I’ve have been running workshops on Judicial and Silk applications for a number of circuits and chambers. Since the pandmic I have been running these remotely via Zoom. “Thank you for the sessions. Feedback on them has been excellent.” Wales and Chester Circuit.
Ahead of the first King’s Counsel competition I’ve been asked to run a specific workshop focussing on the 2023 Silk Competition.
Over the past few years I’ve been running my interactive workshops for barristers and solicitors wanting to gain insights into the Silk and/or Judicial application processes. I’ve very much enjoyed doing these and have received some excellent feedback. I was approached to run another one for a chambers on the Midlands Circuit in May – but then we were hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
I think there are some absolutely brilliant Ted Talks and I’ve eagerly shared them with many clients as well as during my workshops on leadership and communication. However, I find that music and songs have a greater impact on people. Perhaps it is true: “We learned more from a 3-minute record then we ever learned in school”.
**** 15 June 2023 ****
The 2023 competition launches today with exactly the same number of vacancies as last year’s > 125 (although it is actually 17 months since the 2022 competition launched). Don’t be put off by the JAC’s painfully drawn out processes, I’ve worked with many people over the years who suffered numerous rejections yet are now recognised as some of our best judges! – BELIEVE! I’ll aim to update this blog as any new details or changes emerge and the 2023 competition progresses.
The competency framework, as in all JAC competitions, this is your plumb line.
Key Dates:
Deadline for applications 1pm on Thursday 29 June 2023
Online qualifying tests: 19 July 2023 – Situational Judgement and Critical Reasoning
Online Scenario test: 6 September 2023 – Speed Typing Test!
Shortlisting outcome: November 2023
JAC Contacts Independent Assessors for successful candidates: 29 November 2023
Selection days will still be Remote and via MS Teams: 15 January – 9 February 2023
Outcome of selection process expected by: June 2024!!
****Client Feedback*****
I have worked with scores of successful Recorder candidates and some disappointed ones of many year, I received many appreciative messages including:
” I am delighted to inform you that I have been put forward for appointment as a Recorder with immediate effect. Since enlisting your services I have been successful in 2 out of 2 JAC competitions and it is only because of your excellent preparation and guidance. I knew I had a lot to do after that first practice interview session but you gave me the tools and the confidence to do it.”
“Just to let you know I didn’t get it but I’m very grateful for all your help. I’ve requested feedback and will apply again.”
**** The Challenge****
To succeed and take your seat on the bench you will need to prepare professionally so that you can have an edge over your competition. This undated blog is written to help you understand what is required and what you need to do to be prepared, fully prepared.
As information is made available I’ll update this page as the competition progresses and you can follow my updates on Twitter
I expect the JAC to announce: “There will be three stages to the selection process:
Again for this competition (as for DDJ Mags) candidates will need to submit their evidence of the competencies before sitting the qualifying tests!
Character: read the guidelines carefully and ensure you disclose all relevant matters, failure to do so will be seen as you lacking integrity. Do check your speeding points, no more than 6 points (or one 6 point offence) currently on your driving license!
Short-Listing – Qualifying Tests – The Recorder Lottery
This has evolved so much that I have written a separate blog – where I explain what to expect and how they have evolved recently.
Application Form – Evidence of Your Competencies : give specific examples of how you demonstrate the competencies. It will take much more time than you think to complete a strong application that will differentiate you from other candidates. If you have not already started, start drafting now! Some tips to stand out from the crowd.
Selection Day
They aim to shortlist in the ratio of about 3 candidates per vacancy – so perhaps 450 candidates as they seem to have ditched the telephone assessments.
Role Play – you will be given some reading and then a panel of 3 (1 judicial and 2 lay) will observe you hearing some actors who will respond to your questions and directions. The role play starts as soon as you enter the room. The panel will be looking to assess you against the competencies and looking for evidence of how you perform and demonstrate them.
Interview – again before usually the same panel of 3, they will probe the competencies, but not necessarily all of them depending on the evidence in your application form and from your assessors . My advice for interview success.
How I work with candidates. Any questions or advice please call 0796 999 7335 or e-mail tim@asktim.org
For information about the workshops I’ve been running please see here.
Some Generous Feedback From Grateful Candidiates:
I got it!!!”
” I just wanted to say thank you so much for the assistance that you provided me with. Whilst plainly I can neither confirm, nor deny, anything, I wanted you to be aware that I could not have gone through the process at all without your assistance. It was utterly invaluable.”
“Whatever happens, working with you has been an unmitigated pleasure. Really, really grateful.”
“Many thanks for your invaluable help. It made a huge difference and I’m very grateful!”
