Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
9KBW is a set of 29 members and currently 3 pupils in their first six. At 9 KBW we are a progressive, inclusive and highly pro-active set, working mainly in Crime, for both defence and prosecution, and in Regulatory work. We also have a growing team specialising in Animal Protection Law, particularly those cases prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and in Extradition cases.
Many of Chambers members are Direct Public Access qualified. We also have members who are Police Station Accredited Representatives.
We have a very experienced Management and Clerking team, who work closely with every member, probationary tenant and pupil to ensure that they receive a first class, skilled, successful and supportive service at all times.
Our members are regularly instructed to both prosecute and defend in Serious and Organised Crime, cases involving Murder and Manslaughter, Serious Sexual Offences, Firearms, large scale Drugs Importation, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and a wide range of other equally serious instances of criminal enterprise. Members often act as Leading Juniors or are led by King’s Counsel or Leading Juniors. All of our members from the most junior can expect to be led from an early stage in their career.
We have a number of very experienced members, practicing in Regulatory Law, instructed in cases involving complex medical and other professional experts by authorities such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council, The Care Quality Commission, The General Pharmaceutical Council and Ofsted, among others.
We have a fast growing team of members who are becoming leading authorities in Animal Protection Law, particularly cases prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
We also have members involved in very high profile Extradition Law.
Pupils will have the opportunity to attend court with those who practice in such areas of law, and to develop a specialism in one or more of those areas if they so choose. They will receive guidance and support from members and the clerking team in order to do so.
Our pupils will find themselves receiving a wealth of instructions in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts from the very start of their second six, quickly building towards substantive hearings and contested jury trials. They will have the opportunity to apply for both the CPS Advocate and Regulatory Panels, as well as training in regulatory work.
We are a set that is constantly very busy, regularly being instructed by new solicitors and agencies and always ready for new challenges. Our membership is tight knit, highly supportive of one another, loyal and committed to the growth and success of 9 KBW and every member of the team that makes it the set that it is.
Chambers is currently finalizing the development of a podcast for pupil applicants, where you can learn more about Chambers, hear real life pupillage experience from one of our current pupils and a junior tenant who undertook pupillage at 9 KBW. We hope that this will show Chambers working ethos and the level of support and guidance we provide to not just pupils but all in the 9 KBW team.
The podcast should go live on Spotify very shortly and the link will be posted on our website and on social media as soon as it is available. We believe it is well worth a listen by anyone applying for pupillage, whether at 9 KBW or anywhere else. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for the details.
Chambers is currently awaiting final approval as an Authorised Training and Education Provider (AETO), having already received provisional approval and thus can advertise as one in this process. We fully adhere to the rules, principles and guidance from the BSB that an authorised AETO works to. The process that we have worked through, in order to make an application for authorisation, ensures that we do offer the highest standards of training and opportunity to those we give pupillage to and we expect high standards in return. At the same time, we are an inclusive, friendly supportive set where we endeavour at all times to make our pupils feel valued as part of the 9 KBW Team.
Each pupil will be expected to participate fully in the work of his or her Pupil Supervisor. In addition, Chambers organises written exercises and advocacy training.
Chambers has a highly detailed and focused Training Programme for Pupils, designed to allow every pupil to aim at meeting each of the competences set out in the Bar Standards Board Professional Statement. The Training Programme will be provided to those pupils, who accept offers of pupillage, prior to the commencement of their pupillage. This will allow pupils to familiarise themselves with the programme and to begin the self-reflection that the programme calls for.
The training is thorough and covers all areas of the competences specified in the Professional Statement, and pupils will be fully supported by highly experienced supervisors and clerks as well as other members of Chambers. It is important to us that we remain a very inclusive and supportive set and our commitment to the practical application of equality of opportunity, in every area of Chambers life and work, is of paramount importance to us,
Chambers has several qualified pupil supervisors and successful applicants will be able to assist and observe Counsel involved in the most serious and complex cases, as well as receiving expert training in advocacy and advisory work.
