The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has just released the EPSO/AD/358/18 and EPSO/AD/359/18 Notice of Competition – calling forward applications for the Lawyer Linguist competition.
- Reference Number: EPSO/AD/358/18 and EPSO/AD/359/18
- Open for Applications: 17 May, 2018
- Application Deadline: has been extended till 3 July, 2018 (12-noon Brussels Time)
- Grade: AD7
- This competition includes a Talent Screener
Under the Lawyer Linguist (AD7) competition, the following profiles and reserve lists have been advertised, from which the Court of Justice in Luxembourg may recruit new members:
|
Competition Code |
Language |
Candidates Sought |
|
(EPSO/AD/358/18) |
German (DE) |
20 |
|
(EPSO/AD/359/18) |
Dutch (NL) |
16 |
While this notice covers two profiles, you can ONLY apply to ONE. It is important to note that you will not be able to change your choice once you have confirmed and validated your online application form.
Below we will explore the specifics of this competition and the selection process that you will need to undertake.
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Snapshot of the 2018 EPSO Lawyer-Linguist Competition (Court of Justice)
The deadline for registrations is 19 June 2018, at 12 midday (CET) giving applicants just about a month to apply.
This competition will recruit Lawyer-Linguist specialists functioning at the administrator level (AD7). Those recruited will be expected to revise legal/legislative texts in the language of the competition from at least two other languages, as well as provide advice on legislative drafting. Please see ANNEX I of the Notice of Competition for specific information about language combinations and qualifications being sought.
Successful applicants will be recruited by the Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates will need to satisfy the following:
- Have EU citizenship
- Fulfilled any military service requirements
- Meet the character requirements for the duties concerned
- Have knowledge of at least THREE official EU languages:
- Language 1: Have a perfect command (C2 level) of the competition language (either German or Dutch) - will be defined as your Language 1
- Language 2: Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) in French - will be defined as your Language 2
- Language 3: Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) of one of the 24 official EU languages. Must be different from your chosen Language 1 & 2 – will be defined as your Language 3
- Qualifications & Work Experience:
- No former professional experience is required
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies in law and satisfy specific diploma requirements, which need to be met for each profile. Please consult ANNEX I of the Notice of Competition for specific information on diploma requirements.
Selection Process
Please note: You must fill in your application form in your Language 1 – this means in either German for competition EPSO/AD/358/18 or Dutch for competition EPSO/AD/359/18.
1. SELECTION BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS
If the number of eligible participants is LESS than 20 times the number of successful candidates sought all candidates will be invited to the Translation Test phase.
If the number of eligible participants is MORE than 20 times the number of successful candidates sought, the selection board will screen all the applicants based on their Talent Screener answers.
In the latter scenario, candidates will be assessed on the data provided in their online application. Those candidates who score the highest based on their Talent Screener responses will be invited to the next phase of the competition - sit a Translation Test in one of EPSO’s accredited centers.
2. TRANSLATION TESTS
A maximum of 20 times the number of candidates sought for each profile will be invited to this phase. TWO computer-based translation tests will be undertaken:
|
Test |
Language |
Duration |
Pass Mark |
|
(a) Translation of a legal text (without a dictionary) |
From Language 2 into Language 1 |
110 minutes |
40/80 |
|
(b) Translation of a legal text (without a dictionary) |
From Language 3 into Language 1 |
110 minutes |
40/80 |
Please Note:
- If you fail test (a), your test (b) will not be marked.
- The mark obtained for the Translation Tests will be combined with the marks obtained in the Assessment Centre to give you your overall score.
3. ASSESSMENT CENTRE
Those who scored the highest marks in the Translation Tests will be invited to the Assessment Centre. A maximum of 4.5 times the number of successful candidates sought for each profile will be invited to this phase.
Please note that the Assessment Centre will most likely take place in Luxembourg and will be undertaken in your chosen Language 1.
This phase of the competition is made up of a series of computer-based multiple-choice questions and competency-based tests. The marks obtained during the Assessment Centre, as well as the Translation Tests will count towards your final competition score.
The computer-based multiple-choice question tests will contain the following:
|
Tests |
Language |
Question |
Duration |
Pass mark |
|
Verbal |
Language 1 |
20 questions |
35 min |
No minimum pass mark required |
|
Numerical |
Language 1 |
10 questions |
20 min |
No minimum pass mark required |
|
Abstract |
Language 1 |
10 questions |
10 min |
No minimum pass mark required |
Access Lawyer – Linguist computer-based multiple-choice practice packages here
In addition to the computer-based tests, eight general competencies and the specific competencies required for this competition will be tested during the Assessment Centre through three tests (each test will be conducted in your chosen Language 1):
- General competency-based Interview
- Specific competency-based Interview – will assess your specialist knowledge and command of your chosen Language 1 in the field of national law and European Union law. During the interview, you will be asked to give an oral presentation.
- Group Exercise
4. RESERVE LIST
After checking candidates’ supporting documents, the selection board will draw up a Reserve List for each profile of the eligible candidates who obtained the highest overall score, until the number of successful candidates sought is reached.
How Can You Apply?
Make sure to ALWAYS check the official Notice of Competition and understand the rules relating to the exams. For full details on the profiles and the selection procedure read the official Notice of Competition and the General Rules Governing Open Competitions to ensure you have the required qualifications and satisfy the eligibility criteria before applying.
To start the application process, click on your language below:
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Useful reading:
The Motivation Challenge - What To Write In Your EPSO Application?
How To Make The Most Of Your EPSO Talent Screener
13 Best EPSO Preparation Resources - Free and Paid
What EU Job Applicants Should Always Keep in Mind
6 Reasons Why EU Exam Candidates Fail