“I did get an email and it said that they are not going to appoint me… but I remain very grateful for your help which was invaluable.”
“I have to say despite all the brilliant things I had heard about you, I had my doubts… But the difference you have made to my application over a couple of hours has been amazing.”
” @wowthankyoutim Only praise from me – great interview coaching & excellent music recommendations.”
“I’ve been recommended for appointment. I’m over the moon. Your help throughout the selection process was invaluable. Tim, I really cannot thank you enough for your help and support throughout the selection process.”
“Not this year I’m afraid but I do want to thank you for all your help and expertise. I certainly felt much better prepared than I would have been and I think the experience will stand me in good stead in future.”
“I got the job!!!!! I’m waiting to hear where I will be sitting and for the official announcement obviously. Thank you so much. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
What is it like starting your own business? I use the analogy of an airplane taxiing down the runway and then opening the throttle to take off. It is unnerving. It takes a lot of effort and you think you’ve built enough momentum, but you’re running out of runway and you have to hold your nerve. It is stressful, liberating, fun, challenging, frustrating, rewarding. It is time and life consuming.
I started my business 4 years ago and I’ve learnt so much. One of the toughest things, when you are building your business, is trying to find a healthy work/life balance.
**** Feedback from my Faculty of Advocates Workshop Vice-Dean to Tim Collins ****
How to approach making a judicial or Silk application and how to stand out from the crowd at your selection day or interview.
In a two hour interactive workshop I will discuss and answer any questions candidates may have on:
Why competency based recruitment?
How do the qualifying tests work?
How do you select and support your referees?
How to develop compelling application forms?
How you can prepare to succeed at interviews?
“… room for improvement but phenomenally helpful is reading text quickly etc . Really really useful . Thanks for putting it together”
Over recent years I have been asked repeatedly whether there are any old JAC tests that candidates could try. The JAC used to publish qualifying test reports and include their questions and answers but haven’t done so since that moved to the more generic situational questioning and critical reasoning tests. So unfortunatlely, they no longer make their tests available.
My blog on Qualifying Tests – gives you an overview of how they work.
I have been talking to a number of judges and practitioners about developing some mock crime, civil and family tests. However, the JAC announced at the end of 2016 that they would be testing new non-jurisdictional qualifying tests.
As a result and having collaborated with others I have developed one situational judgement and one critical reasoning test.
“Thank you. Did the test – wow very taxing – got x% It has helped greatly to see it in the flesh as it were and what to expect and what time of day not to take it!! Timing is key as well – a brilliant revision tool. Thanks”
Situational Judgement
16 questions in 15 minutes set by a judge to test candidates’ judgement and decision making based on real situations and experience.
Critical Reasoning
23 questions to be answered in 30 minutes based on a judicial speech – this includes time for reading a PDF text.
Your Feedback Report
Following the test you will be e-mailed your test report, score, the questions and answers.
Candidate Options
NB These tests are on line, so make sure you have a good internet connection, sufficient time and are able to open a PDF document. Please follow the instructions and keep an eye on your time. You must download the speech before commencing the critical reasoning or combined test! Don’t pay for any test until you are ready to take it – they are on-line tests. Payments can only be accepted via PayPal (this is the only payment that works for this).
If you don’t see the PayPal link you may need to look at your pop up settings and/or make sure your PayPal e-mail address is the same as the one you are using for the test. Perhaps you may need to try another device or browser – technology!
Your results and the correct answers will be automatically e-mailed to you once you have completed a test.
Opportunities (problems)
If you have failed to follow the test instructions and not downloaded the speech for the critical reasoning test, it can be found here!
I have set these tests so that you can take them a second time in case you experience wireless or technical issues.
I’m keen to add further situational judgement questions, but know that will not be easy, especially if they are non-jurisdictional and importantly respect the confidentiality of actual JAC tests.
Any feedback would be most welcome and I hope these may help candidates prepare for any future JAC tests.
“This evening I did the tests that you recently posted on your website which were very helpful.”
Narrative Tests
It is not possible to set these as mock tests as they require marking individually but I am willing to share some tips and advice – please just e-mail me or text me your e-mail address: tim@asktim.org 0796 999 7335
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 –
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© The Tim Collins Consultancy 2024. Disclaimer: The Tim Collins Consultancy is the trading name of Wow Thank You Limited Company Number 8570216 Registered Office in England: 8 Oxford Villas Guiseley Leeds West Yorkshire LS20 9AD. The ideas and thoughts contained here have been harvested from many people and businesses over the years and the company acknowledges and thanks all the contributors. If you see something you are unhappy with please let us know.
