Not sure about who, when or how to nominate for this the Employed Bar Awards 2026?  Policy Team Administration Officer Jackie Shoard has some advice for you.

  1. Get your nomination in on time! We know how it is, everyone is busy, and it seems like the deadline is a way off but no nomination means no chance to win! This year’s deadline is Friday 26 June.
  2. Know two or three people who deserve to be nominated but you can’t decide which one? It doesn’t matter – you can nominate as many people as you want. Although there can only be one ‘winner’ of the award, shortlisted nominees will have the kudos of being nominated and their moment in the spotlight. Even if someone doesn’t quite make the shortlist, we will be sure to tell them they have been put forward. We won’t tell them by whom though, in case you are shy about that.
  3. Tell us why this person deserves an award; what have they worked on and contributed to within their career. For example, they might have done some of the following: provided high quality advice; shown excellence in advocacy; advanced the reputation of their organisation; worked on a case with impactful outcomes; championed and promoted the employed bar; supported colleagues or been an excellent role model. Perhaps they shine in some other way, that credits the employed bar. Whatever it is, please tell us, so that our panel has all right information to choose a worthy winner.
  4. Not sure whether your nominee meets all the criteria for the award? Don’t worry, you can nominate anyway. Our expert shortlisting panel will be able to decide if they are eligible.  Better to be eliminated at this stage than for your nominee to miss out on the chance because you were uncertain.
  5. Provide contact details for your nominated person – we need to tell them they have been nominated, especially if they are shortlisted. 
  6. Think the person you want to nominate is bound to be nominated by someone else? Please do nominate them! And also think about colleagues who haven’t yet been recognised for their work and nominate them too!

Submit your nominations now via our online web form.   

Jackie Shoard is a Policy Team Administration Officer at the Bar Council and looks after our Employed Barristers’ and Young Barristers’ Committees.