The National Judicial College, the nation’s premiere educational institute for judges for over 60 years, created a special course called Judicial Academy for attorneys who aim to one day join the judiciary. 

The course was first offered in 2019 and 37 alumni from the first four classes are now sitting judges. The course focuses on how to be elected or appointed to the bench, judicial ethics for candidates, campaigning, as well as media and social media strategies. The course also provides insight into the day-to-day work of judging, the Model Code of Judicial Conduct, and courtroom and docket management. The weeklong course utilizes dozens of faculty who are sitting judges or subject matter experts.

The next Judicial Academy course is scheduled for October 27 – 31, 2025, at the National Judicial College campus in Reno, Nevada. The course takes place during the NJC’s flagship General Jurisdiction course for newer judges, allowing for networking opportunities. There are a limited number of scholarships available for attorneys.

Each year, the NJC educates more than 12,000 judges from around the country through in-person and virtual courses and webinars focused on both foundational topics like decision-making, judicial writing, and evidence as well as emerging issues including artificial intelligence, red flag laws, and digital evidence.

For more information, please visit www.judges.org/courses/judicial-academy-a-course-for-aspiring-judges/