Pupillage

Iscoed Chambers recruits for up to two pupils per year through the Bar Council's Pupillage Gateway www.pupillagegateway.com

The pupillages will be divided into two six month periods with a different pupil supervisor for each six month period. We currently offer pupillages in general common law, criminal law, family (as to six of the twelve months) and general chancery (as to six of the twelve months). So far as is possible pupillage will be structured to reflect the pupil’s principal areas of interest as available within Chambers.  Pupils will attend court and conferences with their pupil supervisors and also undertake research and written work throughout the twelve month period. During the second six months pupils have rights of audience and are able to undertake cases on behalf of clients under the supervision of their pupil supervisor. The type of work that pupils can expect in the second six months encompasses Magistrates Court work, Tribunals and County Court cases. Pupils will be encouraged to attend court with junior tenants.

Applications should be made through the Pupillage Gateway on the standard application provided through the system.

The pupillage committee will be screening applications for evidence of:

  • Firm commitment to the Bar,
  • A good academic/ employment record;
  • A particular interest in areas of law in which members of Chambers practice.

Interviews

Pupillage interviews are conducted by a panel representing a cross section of Chambers’ practice areas and experience. The format of the interview will be the same for each candidate. Interviewees will be expected to prepare an oral presentation.

Remuneration

Each pupil will receive the minimum pupillage allowance as specified by the Bar Standards Board during the twelve month period paid in equal instalments at the end of each calendar month. The award comprises of a grant during the first six months and guaranteed earnings during the second six months. Chambers will fund the cost of any compulsory course which the pupil is required to attend.  No chambers admin charges will be made to pupils in their second six.  Any earnings over the guaranteed earnings will belong to the pupil.

Mini-pupillages

Iscoed Chambers receives many requests for work experience placements and operates a formal scheme to allow law students to get experience with a practising barrister. The scheme is open to degree students in the second or final year or on the Bar Vocational Course.
Chambers normally offers 8 mini pupillages per year, of one week’s duration, during the summer vacation, although applications will be considered for other times of the year. You may indicate a preference for a particular week. As Chambers receives a large number of applications we are more likely to accommodate you if you can indicate a broad range of dates.

Our mini pupillage year runs from the 1 June to the following 31 May. Applications must be received on or before the 31 May. The results of all applications will be notified soon after the 31 May.

Applications should be made on Chambers’ mini pupillage application form.

Please send completed forms by email to rhian@iscoedchambers.co.uk or by post to Chambers' address marked 'Mini-pupillage'.

Please also note that Chambers is unable to offer mini pupillage to candidates unless they have begun a University degree course (not necessarily in Law) or are studying for another qualification (e.g. CPE) that can lead to a career at the Bar.