*/
Employed Barristers’ Committee and Western Circuit Women’s Forum
In days gone by, jobs were offered on the basis of connections, education, being a ‘good egg’, and with a ‘tap on the shoulder’. Little was transparent or fair about these processes. Today, competency-based selection helps encourage diversity and fairness and is used in a variety of recruitment processes involving members of the Bar. However, many barristers (who may well be very good) struggle to complete competency-based applications. Seeking to demystify the process, the three excellent speakers in this session provided clear guidance on how the process works.
Kate Brunner QC, who spoke about JAC applications, had a very clear message: ‘preparation’. Too many of us leave applications to the last minute – a fatal error. Competency-based applications depend on examples of things you have done; and the earlier you start thinking about these the better. Do your research. Consider what the competency is looking for and how you can provide an example that meets it, and remember to turn it into a story about what you did. Brunner explained how to do this by using the acronym SOAR – Situation, Objective, Action, Result (also known as STAR where the ‘T’ stands for task) – your example should meet each of these criteria.
Susanna McGibbon from the Government Legal Department, who runs the Attorney General’s list of Panel counsel selection process, echoed this advice. She emphasised the importance of a strong, evidence-based application with examples showing insight into issues which are likely to come the government’s way. Select your referees wisely. Describing references from the judiciary as the ‘crown jewels’, she injected a note of caution: if you do ask a judge to be a referee make sure it’s one who knows you well and (more importantly) one whom you’ve impressed. Remember to record achievements and store for later use as competency examples.
The final speaker, Maggie Semple OBE FCGI is a lay commissioner on the QC Appointments Panel, and gave an insightful talk on what the panel looks for: values, behaviour and decision-making. Lay members, although paired with a practitioner commissioner, don’t know who you are and this is why it is so important that you provide a strong application. The Panel looks for evidence of advocacy (both written and oral) in substantial cases. Select your eight judicial assessors carefully, and make sure the assessor knows you and can speak to your best work. Evidence from QCs and previous opponents is also valuable. Think carefully about how to demonstrate you meet the competencies, be authentic, avoid the appearance of having being coached and remember – there are no trick questions! ●
Called to the Bar in 1994, Michael Jennings is Director of Legal Services at the Health and Safety Executive. He has worked for the CPS, Attorney General, Home Office and MOJ.
In days gone by, jobs were offered on the basis of connections, education, being a ‘good egg’, and with a ‘tap on the shoulder’. Little was transparent or fair about these processes. Today, competency-based selection helps encourage diversity and fairness and is used in a variety of recruitment processes involving members of the Bar. However, many barristers (who may well be very good) struggle to complete competency-based applications. Seeking to demystify the process, the three excellent speakers in this session provided clear guidance on how the process works.
Kate Brunner QC, who spoke about JAC applications, had a very clear message: ‘preparation’. Too many of us leave applications to the last minute – a fatal error. Competency-based applications depend on examples of things you have done; and the earlier you start thinking about these the better. Do your research. Consider what the competency is looking for and how you can provide an example that meets it, and remember to turn it into a story about what you did. Brunner explained how to do this by using the acronym SOAR – Situation, Objective, Action, Result (also known as STAR where the ‘T’ stands for task) – your example should meet each of these criteria.
Susanna McGibbon from the Government Legal Department, who runs the Attorney General’s list of Panel counsel selection process, echoed this advice. She emphasised the importance of a strong, evidence-based application with examples showing insight into issues which are likely to come the government’s way. Select your referees wisely. Describing references from the judiciary as the ‘crown jewels’, she injected a note of caution: if you do ask a judge to be a referee make sure it’s one who knows you well and (more importantly) one whom you’ve impressed. Remember to record achievements and store for later use as competency examples.
The final speaker, Maggie Semple OBE FCGI is a lay commissioner on the QC Appointments Panel, and gave an insightful talk on what the panel looks for: values, behaviour and decision-making. Lay members, although paired with a practitioner commissioner, don’t know who you are and this is why it is so important that you provide a strong application. The Panel looks for evidence of advocacy (both written and oral) in substantial cases. Select your eight judicial assessors carefully, and make sure the assessor knows you and can speak to your best work. Evidence from QCs and previous opponents is also valuable. Think carefully about how to demonstrate you meet the competencies, be authentic, avoid the appearance of having being coached and remember – there are no trick questions! ●
Employed Barristers’ Committee and Western Circuit Women’s Forum
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q and A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
