Preparing for Judicial Appointment and ‘Silk’

Developed in association with the Bar Council and the Law Society, our sessions are designed to help you prepare effectively for the Judicial appointment process and to maximise your chances of success.

JSB’s skilled and experienced consultants have helped a large number of applicants with the application form, preparation for the subsequent panel interview and the full selection process. Sessions are closely tailored to individual requirements, depending upon what stage you have reached. The emphasis may be on the self-assessment application process, preparation for interview or a mix of the two. Consultants can also offer advice on the qualifying test and role play element of selection exercises.

Help is provided on a “one-to-one” basis, or at specially arranged “In-Chambers” group sessions. Sessions take place at a time and place to suit applicants or prospective applicants – in one of our meeting rooms at our offices in Finchley, North London or at any agreed venue, which may be your own office or Chambers. We also offer sessions in Manchester and other locations, by prior agreement.

Confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Enquire about Preparing for Judicial Appointment

Developed in association with the Bar Council and the Law Society, our sessions are designed to help you prepare effectively for the QC appointment process and to maximise chances of success.

JSB’s skilled and experienced consultants have helped a large number of applicants with both the application form and with preparation for the subsequent panel interview. Sessions are closely tailored to individual requirements. The emphasis may be on the self-assessment application process, preparation for interview or a mix of the two.

Help is provided on a “one-to-one” basis, or at specially arranged “In-Chambers” group sessions. Sessions take place at a time and place to suit applicants or prospective applicants – in one of our consulting rooms at our offices in Finchley, North London or at any agreed venue, which may be your own office or Chambers. We also offer sessions in Manchester and other locations, by prior agreement.

Confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Enquire about Preparing for QC or ‘Silk’ Appointment

JSB Training and Development is a leading UK provider of training services for lawyers and other professionals. JSB’s specialist trainers combine training expertise and coaching skills with practical experience of helping professionals and others prepare for QC and judicial appointment applications and interviews.

Enquire about Preparing for Judicial Appointment

Enquire about Preparing for QC or ‘Silk’ Appointment

For further information, please call James Wilkinson on +44 (0)20 8371 7059 or email

Lysiane Bysh FCIPD CMC is a senior JSB management development consultant and trainer with particular expertise in interviewing, commnication skills, assessment centre design and career development.

Jill Earnshaw BSc PGCE LLB MSc is a barrister and former Dean of UMIST in Manchester, a part-time Chairman of Employment Tribunals and a former member of the Employment Tribunal Chairmen training panel.

Diane Hodgson BA MSc is Head of the Coaching and Management Development Group at JSB. A trainer for 18 years, she also provides one-to-one coaching for partners in professional firms and for senior executives.

Fiona McLaren MA, MSc, FCIPD is an experienced consultant and trainer and spent ten years leading the personnel and training department in a leading City law firm. She is a communication and interview skills specialist and an experienced coach and mentor, working mainly at partner level.

Jo Oliver BA Chartered MCIPD is a senior consultant with JSB, and an expert in management and career development and executive coaching. Previously Head of Training and Development at Marks and Spencer, Jo was also Head of London Operations for Coutts Career Consultants.

Angela Qureshi MSc is an experienced management consultant [Ernst & Young and Accenture], human resources specialist and management coach. She was formerly Head of Human Resources at Middlesex University. Angela has recently completed an MSc in Organisational Behaviour at Birkbeck, University of London.

Michele Rosenberg BA Chartered MCIPD is an experienced trainer, coach and counsellor with extensive experience in recruitment, assessment and selection.

Claire Sheldon BA Chartered MCIPD works at senior levels, coaching and training both interviewers and interviewees. An experienced JSB consultant, she has specialised in management and team development for over 20 years.

I thought I should let you know that I have been appointed as a DDJ (civil) and would obviously like to thank you for the invaluable session the day before the interview.
(Deputy District Judge applicant)

I am on the list for appointment following the 2008/2009 competition. This would not have happened without your expert assistance!
(District Judge applicant)

Many thanks for your very helpful work with my Silk application, which succeeded. Your help was invaluable, as well as being delivered at speed, and I am very grateful for it.
(Silk applicant)

Please pass on my thanks to your consultant for an excellent session. Their expertise helped guide me in the right direction and I still can't believe how much they managed to pack into 2 hours. I feel I have done my best at the interview and realise how terrible it could have been without some help.
(Recorder applicant)

Thanks for your help. I am pleased to say it worked out and I have taken Silk. I have recommended you so far to 3 other barristers, I hope they are sensible enough to use you.
(Silk applicant)

I got it!!! Thank you so much for all your help. I am quite sure the whole thing turned on the interview, and that thanks to you that went well.
(Silk applicant)

Just to let you know that I found out on Thursday that I have been successful in the Deputy DJ competition. I'm over the moon and would like to take this opportunity of thanking you all as I have no doubt at all that the coaching from you made a very big difference.
(Deputy District Judge applicant)

You did it - I have been successful in my application for Silk!
Many thanks, I am hugely grateful
(Silk applicant)

Just a short note to let you know my application for Silk was successful. Your assistance both in regard to filling in the form and in preparing for interview was invaluable. Likewise your efficiency in arranging to see me at very short notice was very much appreciated. I am recommending your services to friends. Thanks again for all your assistance.
(Silk applicant)

Thank you for your help; it was invaluable in getting me into the right mindset to deal with the interview.
(High Court Judge applicant)

Thanks very much. Your consultant was really brilliant and helped me put together something which I am very pleased with.
(Circuit Judge applicant)

I heard yesterday that my application in the Recorder competition had been successful, and wanted to thank you for the assistance you gave with the interview training. I believe it made a significant difference to my chances of success. If I ever reach the giddy heights of applying for a full time judicial appointment - then I'll be back!
(Recorder applicant)