Senior Members, not currently qualified as supervisors, plan to undertake the necessary training to become Pupil Supervisors in 2025, in order to further broaden and develop the opportunities available to pupils, to observe a wider range of advocacy styles.
Our experienced team in Chambers are all pleased to help with in house advocacy training for our pupils, as we see this as an important part of not only their professional training, but as a way of additional support and inclusion in the life of Chambers.
Stephen Wells, a senior member of Chambers is an advocacy tutor trainer for Lincoln’s Inn and has acted as a lead tutor on both mandatory pupillage training courses and on the new practitioners’ programme. He taught advocacy in Bar Schools for 12 years. We are highly fortunate to have Stephen in Chambers to lead our Advocacy Training Programme, in conjunction with Chambers Supervisors and other experienced members
We have two Chambers Whatsapp groups, one of which is specifically for the very junior end of Chambers and is a place where a pupil can ask questions or discuss any concerns with other juniors.
As part of our support network, Chambers has introduced a Buddy Programme, where a junior member of Chambers acts as a mentor for our pupils. The nominated mentor is not a part of the supervisory team and does not participate in the recruitment process for tenancy. Pupils are able to speak in complete confidence to their mentor about any personal or professional concerns they may have or just for a reassuring chat when needed. We recognize that it is not always easy for a pupil to discuss a personal concern with a senior member of chambers and that they may also not wish to raise it generally on our junior Whatsapp group. Our Buddy Programme helps pupils to integrate quickly into life in Chambers and is there to guide and support them through the pressures that beginning a criminal pupillage can bring. The Buddy will be a skilled listener, there to provide reassurance and support if needed, at times when a pupil may not feel comfortable discussing what they think may be viewed as trivial concerns or as asking “silly” questions. No question is ever silly and we want our pupils to know that they have a mentor that they can raise any subject or question with.
We view all of our pupils as part of a long term investment in the future life of the Bar and of Chambers itself. With this in mind we strive at all times to provide the most wide ranging and insightful experience that we can, in order to drive their knowledge and enthusiasm and to bring out the best in each of them.
We intend to recruit those pupils who we think have what it takes to become 9KBW tenants and we provide a wide and inclusive experience, with that aim firmly in mind.
Pupillage at 9 KBW is always with a view to Tenancy.
9 KBW will offer applicants the opportunity to gain wide experience of life at the Bar generally and to master skills that will enable them to develop a first class practice and an income commensurate to that practice, in not only their preferred areas of law, but also in other areas that they may not previously have considered.
Although Chambers are instructed in work primarily in London, 9 King’s Bench Walk believes in tailoring one’s practice to fit them. This being the case, some members of Chambers are instructed in cases outside of the capital.
Structure of Pupillage
A 9KBW Pupillage comprises four periods of 3 months, with four different designated Pupil Supervisors, who will be responsible for overall assessment and reporting. We believe that rotating supervisors in this way gives our pupils the widest possible experience of different types of work and advocacy styles.
During their first six pupillage pupils will;
- Attend and observe proceedings at the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Courts, as well as the Court of Appeal where possible.
- They will attend Regulatory Tribunals and Extradition hearings as well as hearings involving Animal Protection Law and the Dangerous Dogs Act.
- A pupil will observe completed proceedings in all types of hearing in each of those courts.
- All pupils will be expected to learn how to prepare a brief, both in relation to pre-hearing work such as, but not necessarily limited to, drafting indictments, defence case statements, opening notes, grounds of appeal and skeleton arguments and preparation for the hearing itself, such as preparing examinations in chief, cross examinations, speeches and any legal submissions.
- Undertaking legal research (including tasks within areas of law and practice never previously encountered by the pupil).
- Introduction to solicitors, CPS representatives (both law clerks and lawyers), other members of the Bar, and wherever possible members of the judiciary.
