A wider range of legal practitioners will have the opportunity to gain a first hand insight into the day to day work of a judge with the Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme, relaunched today (24 October).
Welcomed today by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, in his speech to mark Equality in Justice Day, the Judicial Work Shadowing scheme (JWSS) has been expanded to give a greater number of lawyers who may be considering a career in judicial office, the opportunity to take part in the programme - giving them experience of a judge’s work, both inside and out of court.
The scheme, organised by the Directorate of Judicial Offices for England & Wales, invites eligible applicants to spend up to three days observing the work of a range of judges including High Court judges, for the first time, as well as:
- Circuit Judges
- District Judges (Civil or Family jurisdictions)
- District Judges (Magistrates’ Court)
- Tribunal Judges.
First launched in 1999, the JWSS will now be extended to Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), registered Patent Attorneys and registered Trade Mark Attorneys.
For most shadowing opportunities the scheme is open to any eligible qualified legal practitioner with a minimum of two years’ post-qualification legal experience.
Shadowing in the High Court is limited to legal practitioners who have held at least five years’ post-qualification legal experience.
Mrs Justice Linda Dobbs, lead judge on Diversity issues, said:
“This scheme is one of many initiatives which we hope will increase the diversity of the pool of applicants for judicial office. Experience shows that lawyers do not generally consider judicial appointment until well into their legal careers.
“The scheme offers young lawyers the opportunity to find out more about judicial service and, if interested, to plan well ahead for eventual application.”
Parking Adjudicator David Binns, who shadowed a Circuit Judge, said:
“I was able to hear all the evidence in a complex case involving three expert witnesses. It was very interesting to observe the court proceedings from the Judge’s perspective rather than as an advocate and to discuss the case with him.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my three days of work shadowing and I would recommend the scheme to anyone who is interested in observing and gaining a better understanding of the life of a Circuit, District of Tribunal Judge.”
Deputy District Judge Christopher Gamwell, who shadowed a District Judge said:
“I would unreservedly recommend anyone interested in applying for a post to take part in the scheme. It is a unique opportunity to see the workings of the judiciary first hand and it was of great assistance to me during the application and selection process.”
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