Apply to join a judge-led discussion group course

The PAJE programme provides support to all lawyers that are eligible for judicial appointments from the following under-represented groups:

  • lawyers with disabilities
  • lawyers from an ethnic minority background
  • women lawyers
  • solicitors and chartered legal executives (both with litigation and non-litigation experience) and those from non-litigation backgrounds including academics and unregistered barristers.  

Applications to join a discussion group course are prioritised for applicants from the above groups.

A discussion group course consists of four workshops, covering content in Judgecraft, Judicial Ethics and Equality & Diversity. A course will take between four and eight weeks to complete, with workshops either running weekly or fortnightly. Courses are supported by one of the three legal professional bodies (The Law Society, Bar Council or CILEX). Courses are currently held remotely, but we are trialling running a number of workshops face-to-face.

Before you apply, please ensure that you have watched the 10 videos on the UK Judiciary YouTube page (external link) and that you meet the eligibility requirements for a legally qualified candidate for judicial appointments – this includes having at least five years post-qualification experience (PQE) in ‘law related activities’, and are a citizen of the UK, Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland. Full details on the Judicial Appointments Commission’s Eligibility for legally qualified candidates webpage (external link).

If you are not eligible for legal roles, your application will not be considered.

For more information on PAJE, please email: PAJE@judiciary.uk

How to apply

Applications for the Winter/Spring 2025 course have now closed and are currently being considered. We will be in touch with applicants soon.

The next application window will open in late 2025 – further details will be shared closer to the time.

PAJE Judges

We have a group of judges from a range of personal and professional backgrounds who volunteer to be facilitators of the PAJE discussion group courses.

Name
District Tribunal Judge Noel ArnoldDistrict Tribunal Judge Marianne Bennett
Employment Judge Mark ButlerHM Senior Coroner Kally Cheema
His Honour Judge Jonathan CooperEmployment Judge James Dawson
Tribunal Judge Aidan EardleyRecorder Yvette Genn
District Judge Claire GoodmanHis Honour Judge Stephen Hellman
Her Honour Judge Shelley HesfordDistrict Tribunal Judge Michelle Jeffreys
Upper Tribunal Judge Therese KamaraDistrict Tribunal Judge Sarah Mettam
Regional Employment Judge Fiona MonkHis Honour Judge Avik Mukherjee
District Judge Mark MullinsDeputy High Court Judge Margaret Obi
Upper Tribunal Judge Declan O’CallaghanDistrict Tribunal Judge Rhiannon Price
District Judge Beatrive PrevattUpper Tribunal Judge Swami Raghavan
District Judge Lesley ScottDeputy Upper Tribunal Judge Paul Simon Shaerf
Recorder Ayesha SiddiqiHis Honour Judge Michael Simon
Employment Judge Hilary SlaterUpper Tribunal Judge Stephen Smith
District Judge Graham StuartRegional Employment Judge Carol Taylor
Tribunal Judge Nicholas Webb