YJLC is the recognised centre of excellence in youth justice law in England and Wales. We work to improve outcomes for children in the criminal legal system by sharing expertise, developing best practice, and driving innovation across the profession.
When: Saturday 28 February 2026, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Where: Bar Council, 289-293 High Holborn, London WC1V 7HZ
Cost: £120 | £60 YJLC members
Why This Training Matters
Representing children requires specialist legal knowledge—and distinct, highly developed skills. This training is designed to give you the confidence, competence, and practical tools needed to represent child clients effectively and ethically.
Delivered in person by leading youth justice lawyers, in collaboration with children and young people themselves, this course goes beyond black-letter law. It focuses on how to practise youth justice well.
What You Will Learn
This training provides practical guidance across the core areas of youth justice law, including:
- Children in the Youth Court and the Crown Court
- Child Criminal Exploitation – legal frameworks and practical advocacy tips
- Child welfare and safeguarding – using existing law and guidance to protect children from unnecessary criminal justice responses
- Working Effectively With Child Clients
While legal training focuses heavily on knowing the law, far less attention is given to working with clients—particularly children. This course addresses that gap.
You will learn how to use a structured, child-centred template to explain legal cases clearly and effectively. The training will help you develop a methodical approach to explaining processes, timeframes, key decision-makers, and possible outcomes in a way that is accessible and meaningful for children. These skills help to manage expectations, increase understanding, and support children to participate fully in their cases.
Professional Standards and the Changing Landscape
The SRA and the BSB require lawyers representing children to have specialist knowledge and skills that are kept up to date.
In October 2025, the Ministry of Justice announced its intention to introduce a requirement for Child Specialist Legal Training for criminal lawyers acting for children and the establishment of a Child Advocate Specialist Panel – Crime, with eligible lawyers listed on a public register and a long-term expectation that all lawyers representing children will become panel members.
This training provides timely, practical support to help practitioners meet current obligations and prepare for the new standards that will shape the future of youth justice practice.
What Participants Say
“The YJLC training should be compulsory. It is brilliant and I’d recommend that every pupil and junior barrister does this training. It can be daunting stepping into the youth courts to represent a vulnerable young person, and this training gives you the confidence to represent them in the best way.”
Alexandra Wilson, Barrister and Founder of Black Women in Law
"The explanation of how the Youth Court functions and the ways in which to prepare was useful. However, the most valuable part of the course was being able to interact with young people. The role play scenarios were very useful to gain a better understanding of how young people feel and what would benefit them when trying to speak/explain important topics."
Pupil barrister, January 2025
"The training was excellent. I am a pupil and wanted to do the training so that my knowledge is up to date and that I was following the correct process/procedures from the start. I am glad I did the training."
Pupil barrister, March 2025
Where: Bar Council, London
When: Saturday 28 February 2026, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: £120 | £60 YJLC members
YJLC Membership
YJLC membership supports high-quality, child-centred legal practice and provides timely access to the training, resources, and expert support needed to meet emerging professional standards and demonstrate specialist competence in youth justice work.
Members benefit from:
- Free access to YJLC legal guides and online resources, developed by expert youth justice lawyers
- Free access to YJLC’s specialist legal advice line, offering tailored legal information and bespoke case support to help achieve better outcomes for children
- Free access to YJLC’s monthly webinars on key developments in youth justice law and practice
- Heavily discounted access to monthly masterclasses and other specialist training, including in-person events
- Inclusion in the public YJLC Member Directory, recognising your commitment to excellence in youth justice representation
Membership Cost
Individual membership - £150 per annum
Organisational membership (firm or chambers) – starts at £400 per annum and all members of chambers / staff can access the YJLC member benefits
Email [email protected] to arrange membership.