Those applying to Chambers for pupillage through the pupillage gateway are strongly advised to use the information here for guidance in completing their application forms online. Chambers receives hundreds of applications each year for pupillage and competition is strong. We promote equal opportunity in Chambers and therefore encourage candidates to apply from backgrounds that have not traditionally been well represented at the bar.
Stage 1
Consideration of application forms and short listing of candidates for first round interview.
Stage 2
First round interviews usually held via video conference.
Stage 3
Second interviews and final selection. Offers made via the Pupillage Gateway.
The criteria set out below is used to identify a shortlist of candidates following consideration of all application forms received. The number of candidates to be shortlisted, depends on the number of pupillages being advertised each year. Those that have been successful in reaching the interview stage will be informed via the gateway.
| Marks Available | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Achievement | Up to 6 marks | ||
| Intellectual Aptitude | Up to 4 marks | ||
| Law Related Experience | Up to 4 marks | ||
| Other Relative Life Experience | Up to 4 marks | ||
| Other Exceptional factors | 2 marks | ||
Scores will be reduced by 1 mark if presentation on the application form is not satisfactory.
When completing your application form, try to be succinct and focus upon the main points which will help your application. Should you feel that your academic ability is not accurately reflected in your results or projected results or if there are other personal circumstances of importance, you should explain this on your form.
Other attributes such as ability to relate to clients and colleagues, empathy and intellectual and advocacy ability will be judged at the interview stage.
Only candidates achieving a 2.1, save in wholly exceptional circumstances, will be interviewed. Any such circumstances should be detailed in your application. Top marks will be awarded for a 1st or a projected 1st, or a 2:1 with high marks in a relevant subject or further study in a relevant subject e.g. criminal law for a criminal pupillage). Middle range marks will be awarded for a 2.1 or a projected 2.1 with no high marks or direct relevance to the subject area. Suitable equivalent qualifications from institutions overseas will be considered.
Up to 4 marks will be awarded for intellectual aptitude including the potential for oral and written advocacy. Scholarships, publications or prizes, campaigning and mooting are all examples of ways in which such aptitude can be demonstrated.
Up to 4 marks are available for any legal experience other than legal education. Mini pupillages, work for NGO or at a law centre may all count as legal experience.
Chambers is keen to attract candidates from beyond the traditional pool of legal recruits and up to 4 marks may be awarded therefore for anyone demonstrating life experiences from which they have acquired skills or insights relevant to the work of a barrister.
Up to 2 marks will be awarded for any additional relevant factors. Details of hardship or illness should be detailed on the application form. The mark may be awarded where a candidate has shown exceptional commitment or endeavour which could not properly be recognised in the scores elsewhere available on the application.
A panel of up to 3 members of Chambers will carry out the first stage interviews. You could expect interviews to last approximately 20 minutes. All candidates will be asked the same core questions, there may be some additional follow up questions depending on the answers given by the candidate. Once all interviews are completed, a moderation process takes place to identify the top scoring candidates. The number of candidates progressing to second stage interviews will depend on the number of pupillages available. Successful candidates will be informed via the gateway.
A panel of up to 5 members of Chambers will form the final interview panel with a view to representing the diversity of Chambers. Candidates should expect representation from our members in the practice area to which they have applied. Offers of pupillage will be made via the Pupillage Gateway. Chambers also makes every effort to speak to successful candidates via telephone on results day.