the oral interview and subsequent assessment.

The JSC emphasizes several key points in the application process:

• All names of applicants and nominees will be published publicly.
• Written objections to any applicant’s or nominee’s candidacy will be invited from the public, civil society groups, legal practitioners, the Law Society, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Faculty of Law at the National University of Lesotho, and religious organizations.
• Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and the results of background checks, and will be subjected to psychometric assessments to create a shortlist.
• The shortlist of candidates will also be published, and interviews will be conducted publicly, allowing attendance from the general public and the media, though deliberations by the Commissioners will be private.
• Nominators are encouraged to support their nominations by highlighting the candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the role of Puisne Judge.

Applications and nominations, along with the required forms and certified copies of certificates, must be submitted to the Secretary of the JSC by no later than Friday, 21 June 2024. Submissions can be hand-delivered to the Registrar’s Chambers at the Palace of Justice, High Court, or emailed to [email protected].

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held from 15th August to 16th August 2024 at a venue to be announced. For more details and to access the relevant forms, interested parties can visit the official website at Government of Lesotho – Judicial Vacancies.