Magistracy Week: Three times more judges needed within six years

Belgium will need three times as many new judges within the next six years to counter an impending wave of retirements, the country’s High Council of Justice (HRJ) warned on Wednesday. To address this challenge, the council is actively seeking to attract young legal professionals through initiatives like Magistracy Week.

According to figures collected from courts and tribunals, one in four judges is expected to retire over the next decade. The situation will become particularly critical from 2030 onwards. Between 2029 and 2034, around 60 new judges would have to be appointed each year, much higher than the current average of less than 20 per year.

Traditionally, many staff move from the public prosecution service to the courts, but due to the expected increase in vacancies in the courts, shortages are also expected in the public prosecution service.

Lengthy path

One of the main challenges in filling these vacancies is the lengthy and demanding path to becoming a judge. In addition to a master's degree in law, candidates must have several years of experience as a lawyer or legal expert before they can apply for an internship or take the entrance exam.

"The thorough internship and appointment process can easily take several years", said Charlotte Verhaeghe, chair of the Dutch-speaking appointments committee of the High Council. "For those who are still studying today, it will take five to six years. That is why we have to convince those who are interested today to absorb the wave of retirements that will come in five to six years".

Magistracy Week 

To generate interest in judicial careers, the HRJ is organizing Magistracy Week, allowing law students to shadow magistrates for a day in courts and the public prosecution service. The initiative aims to give students firsthand experience of the profession and its career opportunities.

The campaign runs until 28 March. The HRJ expects at least 1,300 participants this year.

^{A judge during a trial in the correctional court of Dendermonde © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}