JULIAN SHELLEY

Currently a Bar Practice Course student with over 28 years of entrepreneurial experience, owning and managing multiple hospitality businesses. My experiences in self-employment have displayed commercial acumen, strategic problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are highly transferable to a career at the Bar and are complemented by extensive mooting experience.

References are available upon request.

Politics, current affairs, travel, walking, badminton, sea swimming, law

• Marshalling, Court of Appeal (Royal Courts of Justice) | June 2025 - Gained invaluable first-hand insight into high-level appellate advocacy and judicial decision-making (LJ Geraldine Andrews).
• Marshalling, The Old Bailey | May 2025 (HHJ L Tayton KC) - Observed criminal proceedings and courtroom advocacy, gaining insights into the challenges faced by the legal profession.
• Westlaw Christmas Mooting Competition (Aberystwyth University) - December 2024: Invited to join the judging panel. Advising students on effective communication and mooting skills.
• Bar Course Representative, Gray's Inn | October 2024 – Present - Representing student interests, fostering communication between students and Gray’s Inn.
• Mini-Pupillage, Cobden House Chambers (Manchester) | October 2024 - Gained practical insights into advocacy styles, court procedures, and client conference dynamics.
• Attended a 'Selection Day' for Gray's Inn Vis Moot Team (Upon successful completion of 6-week International Arbitration course) | September 2024 - Undertook research into international commercial law and arbitration, developing advanced legal research and analytical skills.
• Observational Sessions – Rolls Building (Insolvencies and Companies Court) | September 2024 - Observed commercial litigation, enhancing understanding of insolvency proceedings.
• National 'Speed Mooting' Autumn Cup (London) - September 2024: Reached 2nd round, demonstrating strong oral advocacy and legal argument skills.
• Observational Sessions – Royal Courts of Justice (London) - July 2024 - Observed a diverse range of legal proceedings with an emphasis on jurisdictional complications.
• Wales Intervarsity Moot & Supreme Court Moot Semi-Finalist (Aberystwyth University) - April 2024: Participated in multiple internal and inter-university competitions, providing valuable mooting experience, research and legal reasoning.
• Persuasive communication and presence through extensive acting experience in theatre, film, and television (including Channel 4 series 'Four in a Bed').

• Over 28 years of continuous self-employment, encompassing ownership and management of up to four hospitality businesses simultaneously and demonstrating resilience and determination in challenging economic climates (COVID-19).
• Strategic Business Management: Owned and operated a portfolio of ventures, including hotels, guest houses, restaurants/cafes, retail (academic bookshop), and property development.
• Financial & Commercial Acumen: Managed key responsibilities encompassing budgeting, financial planning, and revenue growth across diverse hospitality and retail sectors. Developed an understanding of business mechanics and the challenges faced within the industry.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations: Cultivated strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners, effectively negotiating contracts and resolving complex commercial challenges. Recognised the significant value of Alternative Dispute Resolution in fostering effective outcomes, along with customer retention.
• Social Responsibility & Philanthropy: Established and sustained a philanthropic initiative that provided accommodation and employment opportunities for individuals at risk of homelessness, demonstrating a profound commitment to social justice and community welfare. Furthermore, gained an insight into the complex issues relating to homelessness and the need for effective engagement.