“…….indelibly linked with quality……….” Chambers & Partners Directory 2008

• leading defence set • £18,000 pa pupillage award • comprehensive training

Introduction

25 Bedford Row is committed to providing quality pupillages which offer talented junior practitioners the opportunity to succeed at the Criminal Bar. Practising at the Criminal Bar is a challenging and demanding profession, but we are confident that the supervision of first class defence practitioners coupled with our programme of in house and external training will provide aspiring practitioners with the skills and expertise they require to meet those challenges.

The professional achievements of our members enable our pupils to work with leading practitioners in all areas of criminal specialisms. Some members of Chambers are also involved in international human rights work and pupils are often asked to assist in research and preparation for this work.

Selection Process

12 Month Pupillages

25 Bedford Row is a member of the On-line Pupillage Application System (OLPAS). We will only accept applications for pupillage through this system (except where the Bar Council exempts applicants from applying through our chosen application procedure of OLPAS). We recruit four twelve month pupils each year and accept applications through the OLPAS summer season only.

In selecting our pupils, we have a 4 stage process. Firstly, all written OLPAS applications will be reviewed by a panel of tenants. They will be looking for applications which appear to demonstrate a commitment to criminal law, a sound academic background and appropriate voluntary and paid work experience. Those who are short listed for interview will be invited for a 10-15 minute informal interview with a small panel of tenants. The purpose of the interview is to determine the applicant’s ability to present an argument, respond to intervention and their social skills.  Successful applicants at this stage will be invited for a second interview which will involve an advocacy exercise. Details of the exercise will be given on arrival and all candidates will receive appropriate preparation time. The exercise will be followed by a more rigorous interview and the panel will be looking for candidates who display a passion and flair for advocacy and who are persuasive in their argument. Finally the shortlist of candidates will be invited to chambers to see how we work and to ask questions of junior tenants and working pupils in a more informal environment.

Funding

Our funding continues to be one of the more competitive amounts. All twelve month pupils will receive a £9,000 grant for the non-practising six months of pupillage and guaranteed receipts of at least £9,000 during their second six months. Our pupils are normally in court once or twice a day and Chambers has a reputation for having sufficient work to keep pupils busy. In addition, Chambers pays for the continuing education courses which a pupil is required to undertake during pupillage and also provides assistance with travel. Travel outside London is funded by Chambers.

In reflection of their fully qualified status, Third Six pupils, whilst retaining all their earned receipts, are expected to pay a small charge of 10% of earnings as their contribution to the running costs of Chambers.

Structure

Every pupil will be placed with a different pupil supervisor for two six month periods, thereby enabling our pupils to be involved with as broad a range of work as possible.

Throughout the twelve month period, pupils will take part in our in-house advocacy training programme, delivered by experienced practitioners. The programme is a mix of seminars and practical exercises, aimed at developing up to date knowledge of the court system and practical advocacy skills. Mock courts are regularly used to test the growing knowledge and confidence of our pupils. Chambers also organises a 1 week work placement with a firm of solicitors during the first six months, so that pupils can appreciate the complete criminal process. Pupils are also encouraged to work with various voluntary organisations, including the Bar Pro Bono Unit and various advice bureaux.

3rd Six Pupillages

Third Six pupils are also encouraged to take part in our in-house advocacy training programme and may well find some of the topics covered are new to them or in areas where their skill set requires updating or enhancement.

We do have periodic vacancies for third six pupils; if you are interested in applying for a third six, please submit a CV and covering letter addressed to the Chair of the Pupillage Committee.

Applying to join us

Chambers has a firm commitment to equal opportunities and welcome and encourage applications from all sections of society, regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or age.

Mini Pupillage/Work Experience