Pupillage

Recruitment of pupils is undertaken through the Pupillage Gateway.  Please indicate on your application form in which branch of Chambers you would like to do your pupillage.

Bertram Beor-Roberts, describes the application process:

“There are two rounds of pupillage interviews. The first is a short panel interview focusing on a legal problem. The second is an assessed mini-pupillage lasting for three days. Two days are spent with different members of chambers. The other is set aside for the candidate to draft a written opinion.

Inevitably, this is an intense process. Nevertheless, I felt that it was a realistic and detailed assessment. Over the course of the two rounds, I was asked to demonstrate both written and oral reasoning, legal knowledge, research skills and practical awareness. I had been assessed by several members of chambers and had two days to show my general attitude and approach to life as a pupil. Most importantly of all, I felt that if nothing else, I had at least been given a fair chance to prove myself.”

Pupillage Selection Criteria:

Intellectual ability

• Ability to apply abstract concepts to concrete facts
• Ability to think logically
• Ability to think creatively
• Ability to think on one’s feet
• Numeracy

Personal Qualities 

• Integrity
• Independence
• Judgment
• Resilience/tenacity
• Ability to work under pressure

Communication Skills

• Ability to write clearly
• Ability to communicate effectively orally with wide range of people
• Ability to listen
• Ability to appear confident, receptive and open.

Commitment

• To life at the bar
• To the kind of work undertaken in chambers