• A judge sat at the front of a courtroom, facing two people in barristers' wigs and gowns, with a group of young people watching
  • A judge sat at the front of a courtroom, facing two people in barristers' wigs and gowns, with a group of young people watching
  • A group of young people in a courtroom watching a man give a presentation at the front
  • A group of young people in a courtroom watching a man give a presentation at the front
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Local judge offers students insight into law

The old City Hall law courts sprang back into life recently, as students interested in a career in the law took part in sentencing exercises. 

Delivered by Judge Jonathan Rose from Bradford Combined Courts and hosted by Bradford Council, the course gave Year 12 students an insight into possible careers in the legal industry from the experts themselves. SkillsHouse work experience team, known as Xperience, helped promote the course across local schools.

During the course, students were able to gain an idea of what is involved in the study of law and what it is like to work as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive. They also heard from practising professionals including judges, barristers, and solicitors about the various career pathways open to them if they choose to study law.

Judge Rose described the event as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and learn from those who teach and practise the law”.

Students also took part in mock sentencing exercises, dressed in wigs and gowns, using real-life cases as examples in the former courtrooms at City Hall.

Participants Sian and Amaan, from Beckfoot School in Bingley said how valuable the experience had been for them both. “It's been a fantastic opportunity to take part in this SPRUCE event. As a student considering law as a chosen career path, I think it massively helped me gain an insight into the law and also understand the day-to-day business of a solicitor.”

A huge thanks to HHJ Rose from Bradford Combined Court Service for organising and to all the guest speakers who have taken the time to engage with young people and help to kick-start their future careers in law.