Pupillage Vacancy Information
About 25 Bedford Row (Authorised Education and Training Organisation)
Over a number of years, 25 Bedford Row has established itself as one of the very leading criminal defence sets. We take great pride in our reputation for excellence at all levels and to our commitment to do the very best for every client we represent. We represent those accused of all types of offences, from shoplifting to murder and large-scale frauds, but the ethos for our members remains the same throughout; a commitment to do the very best for the client and to look after their interests throughout. We are an extremely busy set and those who join us can expect to develop and maintain a busy and successful practice. Our members are renowned for their high standards of advocacy and for all aspects of case preparation and we expect our pupils to maintain these standards and to thrive in the working environment we provide.
Chambers offer up to three 12-month pupillages each year, terminable at the end of the twelve months by either Chambers or the pupil, but this policy is subject to review each year by the Pupillage Committee in consultation with Chambers’ Management Committee. At the expiration of the 12-month period, pupils are entitled to apply for a further 3 months in Chambers (“Probationary Tenancy”).
The aim of Chambers is to recruit pupils who we consider to have the ability, commitment and aptitude to succeed at the criminal bar and in our chambers. We recruit in the hope that successful candidates will progress to the stage where, at the expiration of pupillage, they meet the standard of excellence we consider necessary and appropriate to become a tenant in chambers.
We look for applicants with proven academic ability and who have demonstrated an interest and a commitment to criminal defence work.
Chambers views prompt, regular and constructive assessment of pupillage not only as good practice but also as vital. On an informal basis, pupils are encouraged to continually monitor their progress by informal discussions with their Pupil Supervisors. In addition the Pupillage Committee meets all of the pupils on a regular basis so that any problems or complaints can be talked over and dealt with. On a formal basis, and in addition to the Bar Standards Board checklists, Chambers operates an in-house training and assessment procedure.
The aim of Chambers is to recruit pupils who we consider to have the ability, commitment and aptitude to succeed at the criminal bar and in our chambers. We recruit in the hope that successful candidates will progress to the stage where, at the expiration of pupillage, they meet the standard of excellence we consider necessary and appropriate to become a tenant in chambers.
We look for applicants with proven academic ability and who have demonstrated an interest and a commitment to criminal defence work.
Chambers views prompt, regular and constructive assessment of pupillage not only as good practice but also as vital. On an informal basis, pupils are encouraged to continually monitor their progress by informal discussions with their Pupil Supervisors. In addition the Pupillage Committee meets all of the pupils on a regular basis so that any problems or complaints can be talked over and dealt with. On a formal basis, and in addition to the Bar Standards Board checklists, Chambers operates an in-house training and assessment procedure.
Structure of Pupillage
First Six
For the first six months, a pupil will ordinarily spend each working day with their supervisor. This means that they will be expected to meet with their supervisor to each day and to help them with their cases. This provides the pupil with the opportunity to engage in all aspects of being a criminal defence barrister. Pupils will be expected to assist in all aspects of case preparation and management and to undertake written work at the direction of the supervisor.
This will include:
- Attending court hearings;
- Attending case conferences/site visits;
- Reading case papers;
- Taking written notes at hearings and during conferences;
- Carrying out legal research online and in the Inn’s libraries;
- Preparing schedules of evidence;
- Drafting advices and other documents;
- Preparing bundles for court hearings.
On some dates, the supervisor will not be in court for all or some of the day. Such days provide an opportunity for the pupil to carry work that is needed by the supervisor or for another member of chambers. If the Supervisor is not in court then a pupil should ordinarily attend chambers and work from there.
Pupils are also expected to do written work/research for other members of chambers.
The important and significant difference is that for the second six months of pupillage, pupils will be able to practice in court. To do this the pupil will need to have successfully completed their first six months in chambers.
Second Six
During their second six, pupils will be allocated to a (different) pupil supervisor for the duration of the second six-month period. However, pupils will no longer be expected to ‘shadow’ their supervisor at court on a daily basis and instead will be available to attend court in their own right. This means that they will be available to cover cases for other members of chambers and to be instructed in their own name.
Financial and Other Support Available
For the first six months, pupils are not entitled to practice and so do not receive any income from appearing in court. Chambers therefore provides funding to cover living and other expenses for this period. For the year 2026/27, the award will be £20,000.
During the second six months, it is hoped that pupils will be in court most weekdays and therefore will be earning their own income. However, to ensure each pupil receives an appropriate income, during this period, pupils will receive a guaranteed income of £20,000. This means that for each month, the pupil will receive a base level of income of £3,333.33.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
We operate an equal opportunities policy in all aspects of pupillage. That means it applies to the selection process, for the duration of pupillage and in considering applications for tenancy.
We strive to give pupils a comprehensive programme of training and education and to equip them for the many challenges that the profession involves. Pupillage can be a very demanding experience and it is imperative that pupils are treated equally and with respect at all times, and are not subject to discrimination, bullying or harassment.
We adopt and adhere to the principles and policies set out in BSB handbook, the BSB Bar Qualification Manual and the BSB Equality and Diversity Objectives and Strategy document.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between Thursday 2 January 2025 (11am) and Thursday 6 February 2025 (11.59pm) using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’.
In addition to the standardised Bar Council questionnaire, candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
- A defendant who is accused of a criminal offence should have the right to anonymity until conviction, unless by order of the court, their identity is disclosed in advance of trial. Do you agree with this statement? If so, in what circumstances do you think the court should order disclosure? (250 words maximum.)
- The police officer who was charged with the murder of Chris Kaba fired a single shot at Mr Kaba who was unarmed and alone in his car. The officer said he did so because he feared he or his colleagues might be seriously injured by the vehicle when, having been boxed in, Mr Kaba tried to drive off. The jury found the officer Not Guilty. Do you have any concerns about the officer being prosecuted for murder or was it the right thing for the CPS to do? What about if he had been charged with manslaughter instead? (250 words maximum.)
- When did you decide you wanted to be a criminal barrister? What do you think led to this decision? (250 words maximum.)
- If you were able to introduce or repeal one law (or piece of legislation) that affects the Criminal Justice System what would it be and why? (250 words maximum.)
- At a criminal trial a defendant can adduce evidence of his “good character” meaning that the judge will direct the jury that they can take this into account in deciding if the defendant may be telling the truth if he gave evidence. Should the same apply to prosecution witnesses? (250 words maximum.)
