Pupillages

At 4 King’s Bench Walk, we recognise that pupillage is an important stage of a barrister’s career. First and foremost, it is an opportunity to develop the skills which the pupil will use throughout his or her practice and to observe others putting those skills into practice. Second, it is a time for the pupil to get to know the individuals who make up Chambers and to decide whether he or she wants to build his or her career amongst them. Third, it is an opportunity for the pupil to put developing skills into practice and, hopefully, to secure a tenancy. We do not embrace the old-fashioned perception of pupillage as a year-long interview. Whilst securing a tenancy is an important aim for most of our pupils, we believe that the emphasis of a pupillage at 4 King’s Bench Walk should be on the pupil’s development as a barrister as well as on his or her assessment as a future tenant. Our pupillages are, we hope, designed to achieve this goal.

In developing this philosophy Chambers prides itself on offering a modern innovate approach to pupillage. Chambers operates a structured development of advocacy and skills training in the first sixth months leading to a second sixth that will be strong in court advocacy. Chambers experience shows this route develops strong advocates in both civil and criminal minded pupils with advanced skills in case management and preparation.

Applicants for first 6th pupillage will be expected to have performed at a high academic level and show a commitment to develop their acquired legal skills for successful practice at the bar. At the completion of 4 months pupils will undertake a range of assessed work and interviews, upon successful completion a second sixth pupillage will be offered.

Applicants for 2nd or 3rd sixth pupillages must demonstrate a solid grounding in basic practice and procedure in either criminal or civil law. Prior to selection applicant’s should expect to produce examples of written work and references for both academic training and also professional work.

At each stage of the interview process, Chambers strives to apply the guidance set out in Equality Code for the Bar. In particular, care is taken to ensure:

• interviews have a common structure and that similar questions are asked of each candidate;
• questions will avoid personal relationships and family composition which are irrelevant to suitability;
• no assumptions will be made about a candidate’s abilities or potential based upon age, race, sex, sexual orientation or disability.

Mini-pupillage

Mini pupillages are a vital part of our applications process and Chambers ethos. For individuals interested in acquiring further experience of the Bar, common law work, and Chambers in particular, 4 King’s Bench Walk offers mini-pupillages of 3 or 5 days’ duration throughout the legal year.

A mini-pupil typically spends time with several different members of Chambers and can expect to attend court, mediation/tribunal hearings or conferences; in addition there may be an opportunity to look at papers and do legal research. Generally mini-pupillages are not assessed. They represent an opportunity for the mini-pupil to get a better idea of the practice and people of 4 King’s Bench Walk.

Candidates are encouraged to apply for a mini-pupillage as far in advance as possible; Chambers receives many applications and spaces fill up quickly.

To apply, please send:

(a) a covering letter expressing the reasons for your interest in the Bar and 4 King’s Bench Walk, and giving an indication of the dates when you will be available for the next 6 months; and

(b) a CV with a breakdown of results achieved in any examinations undertaken to date.