Planning for a future judicial career

The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) recommends individuals to judicial office in Scotland. 

How you plan for any potential judicial appointment will be up to you, and may well be shaped by the path your career has taken you, but there are things you can consider as well as steps you can take to help you prepare for life as a judicial office holder.

Understand the roles

A key part of your decision making should include making sure you have read all the available information on the role(s) you are considering, understanding what the eligibility requirements are, what skills, knowledge and experience you will need to be successful There is more information in the “About The Roles” page. 

Understand yourself

When planning for a future judicial role, you should consider how your own skills, knowledge and experience aligns with the requirements of the role you are considering. You should take time to think about areas you may need to develop.  There is more information about this part in the “Are you ready” page. 

Judicial Shadowing

The Judicial Office of Scotland offers a judicial work shadowing scheme which gives any qualified solicitor, solicitor-advocate or advocate the opportunity to spend three days observing the work of a sitting court judicial office holder.  Doing this will give you a keen insight into what life is like on the bench, and will help you decide if judicial office is for you, as well as an understanding of the skills, knowledge and experience needed as a judicial office holder.