Head of Careers (0.6FTE)

The Council of the Inns of Court (COIC) is a charity with the object of advancing education in the administration and practice of the law, including promoting high standards of advocacy. COIC advances this principally through the activities of the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA) which provides leadership, guidance and co-ordination in relation to the pursuit of excellence in advocacy and professional ethics for barristers. The role of the ICCA now includes the initial vocational training of barristers through the ICCA Bar Course.

The Role

The ICCA Bar Course was established in 2020 to provide a new and innovative approach to training the barristers and judges of the future. Since that time, ICCA students have achieved exceptional and unparalleled academic success and outstanding outcomes in securing pupillage and entering the profession.

The Head of Careers will play a pivotal role in building upon this success and supporting students undertaking the ICCA Bar Course, to secure pupillage and build long-term, fulfilling careers at the Bar. Working together with and reporting to the ICCA Vice-Dean, you will be a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual with experience of the legal profession, excellent interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to student success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Careers Support and Guidance
• Provide tailored 1:1 careers advice to Bar course students on pupillage, mini-pupillage, internships, and possible other legal and policy career pathways
• Review and offer detailed feedback on CVs, cover letters, and Pupillage Gateway applications
• Prepare students for interviews through mock interviews and advocacy exercises using a network of barristers to provide bespoke support where possible/necessary.
• Careers Education and Programming
• Design and deliver in-person and remote careers workshops, including sessions on:
• Understanding Bar training and the pupillage application process
• Understanding the Bar and its practice areas
• Application writing and interview technique
• Life at the self-employed and employed Bar
• Maintain and refresh online student resources to enhance careers provision
• Engagement with stakeholders
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with chambers, Inns of Court, legal employers, and legal recruiters
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of requirements, trends and developments in the recruitment of pupil barristers
• Organise and host careers panels, networking events, and presentations
• Represent the course externally to promote students to the profession
• Strategic Planning and Data
• Monitor and provide comprehensive data on securing pupillage, pupillage outcomes and career destinations
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure careers provision aligns with institutional objectives
• Embed inclusive practices to support students from all backgrounds to succeed
• Administrative support and assistance will be provided as and when required.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of the Bar of England and Wales and the pupillage application process
• Demonstrable experience supporting aspiring barristers or other legal professionals
• Strong interpersonal skills with an empathetic, student-focused approach
• Ability to deliver group sessions and one-to-one advice effectively
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Familiarity with equality, diversity, and inclusion best practices
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience engaging with professional stakeholders

Desirable Attributes

• Experience as a practising or non-practising barrister, or working closely with chambers or the Inns, or a background in higher education, legal training, or careers services
• Knowledge of emerging trends in the legal sector
• Line management experience

The Contract

COIC is seeking to appoint the Head of Careers on a permanent 0.6FTE (21 hours a week) contract. There will be a six-month probationary period.

• Salary £61,000 FTE per annum (0.6FTE)
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (Pro Rata)
• Death in Service Benefit
• 15% Defined Pension Contribution by the employer (after 3 months)
• Private Health Insurance (after completion of probation)
• Flexible/hybrid working

Location: The ICCA is currently based at 14 South Square, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5JJ. COIC values equality and diversity and is committed to ensuring its processes and procedures are fair, transparent, and free from unlawful discrimination.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your experience and motivation for the role to HR@coic.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 10.00am on Monday 1 September 2025.

You are welcome to contact Chris Kessling (ICCA Vice-Dean) for an informal discussion about the role; to do so please email: ckessling@icca.ac.uk.