Pupillage at Chancery House Chambers
Over recent years we have expanded in line with the increased requirement for specialist counsel from large regional firms and the Leeds based Mercantile Court. As part of this continuing process Chambers is able to offer a pupillage each year. Pupillages are offered with a view to a tenancy.
Suitable Candidates
In selecting a pupil we are looking for a potential member of Chambers who has the ability and motivation to succeed in building a practice in Leeds. The successful candidate will have demonstrated an ability to specialise in either Commercial or Chancery law. They will have been selected not only for their academic ability but also their potential as an advocate. Chambers looks for an outstanding individual who has the ability to demonstrate good commercial awareness. An exceptional academic record is essential, with a requirement of either a First or high Upper Second degree or with prospects of the same (although special circumstances will be considered). Chancery House Chambers adheres to and supports the Bar Council's policies on equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
Structure of Pupillage
Throughout their time in Chambers pupils are allocated both a pupil supervisor and a pupil mentor. Both the supervisor and the mentor advise, monitor and assist the pupil during the course of pupillage. In the first three months in Chambers the pupil will spend the majority of their time with their supervisor, observing the supervisor’s work and undertaking connected tasks. During the second three month period of pupillage, the pupil will start to spend time with and undertake work for other members of Chambers. As each member of Chambers has different practices we want all our pupils to gain the widest range of experience in all areas of work we undertake. Finally, during the second six month of their pupillage, pupils will start to do work in their own name. In addition to their own work, pupils will still be asked to become involved with the work of their supervisor and other members of Chambers. Chambers seeks to ensure that all pupils complete a specialist pupillage checklist that is most suitable to their intended area of practice.
Funding
An award of £40,000 accompanies the pupillage and is structured so as to provide a £20,000 grant for the first six months (of which £8,000 can be drawn down at the commencement of the BVC) and guaranteed earnings of £20,000 for the second six months. In addition Chambers pays for all compulsory courses undertaken during pupillage and all reasonable travel expenses incurred during the first six months of pupillage. In respect of the practising second six months of pupillage, Chambers makes no charges or deductions in respect of any fees received.
Applications
Whilst Chambers is not a member of OLPAS, all pupillages offered are advertised on www.pupillages.com. Details of deadlines for applications can be found on this website under Chambers’ entry. All applications should be by application form, a copy of which can be downloaded below or obtained from Jonathan French, Chambers' Pupillage Officer.
Download application form
Third Six Pupillage
Chambers offers 3rd six pupillages to individuals of exceptional merit. Details are available from Jonathan French, Chambers' pupillage officer.