Silk 2012

QC Apps have announced how many applicants have applied for silk this year – they have had their lowest number of applications since the new system started – 183 this year – there were 214 last year.

http://www.qcappointments.org/

Olympians at the Bar

As we build up to the Olympic Games in London, what is it that our sports men and women have been doing to prepare themselves for these events?:

• Relentless practise and preparation
• Setting and achieving goals
• Competing and testing themselves against others
• Seeking out feedback to help improve, develop and hone skills
• Seeing failure as an opportunity to adapt and grow
• Having self-belief
• A clear focus on winning

Any lessons there that might help barristers become “Olympians”?

Circuit competition

Circuit Judge competition due to launch in May has been delayed until July 2012 – still look to be 44 vacancies.

http://jac.judiciary.gov.uk/selection-process/selection-exercises/forthcoming/1652.htm

Survey of Coaching in Law Firms

On behalf of the Institute of Coaching at Harvard University, Des O’Connell from the Sherwood Coaching Group has recently completed a survey of coaching in law firms.  What it shows is that coaching is expanding, although it still has an image problem with lawyers.  Management still doesn’t yet really get coaching – or they would be more public about their use of it and would promote it more among rising stars / partners moving into management roles.

Link below for a copy of the full survey results (scroll to bottom of the web page to find the link)

http://www.sherwoodpsfconsulting.com/coaching.html

Judicial competitions

Judicial competitions in the off-ing:

 Just launched:

• DDJ (Civil) 122 vacancies – deadline 3 May

 Interviews and selection days:

• DDJ (Mags) – delay in process – splitting int and role play – interviewing 16 Apr-4 May

 Coming soon:

• DJ (Mags) – May 12 – 20 vacs
• Circuit Judge – May 12 – 44 vacs
• Salaried Employment Judge – Sep 12 – 30 vacs
• High Court Judge – Oct 12 – 5 vacs tbc

Silk Training

Article in The Guardian about “Silk Wannabes” – we get some good quotes!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2012/apr/13/coaching-wannabe-qcs-application?INTCMP=SRCH

Deadline is 18 April …….

Silk Panel

New chair and 2 new members on the silk panel.

http://www.qcappointments.org/

New competition to launch very soon!