Legal Knowledge, Skills and Competence

Knowledge of the Law

• A high level of expertise in the applicant’s area of practice
• Good working knowledge of at least one other area of substantive law commonly encountered in the Sheriff Court or evidence of motivation and ability to acquire sufficient knowledge
• Good working knowledge of the law of evidence
• Knowledge of the principles of natural justice and Sheriff Court practice and procedure, including the conduct of jury trials

Skills and Competence in the Interpretation and Application of the Law

• Ability to analyse complex legal problems and apply the law correctly
• Ability to analyse and interpret case law and statute
• Ability to apply the law in unfamiliar areas

 Personal and Judicial Qualities 

Managing Work Effectively

• Manages cases and time effectively
• Is diligent and hard-working
• Is confident in managing the court/hearing process
• Is able to deliver work at speed and under pressure

Communicating Effectively

• Establishes authority and inspires respect and confidence
• Modifies communication style to meet the needs of different court users
• Listens with patience and respect
• Produces written work that is clear, concise and well-reasoned

Exercising Judgement

• Remains impartial and open minded and is seen to be fair to all
• Is able to analyse and assess complex evidence and arguments
• Is able to reason clearly
• Is confident in judging and making independent decisions in the face of challenge

Working With Others

• Understands people and society
• Allows people to give of their best
• Is even-tempered and consistent
• Treats people with respect and sensitivity

Mind-set

• Shows an understanding of and commitment to the role and to public service
• Is self-aware and uses feedback and self-reflection to develop

Legal Knowledge, Skills and Competence

Knowledge of the Law

• A high level of expertise in the applicant’s area of practice
• Good working knowledge of at least one other area of substantive law commonly encountered in the Sheriff Court or evidence of motivation and ability to acquire sufficient knowledge
• Good working knowledge of the law of evidence
• Knowledge of the principles of natural justice and Sheriff Court practice and procedure

Skills and Competence in the Interpretation and Application of the Law

• Ability to analyse complex legal problems and apply the law correctly
• Ability to analyse and interpret case law and statute
• Ability to apply the law in unfamiliar areas

Leadership and Management Skills

Strategic Objectives and Implementation

• Ability to identify and shape strategic objectives which are relevant and practical
• Ability to identify, build and sustain effective relationships within and beyond the Sheriffdom to facilitate the effective and efficient administration of justice, including the management of change
• Ability to plan effectively for the implementation to objectives
• Ability to make decisions and achieve their implementation

Ability to Provide Effective Leadership with Clarity, Purpose, and By Example

• Ability to inspire confidence, command respect and gain commitment from others
• Ability to support and promote the professional and personal development of judicial colleagues in the Sheriffdom
• Ability to set, model and promote the highest standards of judicial conduct
• Ability to lead a team effectively

Ability to Manage and Deploy Resources Effectively

• Ability to manage available resources effectively, taking into account plans, priorities and risks
• Ability to organise your own time, and that of others, effectively

Personal and Judicial Qualities

Managing Work Effectively

• Manages cases and time effectively
• Is diligent and hard-working
• Is confident in managing the court/hearing process
• Is able to deliver work at speed and under pressure

Communicating Effectively

• Establishes authority and inspires respect and confidence
• Modifies communication style to meet the needs of different court users
• Listens with patience and respect
• Produces written work that is clear, concise and well-reasoned

Exercising Judgement

• Remains impartial and open minded and is seen to be fair to all
• Is able to analyse and assess complex evidence and arguments
• Is able to reason clearly
• Is confident in judging and making independent decisions in the face of challenge

Working with Others

• Understands people and society
• Allows people to give off their best
• Is even-tempered and consistent
• Treats people with respect and sensitivity

Mind-set

• Shows an understanding of and commitment to the role and to public service
• Is self-aware and uses feedback and self-reflection to develop

Legal Knowledge, Skills and Competence

Knowledge of the Law

• A high level of academic and legal learning
• A high level of expertise in the applicant's area of practice
• In-depth knowledge of at least some of the areas of substantive law most commonly encountered in the Supreme Courts of Scotland
• Thorough knowledge of the law of evidence
• Thorough knowledge of practice and procedure in the Supreme Courts of Scotland

Interpretation and Application of the Law

• Exceptional ability to analyse complex legal problems
• Excellent skills in the interpretation and analysis of case and statute law
• Ability to apply the law in unfamiliar areas

Personal and Judicial Qualities

Managing Work Effectively

• Manages cases and time effectively
• Is diligent and hard-working
• Is confident in managing the court/hearing process
• Is able to deliver work at speed and under pressure

Communicating Effectively

• Establishes authority and inspires respect and confidence
• Modifies communication style to meet the needs of different court users
• Listens with patience and respect
• Produces written work that is clear, concise and well-reasoned, legally sound and timely

Exercising Judgement

• Remains impartial and open minded and is seen to be fair to all
• Is able to analyse and assess complex evidence and arguments
• Is able to reason in a clear and rational way
• Is confident in judging and making decisions

Working With Others

• Understands people and society
• Allows people to give their best
• Is even-tempered and consistent
• Treats people with respect and sensitivity

Mind-set

• Shows an understanding of and commitment to the role and to public service
• Uses feedback and self-reflection to develop
• Acts with humility and common sense
• Commitment to fair and impartial administration of justice