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 considerable backlog of applications for both the judicial work shadowing and mentoring scheme. This may result in waiting times of six months and, in some cases, longer.

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.