Forthcoming Events and Opportunities
Bar Council Training Scheme for Chinese lawyers
Programme summary
The new London based scheme will take place from June 11 to July 20, 2012. It incorporates the best elements of the Lord Chancellor's Training Scheme with a focus on the training of young Chinese lawyers in international commercial law through practical placements in barristers' chambers and a bespoke academic programme provided by BPP University. This will be supplemented with a programme of legal seminars and social events.
The Bar Council training scheme for Chinese lawyers replaces the Lord Chancellors Training Scheme (which ended in April 2011) as the principle means by which the Bar Council of England and Wales trains Chinese lawyers.
Programme aims
The Bar Council is confident that the programme will enhance participating lawyers' legal skills and knowledge, enable them to develop valuable contacts and assist them in building a successful international legal practice. In addition their law firm can expect to gain valuable international contacts and an insight into the international legal market.
Who should apply?
The programme is aimed at Chinese-qualified lawyers who have spent between two and ten years in a practice involving international commercial law and dispute resolution, with exceptional spoken and written English. They should also be enthusiastic and confident individuals with excellent communication skills as well as having a demonstrable interest in the English legal system and in building international practices.
How to apply
To apply for the programme please read the information for applicants then email scanned or electronic copies of the following documents to Sarah Richardson by Friday 24 February
1. Completed and signed application form
2. Reference from senior partner in law firm, signed and dated (in English and Mandarin)
3. Practising certificate/lawyers licence
4. English language test certificate (IELTS)
5. Main page of passport
Selection of participants will be made by the Bar Council according to the selection criteria and will be based on the application form and supporting documents, and an interview. Short listing will take place after the application deadline, based on the applications received. Only the candidates short listed at this stage will be invited to interview.
Contact details
For queries related to the programme please contact Sarah Richardson, Senior International Projects Officer.
Opportunity to join Bar Council business development visit to Singapore and South Korea, 26-30 March 2012
Plans are underway for a delegation comprised of representatives from the Bar Council led by Chairman Michael Todd QC to visit Singapore and Seoul from in the week beginning 26 March 2012. The visit aims to raise the profile of the Bar within both jurisdictions and promote the services barristers can offer international clients. It is also a unique opportunity for participating barristers to meet local lawyers, network and promote themselves and their chambers and increase their understanding of the legal markets.
Activities will likely include a market briefing from the local embassy, a seminar and reception with local lawyers and visits to local law firms.
If interested in participating in the visit and speaking at seminars please read the guidance document and complete the application form, complete it and then send it along with a CV (the CV is optional) to the Bar Council’s International Projects Officer (IPO) Sarah Richardson by 5.00pm Friday 3 February 2012.
The visit is supported by UK Trade & Investment, the Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy and assists overseas companies to bring their high-quality investment to the UK. In addition to their sponsorship, UK Trade & Investment are offering eligible chambers financial support through market visit grants.
The international professional and legal development grant programme-now accepting applications
The Criminal Bar Association, Commercial Bar Association, Family Law Bar Association, London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association, Personal Injury Bar Association and Technology and Construction Bar Association together with the Bar Council Scholarships Trust fund the 2012 grant programme. Now in its fourth year, the programme offers members of these specialist bar associations that are 7 years call or less, who are in employed or self-employed practice, financial assistance to participate in international legal events and conferences of their choice. The event must contribute to their professional development and legal practice and take place this year.
The cost of participating in such events is shared equally between the applicant, his or her SBA and the Trust. The grant programme thereby funds up to two thirds of the cost of participating in an international legal event.
The first deadline for applications to the grant programme is 5pm 24 February with another two taking place at 5pm on 18 May or 28 September.
For more information and directions on how to apply for the programme please refer to the guidance, application form, application budget and E&D form. and visit the international pages of the Bar Council website or see the attached documents. Any queries as to the application process and administration of the programme should be directed to Sarah Richardson.
