Advocate Panels: Application Portal
The Advocate Panels Application Portal was launched in September 2020. All applicants to the CPS Advocate Panel are required to apply using the online application portal. The links for registration and for gaining access to applicant and referee dashboards are available on the right-hand sidebar (or below, if viewing on a smartphone). Helpful videos explaining the process for registration and applying can be found below.
All queries regarding the Advocate Panels Application Portal should be directed to: [email protected].
Application process Do's and Don'ts
Application process Do's and Don'ts
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Preparation
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Do read the published guidance. It is there to help you! | Don’t apply unless you have the expected level of trial advocacy experience e.g. Level 2 - 12 months plus |
| Do carefully consider the relevant Panel selection criteria to ensure you meet the requirements. | Don’t use multiple email addresses. If you already have an email address registered with the CPS Advocate Portal, use that. |
| Do view the video recording available on how to draft a good application available here. | Don’t input the wrong email address on the Advocate Panel Portal when notifying referees. |
| Do notify referees early – at least 28 days prior to the deadline. | |
| Do familiarise yourself with CPS Policies, the Code for Crown Prosecutors and Farquharson Guidelines. |
Drafting
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Do treat your application as an example of your written advocacy skills | Don’t list cases without clear and sufficient detail. |
| Do ensure examples are relevant to the level and/or Panel you are applying to join. | Don’t include your name anywhere on your application or supporting documents. |
| Do provide evidence for each criterion listed within the selection criteria. | Don’t use examples of insufficient complexity when applying for higher levels. |
| Do structure your examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). | Don’t write answers to questions in CAPITALS or in bold type. |
| Do focus on what YOU did and the outcome of your personal contribution. | Don’t submit supporting documents of more than 5 pages. |
| Do use R v initial when referring to cases, as opposed to full case names. | Don’t include hyperlinks in your application. |
Pre-submission
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Do format and proofread your application. | Don’t submit your application without checking your application against this checklist. |
Advocate Panels - Magistrates’ and Youth Court Panel
All relevant details about applying for the Panels
Details2020 Panel – General Crime and Rape and Serious Sexual Offences
All relevant details about applying for the Panels
DetailsApplication Portal explainer videos
Contents
- Advocate Panels Application Portal: New User Registration
- Application Portal: Dashboard and continuing your application
- Advocate Panel Application: Logging in
- Advocate Panel Application: Changing your details
- Tips on drafting a good online application
- Application Portal: Referee registration
- Application Portal: Complete a Reference