We do not expect applicants to have any knowledge of commercial law when they apply to us and we recognise that many, in particular non-law graduates, will not have had an opportunity to study the areas of law in which we practise. We do, however, expect applicants to have the strong analytical and intellectual abilities that are necessary to meet the demands of commercial practice. For this reason, we do not interview candidates who do not have a first or a good upper second class degree, save in very exceptional circumstances.
It is also important that our pupils have the potential to become good advocates. For this reason we ask all applicants who are invited to an interview to prepare and present a short advocacy exercise, usually an application for permission to appeal to the House of Lords.
Applicants are accordingly assessed by reference to the following criteria:
- A first class degree or a good 2:1
- Lively intelligence
- Advocacy skills
- Sound judgment
- Written skills: presenting arguments, giving advice and drafting documents
- Oral skills: ability to communicate with solicitors, clients and experts
- Ability to absorb information from extensive documentation
- Ability to analyse documentation and oral information, and to identify salient issues
- Attention to detail
- Professional stamina/capacity for hard work
- Resilience
- Ability to work alone and as part of a team
- Commitment to a career at the Commercial Bar
- Sense of responsibility
