Pre-Application Judicial Education Programme (PAJE)
About us
The Pre-Application Judicial Education (PAJE) programme launched in April 2019. The programme supports talented lawyers from under-represented groups to feel more equipped, confident and prepared when considering applying for a future judicial role.
This is a joint initiative of the Judicial Diversity Forum, which is made up of the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), the Bar Council, The Law Society of England and Wales, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) and the Legal Services Board. Forum members are committed to delivering actions that attract applicants from all background for judicial roles to achieve a more diverse judiciary.
PAJE offers participants from all legal backgrounds the opportunity to develop their understanding of the role and skills required of a judge, through a series of digital resources including 10 short engaging online videos and four podcasts, developed by the Judicial College, which show judges talking about their work and the judiciary. These digital resources cover a number of topics such as judgecraft, decision-making, judicial ethics, resilience and equality and diversity. They are available to everyone to view on an unlimited basis on the UK Judiciary YouTube page (external link).
To build upon learning, once participants have viewed all 10 videos, PAJE welcomes applications for a place on a judge-led discussion group course. Participation in a course enables lawyers to further explore the realities of being a judge as well as any perceptions they may have on barriers to a future judicial career.
The discussion group courses do not provide coaching on how to complete a JAC application or approach a selection exercise but will explain the types of skills and experience needed and how these can be demonstrated to the meet the JAC competency framework.
To find out more about the programme and how to apply, see the Apply to join a judge-led discussion group course webpage.
Testimonials from past PAJE participants
“I attended the PAJE course because I am interested in applying to the judiciary and because my background isn’t typical of the judiciary. I found the course really interesting and helpful and made me feel better equipped to apply.”
“Attending the course made a positive difference to me in my attitude towards my application for judicial appointment. It helped to demystify the process and speaking to Judges and receiving their encouragement boosted my confidence”
