Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
187 Chambers, with premises in the Temple, is a leading set of chambers specialising in both defence and prosecution in the areas of criminal and regulatory work, providing representation at every level, for both publicly and privately funded instructions. Our set has gained a reputation for excellence in its advocacy and advisory work, offering a first-class service to professional and lay clients alike. Chambers is regularly instructed in high-profile and leading cases and is well equipped to deal with all types of criminal and regulatory matters, in this country and abroad. We have particular expertise in serious fraud and white-collar crime, as well as homicide, terrorism, revenue cases, money laundering and all forms of serious organised crime.
Feedback from the recent pupillage survey includes:
- Why did you choose these chambers over any others? ‘Having worked at a solicitors’ firm who instructed my chambers, it was the barrister advocacy, unrivalled client care and approachability that made the difference’, ‘I was impressed by the very welcoming members of the set and the experience of the interview process. I initially applied to 187 as one of a number of chambers but by the end of the interview process they were my first choice’, ‘reputation for being friendly and inclusive; geographical area of work’, ‘good reputation, friendly and unpretentious environment, decent supply of work’.
- How does your training compare with what you hear from pupils/juniors at other chambers? ‘I have sadly heard horror stories, which I cannot relate to. My pupil experience and training has been excellent’, ‘my training seems to be more practically focussed than what I hear from other chambers. For example, in recent exercises we have role played the entirety of a Magistrates’ Court first appearance, including a discussion with the prosecutor, a conference with a client, and filling in the PET form and hearing record. Friends at other chambers report they have essentially been confined to the advocacy portion. I take the view that the more practical focus is of far greater use by this stage in our training’, ‘even while affected by Covid, we had a number of online sessions and good feedback’, ‘favourably – generally better work/life balance and a more manageable workload’.
- Best thing about chambers? ‘The people’, ‘the very welcoming members at all levels, who provide a range of good-quality work to pupils’, ‘members are, with very few exceptions, very welcoming and supportive’, ‘the helpful and supportive colleagues’.
Structure of Pupillage
We provide training and assessment for completion of both the non-practising period of pupillage (6 months), and completion of the practising period of pupillage (6 months), in accordance with the Professional Statement Competencies and Bar Qualification Manual.
When selecting pupils, we look for highly motivated candidates with strong analytical ability, demonstrable interest in the field of criminal law, sound practical and ethical judgement and the potential to be an outstanding advocate.
We recruit pupils with the aim of their successfully applying for tenancy at Chambers. Most of our pupils over the years have become tenants. Upon satisfactory completion of the 12 month pupillage, pupils are invited to complete a six month probationary tenancy in Chambers to further develop their skills before applying for tenancy. The tenancy application involves an application to the Management Committee, supported by references, reports from the clerks and pupil supervisors, a written advocacy exercise and a live advocacy exercise and interview.
Financial and Other Support Available
Chambers awards £15,000 for the first six months of Pupillage and guarantees earnings of £15,000 for the practising period. Chambers will cover all travel expenses outside of London for the whole of the pupillage. We do not cover the cost of travel within London. We will also cover the costs of compulsory training courses.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Chambers conducts its recruitment process in accordance with the principles of the Equality Act 2010, the Bar Council Fair Recruitment Guide, and the BSB Handbook Equality Rules. Opportunities are open to all qualified candidates and we seek to recruit from the largest possible pool of available talent. We welcome applications from those from non-traditional or disadvantaged backgrounds. Any queries, please contact Emma Gluckstein.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 2 January 2025 and 6 February 2025 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’.
Candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
1. Why do you believe you will make a good barrister? 100-150
2. Why do you want to join our chambers? 100-150
3. Should the age of criminal responsibility be raised from 10? If so, to what age and why? 200-300
4. Should magistrates’ courts’ sentencing powers be increased? If so, to what extent and why? 200-300
5. What is the legal justification for preventing defendants advancing a moral cause as a defence for their actions at trial? 200-300
6. If you were marooned on a desert island, what luxury item would you like to have with you and why? 50-100
2. Why do you want to join our chambers? 100-150
3. Should the age of criminal responsibility be raised from 10? If so, to what age and why? 200-300
4. Should magistrates’ courts’ sentencing powers be increased? If so, to what extent and why? 200-300
5. What is the legal justification for preventing defendants advancing a moral cause as a defence for their actions at trial? 200-300
6. If you were marooned on a desert island, what luxury item would you like to have with you and why? 50-100
