Pupillage Vacancy Information
We provide:
- Pupillage Award of £2,000 per month during First 6;
- Travel expenses beyond Zone 4;
- Guaranteed earnings of £2,000 per month during Second 6 (but most pupils earn significantly in excess of this as soon as they are on their feet);
- Bespoke training programme;
- Access to Westlaw, Practical Law and LexisNexis.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
We are a diverse set with a very flexible approach. We welcome applications from aspiring barristers from all backgrounds, including applications from transferring solicitors and other second career lawyers.
We offer flexibility within the application process and in pupillage itself. If you require flexibility in the process (for example because of caring obligations) please contact our Chambers Director Clare Kelly on 020 7632 7859 or clarekelly@5pumpcourt.com in order to discuss your position.
Chambers is based in a Grade 1 listed building in Middle Temple. Unfortunately, we are restricted in terms of the changes we can make to the building, and it is not currently accessible to those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues which make it difficult to go up and down stairs. We carry out our first interviews on Zoom and our second interviews in chambers, but are happy to make arrangements for an alternative venue if that is necessary. Applicants who require reasonable adjustments are invited to contact Clare Kelly to discuss this.
Once in chambers, we offer opportunities to get involved in pro bono work through Advocate and outreach work including projects with The Sutton Trust, Bridging the Bar, the Inner Temple PASS programme and our own mini-pupillage scheme. We also support members in their own pro bono, charitable and outreach initiatives.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between Wednesday 4 January 2023 and Wednesday 8 February 2023 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:
- 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. Please highlight your advocacy skills and experience. (1200 character limit)
- Why do you want to join our chambers? In your answer, please give reasons for your choice of chambers and explain why you are interested in our areas of practice. (1200 character limit)
- What strategies do you have in place to manage setbacks in your career? In your answer please let us know how you will remain resilient during your career. (1200 character limit)
- Other than advocacy, what are the most important skills a modern barrister needs to have and why? Please ensure your advocacy skills and experience are set out in the answer to question 1. This question is asking for your opinion on other skills which are relevant to the role of a barrister. (1200 character limit)
- Should a sitting MP be entitled to appear on reality TV? Justify your position. (1000 character limit)
- In light of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, give us your best arguments in favour of retaining the monarchy. (1000 character limit)
We are particularly interested in advocacy skills and experience, and will expect applicants to highlight that in their responses.
Please set out any extenuating circumstances in respect of your application, including those caused by the Covid pandemic (if applicable).
About AETO and Structure of Pupillage
5 Pump Court is a progressive, diverse multidisciplinary set with specialist teams in family, civil and criminal law. We offer a welcome and supportive environment, good training including a bespoke training programme during First 6, and great opportunities for advocacy.
We offer two pupillages per year:
- One specialist family pupillage which will provide training in all aspects of family law - family finances; private children disputes; public children law; and international work.
- One common law pupillage which will provide training in all of our practice areas allowing you to experience a broad range of work before deciding where to specialise.
We recruit pupils with a view to them moving seamlessly into junior tenancy and enjoying a long career with us. We support our members to develop the career which best suits them, and do not have preconceptions about what a barrister should look like, or how a career should progress. One size does not fit all! We are flexible and supportive in our approach and are looking for pupils who understand and are enthused by the challenges of the self-employed Bar.
We expect pupils to be 'hands on' from day 1, and you will be in court frequently during First 6 with your pupil supervisor. You will see them in action and will help with reviewing papers, drafting position statements, orders and other documents. In addition to working closely with your pupil supervisor, we have a bespoke training programme during First 6 preparing you for the hearings you will commonly encounter in Second 6.
In Second 6, you can expect to be in court most days, working on your own cases and dealing with solicitors and clients. We offer guaranteed earnings during this period but almost all pupils will earn significantly in excess of the guaranteed amount as soon as they are on their feet.
We also offer opportunities for networking, support with marketing and a very friendly and supportive junior Bar.
