Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
11 South Square is a leading set specialising in intellectual property law. We are regularly awarded Set of the Year in the IP category at both the Chambers and Legal 500 Bar Awards.
Intellectual property law is a varied area of practice: the subject matter ranges from pharmaceuticals to fashion, and from telecoms to music. We welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds who seek an intellectually challenging area of law, a wide variety of work, and opportunities for advocacy early in their career.
Work undertaken: Members of 11 South Square regularly appear before the High Court, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, the UK Intellectual Property Office, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
Representation and advice in patent and other matters involving scientific and technical subject matter is an important part of Chambers’ work. Due to their technical expertise, many members act in general commercial disputes involving computer software, IT, and other technologies. The conduct of such cases requires IP barristers to be able to gain a thorough understanding of the particular technology involved, which may initially be unfamiliar to them. Prospective pupils are expected to demonstrate that they have the ability rapidly to become conversant with new technical subject-matter. While experience or academic study of science or technology is an excellent way to demonstrate such an ability, it is not essential to become a successful IP barrister. Indeed, many of the most successful IP barristers do not have science or engineering degrees.
11 South Square has also been involved in many of the recent important cases in the areas of trade marks, passing off, design right, copyright, performers’ rights, confidential information and also the law of privacy, personality and celebrity endorsement. Some members have particular expertise in disputes involving data protection.
Notable recent cases include: Sandoz v Bristol-Myers Squibb (a patent case concerning the blood-thinning drug apixaban); Lidl v Tesco (a trade mark and copyright infringement dispute over Tesco’s blue and yellow “Clubcard” logo); Abbott v Dexcom (a long-running dispute involving several patents relating to continuous blood glucose monitors) Lifestyle Equities v Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (a trade mark dispute about polo club logos used on clothing); Regeneron Pharmaceuticals v Kymab (a Supreme Court case involving a patent for transgenic mice); Optis v Apple (patent trials and determination of FRAND licences in the telecoms field); Oxford University Innovation v Oxford Nanoimaging (a dispute about ownership of intellectual property relating to microscopy developed by a PhD student); Philip Morris v RAI Strategic Holdings (patent trial regarding ‘heat-not-burn’ tobacco technology); easyGroup v Nuclei (claim for trade mark infringement and passing off relating to use of brand names containing the word ‘easy’); Original Beauty Technology v Oh Polly (claims for unregistered design right infringement and passing off involving two fast fashion brands).
The Set: Chambers currently has 21 barrister tenants, eight of whom are King’s Counsel, headed by Iain Purvis KC. It has two door tenants: Professor Lionel Bently KC (Honorary) and Sir Christopher Floyd PC, previously a judge of the Court of Appeal. Its recent former members also include current Court of Appeal judge Lord Justice Arnold, the late Lord Justice Pumfrey, the late Mr Justice Henry Carr and the permanent judge of the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, His Honour Judge Hacon.
Pupillage Vacancy Information
Pupillage details: Up to two, 12 months, £75,000 (including £25,000 which may be drawn down by the successful applicant during the Barrister Training Course year). There is a review of pupillage after six months. Since October 2014, Chambers has had 9 pupils, six of those have become tenants. New tenants routinely earn more than their pupillage award in their first year of practice.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Chambers is committed to upholding principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in its pupillage selection process and in every aspect of Chambers' life and work. Chambers takes seriously its duty to make reasonable adjustments where necessary to enable a disabled person to be recruited as a pupil. Inquiries as to, or requests for, reasonable adjustments should be made in the first instance to the senior clerk, Ashley Carr.
Any Other Relevant Information
There is a minimum requirement of at least one grade A at A-level or equivalent (excluding general studies) and a 2:1 at undergraduate degree. Candidates that have not satisfied the minimum criteria will only be considered if they have provided an adequate explanation in their application form. There is also a minimum “IP interest/aptitude” requirement, whereby an application form must demonstrate that the candidate has an interest in / aptitude for intellectual property law.
The selection process typically involves three stages: (1) application form, (2) written assessment and (3) interview(s). Chambers is committed to recruiting the most able pupils regardless of background. Each stage of the pupillage selection process is designed to further this commitment.
Many successful pupils have a science degree or equivalent qualification or experience. This is not a minimum selection criterion but will be taken into account by chambers when selecting pupils. Most importantly we are looking for candidates with a sharp mind and an ability to deal with complex, technical subject matter. Candidates should demonstrate capability for independent thought and be able to express their views articulately and persuasively.
- Why do you believe you will make a good barrister? In your answer, please identify any relevant experiences or skills that you believe may help you in your career (250 word limit)
- Why do you want to work in intellectual property law? (250 word limit)
- Please explain why you believe you have sufficient aptitude for scientific and technical matters to act in patent cases and other cases involving scientific or technical subject matter. (250 word limit)
