Across many jurisdictions, judicial reform is often viewed through a constitutional or political lens. New laws are adopted, institutional mandates are revised, and declarations of independence are proclaimed. However, without a well-designed personnel policy, even the most carefully constructed legal framework cannot deliver stable, predictable, and reliable outcomes.
In Kazakhstan, recent large-scale judicial reforms have been aimed precisely at addressing this gap, shifting from declarative reform to institutional engineering. The goal is to build a judicial system in which independence is not only guaranteed in principle, but embedded in processes, standards, and measurable results.
As Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan, I oversee one of the most complex dimensions of these reforms: the formation of the judiciary and the development of judicial careers.
Over the past year, the Supreme Judicial Council, a constitutional body responsible for shaping the judicial corps, has been fundamentally restructured into a continuous, system-based model. This model now covers the entire professional lifecycle of a judge, from initial training to appointment, career progression, and disciplinary accountability.
One of the most consequential changes has been the introduction of a permanent qualification examination system. Previously, candidates for judicial office could face significant delays, with exams held only 3–4 per year. This created bottlenecks, slowed recruitment, and introduced uncertainty into the selection process.
Today, the qualification examination is conducted monthly. This approach has helped eliminate staffing shortages and established a predictable entry point into the profession. At the same time, the substance of the examination has been strengthened. Candidates are assessed through a multi-stage process that includes legal testing, analytical writing, practical case resolution, and structured interviews. Importantly, evaluation now extends beyond technical competence to include professional reputation—an essential but often underemphasised component of judicial integrity.
Reforms have also addressed the speed and scale of judicial appointments. Competitive selection procedures that previously took up to six months have been reduced to approximately six weeks. The number of selection cycles has increased from two to six per year, enabling the system to respond more efficiently to staffing needs.
The selection process is now governed by clearer criteria and supported by modern personnel management methodologies. All stages are subject to verification by authorised bodies, and the results are published in the public domain. As a result, the system has become both faster and more transparent—making judicial personnel policy more open and effective.
Another key direction of reform has been the creation of a unified model for judicial training. The transfer of the Academy of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the authority of the Supreme Judicial Council in 2024 made it possible, for the first time, to integrate personnel and educational policy within a single institutional framework.
The Academy operates on the principle that judges should train judges. Its core teaching staff comprises sitting judges, underscoring its practical orientation. At the same time, the Academy has expanded its range of educational programmes to include postgraduate and doctoral studies, as well as specialised courses tailored to the needs of serving judges.
This approach reflects a broader shift – from selecting already fully formed candidates to systematically developing judicial capacity over time. Such a model of judicial personnel policy ensures both the quality and the stability of the system.
The establishment of cassation courts has added another layer to this system. These courts play a critical role in ensuring consistency in judicial practice and strengthening doctrinal coherence. Their formation was accompanied by a highly selective process focused on identifying the most experienced and professionally respected judges. This was not a formal exercise, but a comprehensive evaluation of judicial performance, experience, and reputation.
Transparency and public engagement have also been strengthened as integral components of the system. The results of qualification exams and competitions are published in the public domain. Feedback from media and civil society is actively monitored. The leadership of the Supreme Judicial Council maintains direct and regular engagement with both citizens and members of the judiciary.
This openness serves a practical purpose. Judicial legitimacy depends not only on internal standards but on external confidence. By making processes visible and accessible, the system reduces the scope for speculation and reinforces trust.
The cumulative effect of these reforms is already evident. The number of judges serving extended terms has been reduced by more than half. More than 95 per cent of graduates from the Academy of Justice successfully pass the qualification examination, demonstrating a close alignment between the quality of their training and the professional requirements placed upon them. Enrolment has become regular and predictable, while standards have become more uniform and clearly defined.
For international observers, the significance of these developments lies in what they reveal about the future of judicial reform more broadly.
In an increasingly complex global environment, legal systems are under growing pressure to deliver certainty, efficiency, and credibility. For investors, businesses, and citizens alike, the reliability of judicial institutions is a practical determinant of economic and social outcomes.
Kazakhstan’s experience points to an often-overlooked conclusion: judicial independence cannot be achieved through declarations alone. It must be implemented through systems that are continuous, transparent, and resilient to situational influence. Our reforms are an ongoing process of learning, adaptation, and engagement with the judiciary. We do not claim to have found a perfect model, but we are confident that we are moving in the right direction.
At a time when the rule of law is under strain in many parts of the world, Kazakhstan is investing in its foundations. The guiding principle is clear: courts must be composed of professionals selected on merit, protected from undue influence, and held to high standards of integrity and accountability.
By Dmitriy Malakhov
Dmitriy Malakhov is the Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
