The Courts and Tribunals Fellowship Scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the legal procedure in England and Wales, either as a standalone scheme or as part of the IPT Fellowship Scheme.

The IPT’s Courts and Tribunals Fellowship, operated in conjunction with the Judicial Office, is fully supported by the judiciary of England and Wales and will enable parliamentarians to undertake educational visits to a variety of courts and tribunals.

Participants will be offered a bespoke, three-day programme that will develop their knowledge and understanding of the judicial and justice system. All three visits should aim to be completed within six months of signing up. Typically, visits provide the opportunity to shadow judges at various levels and observe a variety of hearings across the jurisdictions:

•  Commercial Court
• Chancery Division (including the Companies Court)
• Court of Appeal 
• Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber)
• Local Court or Tribunal hearing
• Competition Appeal Tribunal
• Employment Appeal Tribunal
• Administrative Court/Planning Court
• Technology and Construction Court (TCC)
• Patents Court

Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords are welcome to take part in the scheme.

Depending on the interests of the applicant, the IPT and Judicial Office will create a visit programme that is of greatest relevance to the parliamentarian.