As the MoJ announces plans for mandatory youth justice training for lawyers, the Youth Justice Legal Centre has organised a one day foundational youth justice training session at the Bar Council on Saturday 19 September.
The Ministry of Justice youth justice system reform and delivery plan sets out proposals to introduce mandatory training for lawyers representing children in the criminal system “to address long-standing concerns around inconsistent practice and variable legal standards”.
This marks one of the most significant developments in youth justice practice in recent years, and the new requirements will apply throughout a child's journey through the criminal justice system - from detention at the police station to proceedings in the Youth court and Crown court.
The Bar Standards Board resources for barristers practising in youth proceedings makes clear that barristers practising in youth justice proceedings must demonstrate competence in a wide range of specialist areas, including:
- Youth justice law, procedure and guidance
- Understanding the additional vulnerabilities experienced by children
- Safeguarding and recognising children's welfare needs
- Adapting advocacy and representation to meet individual needs
- Ensuring children understand court proceedings
- Recognising developmental, communication, cognitive, neurodiverse, emotional and mental health needs
- Understanding children's backgrounds and personal circumstances
- Communicating effectively in plain English and building trust with child clients
- Working effectively alongside key organisations and professionals within the youth justice system
My organisation, the Youth Justice Legal Centre, is proud to be recognised by the Bar Standards Board, as a ‘specialist training’ provider and on Saturday 19 September we have organised a one-day training session at the Bar Council in London.
Our long-established and acclaimed course has been preparing new and developing youth justice practitioners for many years and has become the foundation of effective practice for lawyers representing children.
The training is delivered by Youth Justice Legal Centre Directors and leading youth juice lawyers alongside children themselves. The course combines legal expertise with insight that cannot be gained from textbooks alone.
Attendees will gain legal knowledge and practical skills in:
- Youth court and Crown court procedure
- Child welfare and safeguarding
- Knowledge and relevance of children’s background
- Communicating effectively with children in the youth system
- Building trusting and productive professional relationships with child clients
Find out more about the training and book your place.
Watch our short video about the training and representing child clients.
As mandatory specialist training becomes a reality, there has never been a better time to strengthen your knowledge and skills. We look forward to welcoming you to our growing community of youth justice professionals committed to achieving better outcomes for children.
Testimony from our training participants:
“If you work with children, this training is essential - it transforms how you listen, how you advocate, and how you ensure every child’s voice is truly heard” - pupil barrister.
“The training was very insightful and really opened my eyes to representing child clients. Having the opportunity to practice with children and hear their feedback was invaluable” - newly qualified lawyer.
Foundational training is just the beginning; we also provides 90 minutes online monthly legal masterclasses for lawyers. Our upcoming sessions include:
Reporting Restrictions and Anonymity – September 2026
Ground Rules Hearings and Intermediaries – October 2026
Sign up to our upcoming masterclasses for lawyers.
Membership of the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides ongoing support with access to specialist legal resources and guides, an expert adviceline, lunchtime webinars on newly emerging issues and a committed community.
Find out more about barrister membership.
Shauneen Lambe is the Director of the Youth Justice Legal Centre, a barrister in England and Wales, and an attorney in the USA. She is the former joint chief executive officer of Just for Kids Law (2005-2018) and co-founder of Impact - Law for Social Justice.