Other vacancies

Current vacancies:

UK Delegation to the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE)

Barrister Member for Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Advisory Group

Opportunity to Join the UK Delegation to the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE)

The Bar Council is inviting expressions of interest from practising members of the Bar of England and Wales to join the UK delegation to the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE).

The CCBE represents bars and law societies across Europe and is the leading voice of the legal profession at European level. Although the UK is an associate member post-Brexit, it remains an active and influential participant in the CCBE, working alongside colleagues from across Europe to engage on policy issues affecting the legal profession, the rule of law, and justice systems.

Role and commitments

As a member of the UK delegation, you will:

Contribute to policy discussions on behalf of the Bar of England and Wales

Represent UK interests and take an active role within CCBE committees and working groups which would typically meet c. twice per year (each delegation member is expected to join one committee or working group)

Collaborate with fellow UK delegation members and provide feedback to the Bar Council and wider profession

Attend approximately two-three in person meetings per year. Reasonable expenses for CCBE-related activity will be reimbursed. The dates of the 2025-2026 meetings are set out below. A delegation member is expected to attend two Plenary Sessions and also what is generally one in person delegation meeting in London, Belfast or Edinburgh. Each Standing Committees is attended by the Head of Delegation but is preceded by a delegation meeting which is generally held online at around 4-4.30 pm on the preceding Monday.

Standing Committee, 2 October 2025, Brussels

Plenary session,27 November 2025 Paris

Standing Committee, 12 February 2026 Vienna

Standing Committee, 27 March 2026 (TBC)

Plenary session, 29 May 2026 (TBC)

Standing Committee, 1 October 2026, Brussels

Plenary session, 20 November 2026

Requirements

We are looking for a practising barrister who:

Has a strong interest in legal policy, European cooperation, professional ethics and the rule of law on the European and international plane

Is able to engage constructively in international policy forums

Can commit to attending meetings and contributing to ongoing Committee work

Works well as part of a delegation and is confident in representing the Bar’s views.

Desirable skills and experience

A working understanding of the Council of Europe, the European Union, their institutions, and legal frameworks

French language skills (not essential, but desirable given the CCBE’s working languages) plus any other language skills

A track record in positive contributions to activities outside any individual’s client-related work.

How to apply

Please submit:

A statement of interest (no more than two sides of A4) outlining your suitability and motivation

A CV detailing relevant experience.

Send applications to [email protected] by Friday, 5 September 2025.

Vacancy: Barrister Member for Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Advisory Group (one position)

Term: c.3-year term (commencing immediately until 31 March 2028), possibility of re-appointment to a second term.

The Bar Council is looking to nominate a Barrister to join the Judicial Appointments Commission Advisory Group.

Judicial Appointments Commission Advisory Group

The JAC Advisory Group includes judges and practitioners from a range of backgrounds. The Group reviews the JAC’s test and selection materials before they are used and meets every 6 weeks throughout the year.

In summary, the purpose of the JAC Advisory Group is to work with the JAC and drafting judges to:

provide advice on, and work collaboratively to develop material associated with JAC selection exercises, and
where appropriate provide comments on JAC policy matters.

About Judicial Appointments Commission

The Commission comprises 15 Commissioners who are responsible for ensuring that the JAC fulfils its role, achieves its aims and objectives, and promotes the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources. The Chairman of the Commission meets regularly with partners including the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice, the Senior President of Tribunals, and the Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman. More information about the JAC can be found here.

About the role of JAC Advisory Group Member

The members normally meet 8 times in a year, all on Tuesday afternoons between 3-5pm usually remotely, but with one meeting a year in London; with occasional matters dealt with out-of-committee. An induction process will be arranged with the successful candidate.

Members are responsible for:

providing advice on selection exercises at the planning stages and contributing ideas towards the development of assessment materials;
working with drafting judges on the development of materials, with oversight by JAC;
deciding whether material is fit for purpose, non-discriminatory, and provides an equal opportunity to all eligible candidates.

The position is not remunerated.

Knowledge and experience

Applicants should ideally have the following:

a good understanding of the Judiciary;
interest in/experience of JAC processes;
interest in/experience of recruitment selection criteria;
experience/understanding of working as a member of a Committee;
strong analytical skills; and
awareness of diversity matters.

Applications will be presented to the General Management Committee of the Bar Council who are responsible for selecting the successful candidate based on merit.

How to apply

Advisory Group Terms of Reference

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Applicants should send a copy of their CV accompanied by a short written statement stating their suitability for the role and describing their skills and experience, to:

Justina Naik, Governance and Committees Manager at [email protected].

Application close date: Friday, 8 August 2025