Law students have been given the opportunity to sit next to judges during court hearings as part of a training scheme.The Marshalling Scheme was spearheaded by former Bar Association President Kiernan Bell and former Chief Justice Richard Ground.A total of 12 law students have participated in the scheme since 2007.Annwen Stirling, executive secretary of the Bar Association, explained that the student must have completed their law degree and be ready to commence a training contract with a law firm, known as a pupillage.“This opportunity comes via a short window within their career. The opportunity to see the inner workings of the judicial system, policies, and procedures assist the attendee in understanding the inner workings of the courts,” she said.“The student gets to spend time on the Bench, in Chambers and/or in the Court of Appeal. The experience provides the student with a wealth of knowledge and an understanding of how the judicial system and courts work in Bermuda.“The guidance and lessons received are invaluable.”–In addition to shadowing Bermuda’s five Supreme Court judges and two Assistant Justices, the student has the opportunity to meet local and international lawyers.John Patton, 29, from Warwick, completed a week shadowing Chief Justice Ian Kawaley at the end of August.He has completed his training at Bristol University in England and hopes to forge a career in corporate or commercial law in Bermuda.Mr Patton said he got the opportunity to observe and ask questions about court procedures and decorum and listen to cases ranging from tenancy disputes to liquidation arrangements and divorce proceedings.“It was very useful and I would recommend it,” he said.“It did feel very strange being there next to the Chief Justice. You feel a little bit like the focus of attention, although you are not trying to be.“You do gain an appreciation of the amount of work that the justices put into making their decisions and delivering them. It’s eye-opening.”An application form for the Marshalling Scheme is available at www.bermudabar.org under the law student tab.