Blog

Judicial Appointments – Fundamental Changes in 2017

The judicial appointment process continues to evolve but it seems to have reached a bit of a crossroads.  The core problem appears to be the widely held view that the MoJ are unable to attract the required quality of candidates for some High Court Divisions. Hence the launch of the Deputy High Court Judge competitions last year which is being run again as I write.  When the list of successful candidates, from the 1^st competition, was finally published it featured many highly respected Silks (although a number of these were already sitting as Recorders) and one solicitor. It is an impressive array of talent and bodes well for future full-time appointments.  The JAC have just announced a 2 track  High Court Judge competition for those who have not previously sat and s9(4) judges.

Continue Reading

Blog

Tim’s Top 10 Tips for Marketing on a Budget

In September,  I was invited to be on a panel for a PM Forum  event in London where we shared some ideas on marketing on a budget.  It was geared to professional services: lawyers, accountants, architects but most of the ideas can be applied across industries and sectors.  Subsequently, I was asked to write an extended article and that was recently published-  “Punching Above Your Weight – Uncommon Sense”.

I’d welcome your feedback and thoughts:

“We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking that created them”            Einstein

1. 1. Market Internally – as a co-professional and peer.

Continue Reading

Blog

Simon on the Streets – A Refreshingly Different Quiz Evening

Mark Walsh is very kindly letting us use his Kwizzbit platform to provide a challenging and fun evening that will test your knowledge, speed of recall, teamwork or maybe just your good luck!

When & Where:

Thursday 17 November 2016

Doors 6pm Quiz commences at 6:30pm – head in hands or broad grins and high fives expected between 8-8:30pm. There will be plenty of time and opportunities to network and mingle throughout the evening.

Art@Trinity  Holy Trinity Church Boar Lane Leeds LS1 6HW

Your Generosity:

£10 per team member, teams to a maximum of 6 per business/firm/organisation – individuals are also very welcome and we’ll make up some teams on the night. 8 would be way too many, 2 way to few 4 or 5 good but half a dozen spot on!

Continue Reading

Blog

Mentoring – Is it Me?

I’ve found myself drawn into mentoring individuals from different sectors with a very diverse spectrum of issues. It started when a couple of people suggested that I should get involved with Entrepreneurial Spark  It has exploded since then – and I’m loving it!

I’ve tried to find a definition for mentoring that I like or describes what I try to do but they all seem a bit too grand for me. I don’t have a set list of questions or a programme – all I do is make time to listen and then share examples and stories from my experience to encourage people to take a positive step.

You can read below some reactions to my approach – 

Continue Reading

Blog, Staple Stories

Keep the Customer Satisfied

Back in 1996 we were travelling in New Zealand and hired a car to tour around the islands for about a month. The car had a cassette player and we decide to find a record store in Auckland and treat ourselves to a tape.  On impulse we bought Cheryl Crow’s “If it Makes You Happy” but we knew we needed more than one song!

Continue Reading

Staple Stories

Stepping Stones

I was out walking with my wife in the Yorkshire Dales beside the Wharfe, along a stretch we’d walked many times, when I noticed a different option – some stepping stones.

We’d never been on the other side of the river, the sun was out but the river was pretty full. After my first two steps I realised that the stones were very slippery.  Do we go for it or go back the usual way?

Continue Reading

Blog

Another Fine Competition – Deputy District Judge Crime 2016 – Magistrates’ Court

*****UPDATE 22 August 2016*****

Congratulations to all who made it through the online scenario. Now you need to provide evidence of your competencies by noon on Monday 5 September:

Help?

I’m frequently asked how I work with candidates; I work based on the needs of each individual candidate:application forms and interviews.

Continue Reading

Blog

Silk 2024 – KC Competition

 *****   8 March 2024*****

– “I got it! Thank you for all your help – couldn’t have done it without you” 

“Thank you so so much for your help, it was unbelievable Please come to my party?”

The 2024 competition launched yesterday with the deadline for applications at 5pm on Friday 19 April 2024.

It seems to be very similar to last year’s, however  your 12 cases should be drawn from the last 3 years.

“Hi Tim. I’m pleased to tell you that your record of successfully getting people through continues. Many thanks for all your patience & it definitely made all the difference.” 

First and foremost, do read the KC Appointment 2024 Guidance. But I would also strongly recommend that you consider the 2023 competition report  and especially the panel’s approach to the competencies  these will give you a real insight into who gets appointed and why.

Continue Reading