Pupillage IntroductionIf you are bright, highly motivated, ambitious and seeking to achieve a rewarding career at the Bar, then you should consider pupillage at 5 Essex Court. We are a successful, friendly and well organized set specialising in police law, public law, employment law and personal injury work. We have a well established, tried and tested pupillage programme which ensures the development of the key skills required to succeed at the Bar, and Chambers has a genuinely positive attitude towards the instruction of pupils. The environment in which pupils work is constructive and confidence enhancing, and our record of retaining pupils as tenants is strong.
Mini-Pupillages
Mini-pupillages are available for further education students and normally last one week. The intention will be for a mini-pupil to see a wide range of work. To apply for a mini-pupillage please complete the online application form - click here.
Pupillage Places
Chambers' policy is to offer two 12 month pupillage commencing in October with a view to a tenancy on completion of a successful pupillage.
Pupillage Finance
The Chambers' grant for pupillage is presently £20,000 per annum. This figure is reviewed annually. All earnings during the second-six are retained (subject to a 10% chambers' levy) by the pupil.
Application and Selection Procedure
Chambers are a member of OLPAS, the Bar Council's on-line pupillage application scheme. All details regarding the application forms and the closing date for applications are set out in full in the OLPAS Handbook which is available from the Bar Council; Chambers recruit pupils under the OLPAS (Summer) scheme. Applications are ordinarily to be made via OLPAS save in exceptional circumstances (for example those made by qualified solicitors).
Pupillage selection is made by the four members of the Pupillage Committee who read all applications following which agreement is reached on a list of candidates to be called for first interview. The interview will last approximately 20 minutes. The interview will aim to establish the character, commitment and ability of the candidate. It may include questions concerning the candidate's legal knowledge, and a practical legal exercise to perform before the interview panel. Applicants will have to fulfil the following criteria:-
1. Intellectual ability, normally a Degree at 2 (i) level or above;
2. Oral skills;
3. Appropriate legal knowledge;
4. Ability to think and work under pressure;
5. An original and analytical approach;
6. Interpersonal skills;
7. Enthusiasm and commitment;
8. Knowledge of the nature of work undertaken by Chambers.
Successful candidates will be short-listed for second interview.
Chambers has a firm policy against any form of discrimination.
Mini-pupillages will be taken into account when selecting candidates for interview and pupillage.
Chambers does not refund travelling expenses.
Offers of pupillage
Offers of pupillage will be made in accordance with the deadlines and timings laid down by OLPAS.
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