A competition for trainee judges and prosecutors in the European Union

Themis is a European competition for trainee judges and prosecutors and young graduates of judicial training institutions in the European Union.

"A fixture in the EJTN calendar since 2010, the Themis competition brings together future and young judges and prosecutors from European countries, who are given the chance to debate judicial topics of common interest. It offers a unique opportunity to meet and share experiences with other European judges and prosecutors and, for some, it constitutes an extra step towards an international career," explains Inès Gharbi, member of the judiciary, initial training coordinator and trainer with the ENM's International Justice department.

"After my American International Baccalaureate, I chose to do a bachelor's degree in French law and Common Law. Although my wish to join the French judiciary led me to concentrate on French law, I have never lost the desire to work within the international justice system. That's why the Themis competition, for me, is a chance to continue studying European and international law, whilst actively participating in international judicial cooperation. The opportunity to meet and talk to trainees and judges and prosecutors from the Member States of the European Union is a genuine advantage for someone like me who wants to work in the international courts or become a justice attaché," confides Gabrielle Vigneron, trainee.

Calendar of events Themis 2023

Four teams from the ENM are competing in the 4 semi-finals, which will be held from May to June 2023 in Naples (European family law), Kracow (ethics and professional conduct) and twice in Budapest (European criminal law, European civil procedure).

In total, 32 teams with 15 different nationalities are taking part.

After this round, 8 European teams will meet at the finals in Bucharest, in December 2023.

The ENM supports trainees

A training coordinator supports each of the 4 teams with the writing of a legal article, the preparation of an oral presentation and then with their trips abroad.

"I've been accompanying the trainees since 2011, ever since the Themis competition made English the mandatory language in the competition. I proofread their 20-page written papers for the semi-final so that they can be accepted in an English legal or scientific journal. I also help them to prepare their oral presentation with a rehearsal and I check their documents and their public speaking using acting techniques," explains Amanda Gedge-Wallace, language training coordinator.

Best of luck to all the ENM teams!

See also:

https://www.enm.justice.fr/en/actu-22062022-working-together-europe-s-judicial-challenges

Themis 2023 competition: 4 ENM teams in the running