Judicial Shadowing Scheme

What is the Judicial Shadowing Scheme?

The Judicial Shadowing Scheme was launched in September 2009.

The Scheme is designed to provide individuals with a unique opportunity to gain insight into judicial office by allowing them to work shadow a serving judge or tribunal chair for a day.

"judicial shadowing scheme promotion"

It is supported by the Office of the Lord Chief Justice, the Law Society of Northern Ireland, the Bar Council for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

Why do it?

Some of the many benefits from participating in the Scheme include:

I would recommend Judicial Shadowing, not only for potential applicants for a judicial appointment, but also for any lawyer to gain an insite into a judga's perspective.
Peter Thompson, Solicitor
  • an experience that will contribute to your professional development;
  • the opportunity to gain a unique insight into the day to day reality of holding judicial office;
  • gaining a better understanding of the role and responsibilities e.g. the management of court or tribunal business;
  • the opportunity to see the work of a Court or Tribunal from a completely new perspective;
  • opportunity to discuss potential career paths; and
  • assistance in deciding if you wish to pursue judicial office.

Who can apply?

Unfortunately the scheme is not open to everyone and you need to satisfy eligibility criterion in order to be able to participate in the Scheme. The criterion are set out below.

Lawyers

I was given as much time with the judge as I needed to ask her questions regarding her position which I did not expect and which I greatly appreciated.
Kathy Mathews Solicitor

Solicitors and barristers with a minimum of two years post qualification experience can apply to shadow in any of the participating courts or tribunals.

However, the Scheme does require that solicitors and barristers must have at least five years post qualification experience if they wish to shadow in the High Court or Lands Tribunal.

Doctors

The most useful aspect was talking with the President of the tribunal and finding out their remit and approach to the tribunal.
Dr Boris Pinto

Any doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council can apply to shadow in any of the participating courts or tribunals. Currently, medical professionals serve as judicial post holders on both the Appeal Tribunals and Mental Health Review Tribunal.

Land Valuers

If you are registered with the Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors (RCIS) and/or the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute (IAVI) and have at least 5 years experience in the valuation of land, you can apply to shadow a judicial post holder in Lands Tribunal for Northern Ireland.

I would recommend the scheme to anyone who wants to familiarise themselves with the Lands Tribunal and its workings...
David McKinney, Land Valuation Expert

When and where can I shadow?

Individuals can select any court or tribunal from the available list and must indication their selection on the Application Form.

"laganside court room"

Individuals must select only one court or tribunal. One placement will take place per calendar year.

The full list of participating courts and tribunals is available.

Disability

The participating courts and tribunals encourage applications from individuals with a disability and shall endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate their needs.

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