Pupillage

What we look for

Successful pupillage candidates will almost always have or expect a first class degree. We assesses candidates on the basis of a short mini-pupillage and an interview, taking up to four pupils per year. Details of our policies and selection criteria are available.

What we offer

At present the 20 Essex Street award is £55,000 of which £25,000 can be drawn down before starting pupillage. Pupils also keep their second six earnings on top of the pupillage award. Our pupils have the opportunity to work with barristers at the top of their profession at a highly successful and friendly set.

Recruitment process

Chambers recruits through the pupillage portal. We strongly encourage interested applicants to complete a mini-pupillage before applying for pupillage, and for pupillages to start in or after 2012 a mini-pupillage will be compulsory. Pupillage candidates selected for interview will discuss a legal problem provided shortly before the interview begins. We have found this a good way of identifying successful pupils; the process is appreciated by candidates who feel they have been challenged in a friendly and positive way. We also consider applications outside the pupillage portal scheme from candidates who are exempt. These applications should be made by posting or emailing a CV and covering letter to the Pupillage Committee. The level of award paid to exempt candidates will be determined in each particular case and, where appropriate, Chambers will apply for a waiver of the funding requirement for such pupils.

The work

Once in pupillage, the pupil's role is:

to carry out legal research
to draft statements of cases and skeleton arguments
to write opinions
to assist his or her supervisor at court and arbitration hearings
to attend conferences

Over the course of the year the pupil will work for as many members of chambers as possible, including the most junior. Pupils will also take part in a programme of advocacy exercises. We expect our pupils to work hard during the normal working week, but do not expect or allow them to work late hours in chambers or at weekends, or to take work home.

Beyond pupillage

Our aim is to recruit the very best pupils who will stand an excellent chance of being offered tenancy. We recruit junior tenants from our own pupils. Space in chambers is not a consideration, and there is no pre-determined number of places. If a pupil is good enough, he or she will be offered tenancy. For many years we have recruited at the average rate of more than one new tenant a year. New tenants enjoy generous concessions in their first year and can expect a busy and wide-ranging commercial practice and have the opportunity of secondments worldwide.

Further information

If you have any queries please email us at pupillage [at] 20essexst [dot] com.

We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for members, staff, pupils, mini-pupils, prospective tenants and prospective pupils, and we are equal opportunities employers. We provide various services for people with disabilities.