Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Pupillage Vacancy Information
ABOUT US
Angel Chambers is one of the oldest and most established sets on the Wales and Chester Circuit having been founded originally in the 1920's. Over the years there has been a steady and structured increase in the number of tenants practising from the set and this process will continue. This has resulted in us now becoming the largest set in south-west Wales. We have adapted to the needs of the professional and lay client seeking to provide those services which are required of us. We are pleased that we have the resources to advise clients and appear in Court through the medium of the Welsh language in all legal disciplines and at all levels.
Over the years a number of former members of Chambers have gone on to take up Judicial Office in a variety of capacities including appointments to the High Court and Circuit Bench as well as appointments as District Judges and Industrial Tribunal Chairmen. Current tenants hold part time Judicial Office.
We offer a comprehensive advocacy and advisory service principally across South and West Wales but are prepared to accept work anywhere on Circuit or indeed elsewhere when appropriate. We have members who are able to advise on most disciplines and are constantly seeking to adapt in order to meet demand.
Our criminal team is long-established and includes practitioners at varied levels of call. The team is led by Dyfed Thomas, a Recorder of the Crown Court.
PUPILLAGE
The pupillage is divided into two six-month periods. The aim is to provide a rounded and balanced pupillage covering all of the areas of law undertaken by Chambers. The pupillage structure seeks to allow the individual pupil to gain experience and training in the areas of criminal law. Where it is possible the individual pupil's preferences are considered when the content of the pupillage is being decided.
The pupillage will involve the pupil being appointed a pupil supervisor who may change during the course of the pupillage. The pupillage is also monitored by the pupillage committee.
During the second six-month period of the pupillage the individual pupils will be able to undertake work and accept instructions for which they will receive payment.
Pupillages at Angel Chambers are awarded with a view to a tenancy. After the successful completion of pupillage the question of tenancy is considered by both the pupillage committee and the members of chambers in accordance with the Chambers’ constitution.
Since 2011, 15 out of 16 pupils have been offered and accepted tenancy. The vast majority continue to practice at Chambers.
Angel Chambers operates an equal opportunity policy in relation to all applications. Sara Lewis is the equalities, diversity and accessibility officer and can be contacted through the clerks.
Chambers will fund:
- Compulsory courses that pupils are required to undertake.
- Reasonable travel expenses to any venue the pupil is required to attend for which the pupil will not be entitled to raise a fee.
- Any other expense Chambers is mandated to fund by the BSB.
HOW TO APPLY
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 3 January 2024 and 7 February 2024 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. (200 word limit)
- Why do you want to join our chambers? In your answer, please give reasons for your choice of chambers. (200 word limit)
- Why have you selected this pupillage? What interests you about this area of law and practice? Please relate this to the type of pupillage you have applied for at Chambers i.e. Family & Civil or Criminal law. (200 word limit)
- What is your greatest weakness that may prevent you from achieving your goals in becoming a barrister? How do you intend to overcome it? (200 word limit)
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