Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
1GC | Family Law is one of the foremost Family Law Chambers in the country, recognised both nationally and internationally for providing expert advice and representation, and for acting in the most high-profile, sensitive and important cases arising from family breakdown.
Our pupils are our future. For this reason, we place great emphasis on providing a friendly, supportive environment in which pupils are able to develop the skills they require for a successful career at the Family Bar. We are committed to the continuing education of pupils and ensure ongoing support and assessment throughout pupillage.
Once a tenant, our members go on to develop successful practices and to appear in some of the most significant cases in Family Law. Former members have been recruited to be High Court Judges, Circuit Judges and District Judges. Many of our current members sit as Deputy Judges at all levels.
Structure of Pupillage
We are offering two 12-month pupillages starting in September 2027. Pupillage is divided into two parts: a six-month non-practising period and a six-month practising period.
Financial Support
Our pupillages offer a financial package of £50,000 comprising a £40,000 award (paid in 12 monthly instalments) and £10,000 in guaranteed earnings during the second six. At Chambers’ discretion, a proportion of the award might be available for early drawdown during the BPTC year.
Pupils can expect to be in court regularly during their second six and are entitled to retain all of their earnings and are not expected to pay Chambers rent.
Equality and Diversity
Chambers is committed to equal opportunities for all and to promoting and improving diversity at the Bar. To this effect, we recruit our pupils through the Pupillage Gateway, and our application process follows the timetable and fair recruitment recommendations set down by the Bar Council.
Our Chambers' building is wheelchair accessible with an entrance ramp, has dedicated facilities and lifts that serve all floors. We are committed to implementing reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access opportunities for all and we welcome neurodiversity. Should you have specific additional requirements, please contact our Accessibility Officer at clerks@1gc.com.
AI Policy
Please ensure that when applying to 1GC’s pupillage that your application is your sole creation and original work and that you have not used any generative AI programmes. If an application is found to have been generated with the use of AI then your application will be excluded from the short-listing process.
Applying for Pupillage
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 5 January 2026 and 22 January 2026 using the Pupillage Gateway application system.
The candidates have the opportunity to attend a 1GC Pupillage Open evening with Q&A on Wednesday 14th January 2026 – please register your interest here
In addition to the standardised Bar Council questionnaire, candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
Q1: 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. Min/Maximum word count: 100-200
Q2: Why are you interested in Family Law? Min/Maximum word count: 100-200
Q3: Argue for or against the removal of sections 1(2A) and 1(2B) from the Children Act 1989. Min/Maximum word count: 150-350
