Pupillage Policy

We offer one funded pupillage each year. Pupillage is for 12 months with a review at six months. Pupils with a scientific or technical background (at least A level science or equivalent) are preferred, but, others will be considered in very exceptional circumstances.

Pupils will sit with 4 pupil supervisors during the year usually divided into the 4 quarters commencing on 1st October. During the 3rd quarter pupils will be encouraged to undertake work for other members of chambers and may attend Court with other members to ensure that they are able to complete all aspects of work required by the pupillage check list.

Each year pupils who are to be considered for a tenancy will receive an annual pupillage award of 30,000 paid quarterly at the start of each quarter. This sum is made up of a pupillage award of £15,000 for the first six months and an income guarantee of £15,000 for the second six months. In addition to the pupillage award, Chambers will pay course fees for compulsory education courses required during pupillage. Newly elected tenants are given financial assistance with Chambers expenses during the early stages of tenancy.

Pupillage at 8 New Square is structured to provide practical education and training as recommended by the Bar Council's Education and Training Department. Pupils will be given:

• (a) An understanding and appreciation of the operation in practice of the rules of conduct and etiquette at the Bar
• (b) Sufficient practical experience of advocacy to be able to completely prepare and present a case
• (c) Sufficient practical experience of conference and negotiation to be able to prepare and present a case competently
• (d) Sufficient practical experience in the undertaking of legal research and the preparation of drafts and opinions to be able to undertake the same competently.

The roles and duties of pupils follow the Bar Council's recommendations as set out in the current Pupillage File. Briefly, we expect pupils to work conscientiously, preserve confidentiality and comply with the rules and guidelines approved by the Bar Council.

Pupils are regularly taken on as tenants but there is no fixed rule as to the frequency. The record of Chambers in finding alternative tenancies in other Chambers or employment with leading firms of solicitors for pupils not taken on is very good.

Pupils who are accepted as tenants can expect to earn very well almost from the start. Earnings compare favourably with those in the best of commercial chambers.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY • SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT • COMPETITION