Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme

Please note

The Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme (JOMS) is now open for applications for the 2026 cohort. Deadline for applications is 1 March 2026

The Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme is designed to provide successful applicants from underrepresented backgrounds with the opportunity to be mentored by experienced judges.  The scheme runs for 6 months and offers tailored support to help participants prepare for judicial appointment.

This is the second intake, following the successful launch of the first cohort in 2025.   

What can I get out of the scheme?

We aim to provide comprehensive support to participants, including:

  • A mentoring relationship with an experienced judge
  • Networking opportunities
  • Regular check-ins throughout the 6-month programme

The scheme provides a safe environment for legal professionals to:

  • Discuss whether taking up judicial office is an option they want to pursue
  • Establish what experience will best support their application to judicial office
  • Learn from someone with greater understanding of the judiciary
  • Identify areas where further development is required and consider how this may be acquired
  • Share issues inhibiting their application to judicial office (e.g. concerns of work/life balance, self-confidence, self-perception) and receive confidential advice, support and guidance.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many highlighted the scheme’s role in supporting progression to judicial roles—two participants have already been appointed as judges. They also valued the emphasis on relationship building and the inclusive support provided throughout the programme.

To provide an inclusive experience for all those with judicial aspirations, we are offering the option for the mentoring to be conducted face to face, online, or a combination of both.

Your commitment as a mentee

If your application is successful, you will be expected to engage fully with the scheme.  If you think you might not have enough time to devote to your development, you should consider delaying your involvement until such time as you are able to commit fully.  Judges set aside the time to help aspiring lawyers because they are dedicated to ensuring that you get the most out of the scheme.

Participants are expected to:

  • Build a strong, professional relationship with your mentor through regular contact
  • Approach sessions with clear objectives and a willingness to learn
  • Actively apply advice and feedback to progress toward judicial appointment
  • Uphold confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism throughout
  • Make the most of networking opportunities and peer support offered by the scheme
  • Respond to surveys issued throughout the 6-month programme to help us improve the scheme

Who would mentor me?

The scheme is being supported by salaried judges from the Courts and Tribunals who have volunteered their time to act as judicial mentors. They are based across England and Wales, including:

  • London and the South East
  • Midlands
  • North West
  • North East
  • South West
  • Wales

Judicial experience spans a range of jurisdictions, including King’s Bench Division, Family Division, Civil and Family Courts, Employment Tribunals, and Immigration & Asylum – though this list is not exhaustive.

Am I eligible?

The scheme is open to barristers, solicitors, Fellows of the Chartered Legal Executives and professionally qualified legal academics who are either:

  • Lawyers from an ethnic minority background
  • Lawyers who attended a (non-fee paying) state school
  • Lawyers who were the first generation in their family to attend university.

Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience and be seeking an appointment in the next two years.  We will carry out thorough eligibility checks.  Any false, misleading, or dishonest statement may constitute professional misconduct.

You will be asked to acknowledge that any misconduct may be reported to your relevant regulatory authority, including but not limited to:  

  • The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) 
  • The Bar Standards Board (BSB) 
  • The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx Regulation) 

We will ask you to confirm that you understand that misconduct may result in you being subject to disciplinary action, including being struck off the roll of solicitors, disbarred from practice, or otherwise sanctioned. 

We will ask you to affirm that you have disclosed any actual or potential conflicts of interest relevant to your application. 

Applications will be reviewed against the eligibility criteria, with those meeting more of the selection criteria having higher priority in accessing the scheme. Applications may close early if we receive a high number

How do I apply?

 You can click here to submit your Mentoring application form.

Please contact the Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme if you incur any problems with the application form: judicialoutreachmentoringscheme@judiciary.uk.

Once we have received your application, the Judicial Office will identify a mentor who matches your requirements as close as we possibly can.   While we cannot guarantee all preferences, we aim to match you with a judge who currently holds (or has held) the judicial role of interest and is based within reasonable travelling distance.

If we cannot identify a suitable mentor at the time of your application, you will be notified and invited to apply when the scheme reopens.

 Previous participants of the scheme appreciated the varied experience that judges bring,  We are confident that you will benefit from being mentored by any judge regardless of their current role. This also means that applicants won’t have to wait too long to be matched.

Once a suitable match has been identified, you will be provided with the mentor’s contact details so that you can make the initial approach.

Opening and Closing Events

Opening Event: All successfully matched applicants will be invited to hear from guest speakers, including experienced mentors and past mentees.

Closing Event: At the end of the 6-month scheme, you will be invited to an event to celebrate your participation. Details will be shared in due course.

We look forward to supporting you on your journey.

How can I find out more?

If you have any further questions about how the scheme operates, please email Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme

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