- Further advocacy training in the conduct of small applications will be given by members of Chambers (not limited to the pupil supervisors) at various stages during the first and second six months
During second six every pupil will be kept very busy in court, doing cases for both the defence and the prosecution, in the Magistrates' Courts, but also gaining extensive experience in Crown Court hearings, including being instructed in jury trials in the latter half of their second six. There will also be opportunities to undertake work in other areas of law. Although we are predominantly a criminal set, we also have experienced practitioners in Regulatory, Immigration, Animal Welfare and Extradition Law, who will be able to advise and guide pupils who wish to broaden their areas of specialisation. In second six, pupils are encouraged to talk to members about the cases in which they are instructed and there is always an experienced member available, for a pupil to call to discuss any concerns that they may have about any aspect of their work.
We also encourage pupils in their second six to apply to join the Crown Prosecution Service Advocate Panel as well as Regulatory Panels and our experienced Managing Consultant and Senior Clerk will be there to guide and assist pupils through the application process. We maintain an exceptionally high level of success in this area, in both initial applications and applications to upgrade in the future.
All of our pupils to date have been successful in their applications to join these panels, prior to completing their pupillage.
Financial and Other Support Available
Funding is a mixture of an award during first six and guaranteed earnings during second six. Overall minimum guaranteed earnings will be £25,000 for the 12 months but our pupils quickly start to earn substantially more than that, once fees begin to come in during second six. The award will be increased in line with any change to the BSB minimum guaranteed earnings level that occurs during the pupillage period.
Pupils will receive a minimum of £25,000 over the course of the pupillage year. This is comprised of a non-refundable grant of £12,500 during the first six months, and £12,500 in guaranteed earnings in the second six months. The guaranteed earnings are payable monthly and are either partially or fully refundable from fees received during the second six months of pupillage. The award will also be increased in line with any BSB requirement for guaranteed funding .
This is calculated on a month by month basis so that fees received will only be recoverable against the award in the month in which they are received. A contribution towards Chambers expenses is payable on fees received over and above the award level. This stands at 12% of fees received above the award, exclusive of VAT and expenses. We know from experience that all pupils can expect to earn considerably more than the minimum funding during their second six.
As our pupils can expect to be undertaking jury trials during their second six and where training has been completed, regulatory hearings, earnings very quickly exceed the minimum funding level.
Chambers will pay the cost of travel expenses during the non-practising 6 months for zones 1-6.and Chambers will also meet travel expenses where pupils in their first six accompany their Pupil Supervisors to courts or venues outside of the specified travel zones. Where requested, travel expenses can be paid in advance. Chambers will also meet the costs of any mandatory training, as well as the cost of any additional training that supervisors may designate as necessary.
As we realise that there can be a number of personal expenses that those new to the Bar must pay for as they start out, we offer a loan to pupils, prior to their start date, to allow for the purchase of an item of essential equipment such as court dress, IT equipment, a mobile phone, lockable case, or essential security software. This is repayable at the end of the 12 month period.
Chambers pupils are encouraged to apply for and are supported in applications for additional funding from other supportive bodies. In earlier years our pupils have applied, with letters of reference from Chambers and were successful in obtaining funding.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
We welcome and encourage applications from those in groups that may currently be under-represented at the Bar and particularly welcome those for whom the Bar, or law in any area, may not be their first career.
Where Reasonable Adjustments are requested, we endeavour to work with the pupil, in order to meet those adjustments, to the fullest extent possible.
9KBW recognises that being able to offer flexibility in working arrangements may assist pupils to begin a pupillage after a period of leave because of caring responsibilities or disability and we have a Flexible Working Policy for Pupils which is designed to assist, wherever possible, pupils who still have those responsibilities.
Chambers offers 25 mini pupillages, throughout the year, each for a period of five days. Chambers encourages in particular applicants from protected groups as well as applicants who may be considering a change in career at a later stage in their lives, or are considering transferring to the Bar.
Mini-pupillages are an excellent introduction to life at the Bar and can assist any applicant looking for pupillage by broadening their knowledge of the areas of law that interest them.
