The Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme gives eligible legal practitioners, who are considering a career in judicial office, an insight into the work of a judge.

Please be aware that there is a declining backlog of applications for the judicial work shadowing. This may result in a delay in finding a placement.

Furthermore, if you are applying for a courts work shadowing placement in the London and South East region, you may wish to consider another region for a placement – this is a very popular region with delays longer than six months.

We are working hard to improve waiting times. Rest assured that places are allocated in order of application and immediately when a suitable match with a relevant judge becomes available.

Thank you for your patience.

If you are applying for a placement at the time of a recent JAC exercise launch, please keep in mind we may not be able to meet demand at peak periods. You may wish to sit in a public hearing and see the type of work you are interested in. Please look at the Courts and Tribunal directory for more information on your nearest courthouse or tribunal centre.