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 civil law (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, mainly during the summer vacation but some mini pupillages will be offered 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 minipupillage@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.
Previous mini pupils have said:
- It’s been incredibly invaluable and I can’t thank you and Chambers enough for the experience I’ve gained.
- I am emailing to thank yourself, chambers, clerks, Mr Murphy and Mr Veck for this amazing opportunity. This was by far the best mini-pupillage I have had.
- Thank you for accepting my application and for arranging the week. Every barrister has been very welcoming and ensured that I have got the most out of my time with you.
- I’m just emailing to say thank you for giving me the opportunity of a mini-pupillage at Chambers last week. I thoroughly enjoyed and found the experience extremely insightful.
- I just wanted to thank everyone at Iscoed Chambers for the excellent mini-pupillage experience last week. I appreciate you, Georgia, George, and Connor for giving up your time to show me the daily life of a barrister and for answering all of my questions. Also, thanks to you and the clerks for organising such an insightful and varied week!
- As I am now finished with the mini, I just wanted to drop an email to say thank you to you and all those who took me under their wing this past week. It has been an incredibly enjoyable and insightful week, and for that I am grateful.