Working hours
Judges do not work a conventional nine-five office day, although some people mistakenly think that their working hours are confined to court sitting hours which are normally 10.30am – 4.30pm!
The reality is very different, with most judges shouldering a large burden of 'box' work (paperwork) on current and future (and sometimes past) cases - especially as most cases are settled or concluded before they reach the stage of a court hearing. It is not unusual for judges to work late into the evening; writing judgments and reading files of evidence and letters from parties. Overtime is not available.
There are four terms in the legal year which are the courts' main sitting times, although courts do have sittings around the year and emergency hearings and processing of cases continue. Judges use the 'vacation' periods between terms to catch up on new legislation and case law, as well as undertaking formal training.