Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorisation Education Training Organisation and Structure of Pupillage
Crucible is a modern and progressive set that is based in Central London. We have a thriving base in criminal defence and prosecution work as well as regulatory and professional discipline. We also have a stronghold in the world of financial and white-collar crime.
We seek to recruit two 12-month Pupils starting in October 2026. Our Pupils can expect to receive first class training as part of our annual advocacy programme, which is held almost weekly during the first six months and continues to provide support once our Pupils are on their feet. In their second six months, our Pupils will undertake instructions in all of our practice areas, including private Magistrates’ Court cases, Crown Court matters, and hearings before various regulatory and disciplinary bodies. Our pupils usually undertake their first Crown Court trials right at the end of their Second Six, or very soon after.
At Crucible, we are actively seeking Pupils who will thrive in the challenging and exciting environment of the Criminal Bar, who are friendly and approachable, yet will be fearless in their representation of their client.
We take care in selecting our Pupils as we aim to invest significant time and expertise in them with a view to them becoming potential prospective tenants. Every year we carefully review the results of our previous recruitment process to ensure that it assists in promoting our aims to widen access to the Bar amongst those who have been traditionally underrepresented within the profession.
Following our post-recruitment consultation in 2025, Crucible has taken the decision to increase our award by over £8,000 for 2026 to reaffirm our commitment to securing the very best candidates, regardless of their background or means.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
We pride ourselves on our commitment to equality and diversity at the Bar, and have taken a proactive approach to our recruitment process. We encourage all to read our report concerning the steps we have taken in creating wider access to the Bar as part of this objective. Should any applicant require any further information regarding accessibility they should contact our EDI officer, Oliver Renton at oliver.renton@crucible.law
How to apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers within the usual application window using the Pupillage Gateway 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:
- What experiences in your professional, educational or personal history have prepared you for practice at the junior criminal bar? (400 words)
- Aside from criminal practice, are you interested in any of Crucible’s other areas of work? Why, or why not? (300 words)
- Which of your personal qualities do you consider most important for undertaking a criminal pupillage? (300 words)
- Should it be an aggravating feature at sentence to commit a crime while seeking asylum within the United Kingdom? (300 words)
