6KBW College Hill is committed to making itself and the legal profession as accessible, welcoming and supportive as possible for those interested in pursuing a career at the Bar. As part of that commitment, we are pleased to be launching our advocacy competition in 2023.
The competition will provide an opportunity to develop advocacy skills in a criminal law context and be open to any individual who:
- is in their final year of any university degree; or
- is undertaking the GDL, LPC, BTC; or
- is a university graduate interested in pursuing a career the Criminal Bar;
and, at the closing of submissions, does not have pupillage or a training contract.
Please see below for details of this year’s competition.
About the Competition
Training Session: 4 November 2023
Before the competition begins, participants will have the opportunity to take part in an online training session run by Members of Chambers. This will provide guidance on conducting a sentencing hearing (whether prosecuting or defending) and the basics of questioning witnesses and making a closing speech in a criminal trial.
First Round: 15 November 2023
During the first round of the competition, participants will prosecute or defend in a Crown Court sentencing hearing. This round will take place at 6KBW College Hill and will be judged by Members of Chambers. If necessary, it will be possible for participants to attend the first round remotely.
Second Round: 6th December 2023
During the second round, participants will prosecute or defend in a Crown Court trial which will take place at the Old Bailey in front of a Circuit Judge. This will involve a cross-examining a live witness and making a brief closing speech. A contribution towards travel costs for those attending from outside London will be available.
Following the final round, all participants from both rounds are warmly invited to attend a drinks reception with Members of Chambers.
How to Enter
If you are interested in entering the competition, please send an email to events@6kbw.com by 7 October 2023. In your email, please send us a brief CV and tell us (in no more than 500 words) why you would benefit from participating in this competition. We will do a paper sift of the applications.
Please note that we are unable to provide feedback on any entry to the competition.
