Anyone work in courts, magistrates, probation etc?

[AndTheyFlyTheNest]

Hi there,
My Y12 daughter has to do a week of work experience later this summer. She is interested (perhaps) in a career in law, so sent off a bunch of emails to local solicitors offices. All have replied saying not possible (too small, too confidential etc etc). As a next step she thought to try local courts, probation services etc. I know nothing about either of these, and googling isn't helping massively, as have no idea who to contact.

Does anyone work in either of these, and know where she should start? She would be happy just to shadow someone, spend time in the courts... whatever. Who should she be in contacting within such places? Any clues would be gratefully received!
Thanks!

Two other options
Mini pupillage at Barristers chambers.
Write to resident circuit judge and ask if she can Marshall.

Message me on LinkedIn and I'll see if I can help.

@AndTheyFlyTheNest She will not be old enough for a mini pupilage at a barristers’ chambers. These are for undergrads or those doing training post degree. Don’t even think about it. Plus they are frequently competitive and should be used by students who are looking for that area of law. Chambers Student web site gives you all the info when the time comes.

Write to the magistrates/county courts and see if they do work experience. See if the legal department at your local authority does. They will all be easy to find on the web.

My DD is a barrister and never did any of this at 16/17. Your DD can always sit in the public gallery in a court and look at everyone working. DD did no relevant experience until she was at uni - doing MFLs!

At school, try and join in with debating if they have such a club. It’s vital to get organised whilst at uni. For work experience it’s very difficult. I would say any experience of work is better than none. Even volunteering. Many lawyers have to get on with people and in y12, that’s probably good enough. Plus get organised with going to uni open days. The higher up the league tables the better.

She is too young for mini pupillage or marshalling (I did both in my day, but only as a post grad)

Best bet at that age is simply attending court and sitting in the public gallery. she could try writing to the resident judge setting out her intention to visit and ask if it would be possible to meet with them. Plenty i know would be amenable to this.

I forgot to say, the Inns of Court (Inner, Middle, Lincoln’s, Grays) have open days for those who might like to be a barrister. Dc might have to be 18 so check. Not sure if they will have events in the summer or not but Grays has regular sessions.

They have volunteers at court, they're called something like witness services. It used to be operated by Citizens Advice. They do things like show witnesses around the court, sit with them before a trial etc. Would something like that be of use?

Here's more info
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/support-us/volunteering/volunteer-with-our-witness-service/

Could potentially try the Crown Prosecution Service, I know they used to allow work experience, but not sure if they still do.

Also look at Lawcareers.net for y12 possibilities but deadlines might have passed. Sorry to drip info.

@Heartshapedboxed CAB schemes is for 18 or over and I think just for one week, it’s not suitable. They would want a greater commitment. Would a y12 be experienced enough in life to support anxious and distressed people in court?

Really helpful and lots of food for thought. Thanks all... will be back to update!