Take Your Advocacy Further with the Young Independent Counsel Scheme
SILE is sharing this announcement from the Supreme Court for young lawyers who are keen to develop their advocacy skills.
Looking to gain advocacy experience and take on complex questions of law early in your legal career?
The Supreme Court’s Young Independent Counsel (YIC) scheme offers young lawyers a unique opportunity to develop as advocates by addressing difficult legal questions, engaging meaningfully with the Bench and bringing fresh, independent perspectives to assist the court.
YICs are appointed for a one-year term and may be assigned to suitable civil and criminal matters before the General Division of the High Court, the Appellate Division of the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
As a YIC, you can:
- Gain valuable courtroom experience and hone your advocacy skills through written and oral submissions
- Strengthen your legal research and analysis by developing and presenting an independent, considered view
- Gain early exposure to complex legal work and greater visibility within the legal profession
- Contribute to the development of the law in novel areas
Who can apply?
Those who meet the following criteria:
- Possess good academic grades
- Be a qualified person under the Legal Profession Act
- Have at least two years of experience as an advocate and solicitor or a Legal Service Officer and/or Judicial Service Officer
- Be within 10 years of becoming a qualified person
Applications for the 2027 YIC scheme are now open and will close on 23 October 2026.
Find out more about the YIC scheme here and submit your application here.