A BRADFORD judge is helping lawyers of the future develop a real taste for their careers.

Sixth form students from ten schools across West Yorkshire attended the Student Pre University Court Exposure (Spruce) course to learn more about the legal profession.

The course was the first of its kind in the country last year and is the brainchild of Judge Jonathan Rose, who sits at Bradford Crown Court.

During this year’s three-day course, which started today, students will learn about civil, family and criminal law and diversity. They will also attend a session in Bradford Crown Court tomorrow.

This year’s course includes 41 students, all aged 17, from schools including Bradford Grammar, Beckfoot and Tong High School.

Judge Rose, who lectures on the course, said there was interest from other courts across the country who wanted to start Spruce sessions.

“It’s become a successful course and more schools want to take part.

“Hopefully, the schools who took part last year think it’s a decent course. Students are now more interested in doing more as early as possible to further their futures and by taking part, it will give them a bit more of an advantage.

“I’ve seen that a couple of places are taking Spruce up.

“I’m still hoping more court centres will do the course as well.”

A number of solicitors, lawyers, barristers and legal officials including Dr Jessica Guth, the head of law school at the University of Bradford and Anne Blakey, commercial lawyer with Morrisons, gave talks to the group.

Students taking part said the course would benefit their pursuit of a career in the legal profession.

Poppy Brown, a pupil at Brighouse High School, said: “I want to do English Literature at university but then do a law conversion course.

“I’m always doing law stuff when I can. It’s important for me to get as much experience as I can.”

Joshua Watson, who goes to Tong High School, said: “I wanted to come here to learn how to become a solicitor.

“I have already started studying law and will be studying more next year.”

Olivia Illingworth, also at Tong High School, said: “My teachers have recommended me to this course.

“The course has given me extra information that I would not have been given at school.

“I’m still deciding whether I want to become a solicitor or barrister.”

Chelsie Jo Balog, who is at Queensbury School, added: “I want to work as a solicitor, so this course will give me an insight into what’s going on.”

The initial Spruce was supported by the chairman of the Bar Council and the president of the Law Society, when it was held in Bradford.