We also encourage our mini pupils to talk to our clerking team for an insight into the career opportunities for a member of the Bar, what the financial position may be for those just starting out and have no other means of financial support, and for any other general information that may be of benefit to applicants. Full details are available on our website at www.9kbw,com/recruitment/mini-pupillage
Chambers also offers month long secondments to those undertaking pupillage with the CPS. This allows for those developing a career with a Government agency, whose staff work closely with sets of chambers, to observe the way in which a self-employed criminal barrister works, how the clerks room operates and to gain very valuable experience with highly skilled senior criminal barristers.
Our CPS Pupils will be given the same opportunities as those given to our permanent pupils, undergoing the same kind of training and observing all that any pupil of Chambers would expect to be able to see. The application process can be found on our website.
In a much needed initiative, leading Animal Protection Law specialist, Sam March, recently became a Committee member on the newly formed Vegan Lawyers Committee.
The Committee’s very first event was a talk on equality law and how to ensure that the rights and requirements of vegans are respected and met and particularly that those rights and requirements are met in the work place. The Committee recognises that there are a number of unrecognised barriers or obstacles which vegans must regularly overcome when joining the Bar, from horsehair wigs to harassment at, or exclusion from, the many food-centred activities that pupillage and a career at the Bar thereafter often entails.
We have a member who provides training/experience programmes, through Investin Education, to GCSE/A-Level students looking to get into certain professions which includes the Bar.
One of our members is a mentor through the University of Law’s mentoring programme.
Earlier this year one our juniors was invited to judge the National Sixth Form Mooting competition.
As set out above we provide the option of a loan to new pupils to assist with the purchase of equipment that they may need for their practice, we allow for payment of travel expenses in advance to those who may find it difficult to fund their travel when starting out and we assist with applications from pupils who are looking to obtain additional funding. In previous years one of our pupils received a letter in support from Chambers for one of the Inn’s Pupillage Awards/Scholarships and was awarded the Ede & Ravenscroft Prize of a wig, gown and circuit case.
Another of our previous pupils, now a tenant with 9KBW, was given the Neville Laski award by the Inner Temple
This year, with the Kalisher Trust, a junior member took part in a workshop about life at the junior end of the Criminal Bar
In the 2025 selection process, we intend to focus on recruiting in those areas where Chambers may have a protected group or groups that is under-represented in our membership, and to demonstrate that not only do we say that we believe firmly in equality of opportunity but that we take active and positive steps to ensure that it is a reality in our set.
Equality Diversion and Inclusion Policies
Chambers has a robust Equality, Diversity and inclusion Policy, combined with supportive and clear policies on Fair Recruitment, Dignity at Work, Anti-Harassment, Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive and Shared Parental Leave, Reasonable Adjustments and Fair Work Allocation. Details of many of our Policies can be found under our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page and copies of any policies relevant to Pupillage, not set out in full on our website, can be obtained upon request from Christine Eadie.
Before commencement of pupillage, pupils are provided with a comprehensive Welcome Pack in which they will find copies of the full Training Programme and Attachments, a Work Record for completion, our Pupillage Policy and Agreement, our Pupillage Handbook, containing details of all documents that need to be exchanged or signed, copies of Chambers Constitution, and copies of a number of Chambers Policies including several policies relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion matters, Reasonable Adjustments, Flexible Working, All types of Parental Leave, Remote Working and Grievance and Discipline Procedures.
9 King’s Bench Walk will not discriminate against any pupil, probationary tenant, or any applicant for pupillage, for a probationary tenancy or for tenancy, on the grounds of race, sex, gender reassignment, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age or political persuasion. At 9KBW we select candidates strictly according to demonstrated merit.
Reasonable Adjustments
If applicants require any form of Reasonable Adjustments, please contact our Accessibility Officer Robyn Murdo-Smith on robyn.murdo-smith@9kbw.co.uk or Christine Eadie on christine@9kbw.com
Our Reasonable Adjustments Policy is published on the Equality Diversity and Inclusion page of our website or can be made available in hard copy form on request to Christine Eadie.
Chambers strives at all times to work within the relevant statutory, regulatory and professional frameworks in relation to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and recognises that those with certain protected characteristics e.g. those with disabilities; those with caring responsibilities; and those in older age groups, are afforded protection from various types of discrimination in relation to flexible working and reasonable adjustments under equalities legislation.
How to Apply
Chambers advertises through The Gateway, and adheres strictly to the Gateway timetable, but we administer our own application process.
Applicants should apply by clicking the link to the application form and downloading a copy from the Pupillage Recruitment page of Chambers website https://www.9kbw.com/recruitment/pupillage
Click on the link then File, top left hand corner and download for completion.
Send the completed form to christine@9kbw.com. Applications must be made in strict accordance with the Gateway Timetable
We would be grateful if each applicant would complete an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Data Monitoring Form.
This allows us to review our data annually and to ensure that Chambers meets its statutory duty under the Equality Act 2010 as well as assisting us in developing our Equality Action Plan and Recruitment Policy for the future.
Please click the link on the recruitment page to download the form and send the completed version to our Equality and Diversity Data Officer clara.sibanda@9kbw.co.uk
Selection Procedure
Chambers selection procedure for pupils is as follows:
- On receipt of all written applications for pupillage Chambers Managing Consultant will acknowledge receipt and give an indication of the likely timetable for interview of successful applicants for a first round interview.
- Chambers Managing Consultant selects three or four teams comprised of members of the Tenancy and Pupillage Committee (the number of teams is dependent upon the number of applications received) and forwards an equal number of applications to each team.
- Each team selects up to eight candidates and two reserves from their batch of applicants, who they feel meet Chambers selection criteria. More may be selected if applications are of an exceptionally high standard
- Those candidates selected are invited for interview by our Managing Consultant.
Chambers has two rounds of interviews in addition to an advocacy exercise in round one and a written exercise for those who are successful in progressing to the second round
Interviews will take place during March and April 2025
- At first round interviews, (which may be in London or via Zoom if candidates are interviewed remotely) each candidate is given or sent a copy of an advocacy exercise and allowed 20 minutes to prepare. If Reasonable Adjustments are required, for specified reasons such as having a Disability Support Agreement, additional time to prepare will be allowed
- On completion of the advocacy exercise each candidate then spends up to 30 minutes answering questions from the panel, one of which is law based.
- Following completion of all first round interviews, up to 12 candidates will be invited for second round interviews (the panel have discretion to invite more or less than that number)
- Those selected for a second round interview will be sent a written exercise with a deadline for completion of at least two days prior to the date of the second round interviews. Each candidate will be given the same deadline unless Reasonable Adjustments, for specified reasons, are requested. If so additional time will be allowed.
- On return of the completed written exercise from the candidates, the selection teams will score the written work in accordance with an agreed criteria and scoring system
- At the second round interviews, candidates will be questioned on the merits and skill of their written application, followed by a round of general questions.
- On the day of the second round interview and not more than 15 minutes prior to the start of the interview, the candidates are given a topic upon which they will be asked to advocate for a period of two minutes during the course of the interview. If Reasonable Adjustments are required, for specified reasons, more time can be allowed to prepare.
- The Pupillage Committee will determine which candidates most clearly meet the criteria and standards for a 9KBW pupillage and make offers to the top three candidates accordingly. Offers may be made to more or less than three candidates; more if the panel takes the view that the standard of applicants is exceptionally high or less if the panel feels that they have not seen three candidates that fully meet the standards set by the panel.
- Should any candidate not accept Chambers offer, offers will then be made to the candidates who were placed behind them in terms of meeting the criteria.
- The Pupillage Committee will make pupillage offers via e mail and in strict accordance with the Gateway Timetable.
- Chambers will keep written records of each step set out above and feedback can be made available upon request
Tenancy Recruitment
Chambers policy is to offer tenancy to all pupils who are determined by a meeting of Chambers Tenancy and Pupillage Committee to have met the Selection Criterion for Tenancy following Pupillage. There is no set number of tenancies available and therefore no competition between pupils.
