Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
The Crime Team at Deans Court is delighted to announce that we are seeking to recruit a pupil, to commence pupillage in September 2026.
All candidates must have a genuine interest in Criminal law and must demonstrate a commitment to practicing at the Criminal Bar.
Deans Court Chambers Overview
Founded in Mosley Street, Manchester, more than 100 years, Deans Court Chambers meld tradition and quality with a modern, innovative and forward-thinking approach to providing specialist advocacy, advisory and drafting expertise across a wide spectrum of practice areas at every level of seniority.
With over a hundred barristers, including 12 King’s Counsel, and premises at 24 St. John Street, Manchester, and 101 Walker Street, Preston, Deans Court Chambers stand out as one of the leading barristers' chambers in the country and are regularly ranked by all major Legal Directories as one of the top sets on the Northern Circuit.
Voted ‘Regional Set of the Year’ at the Chambers Bar Awards in 2013 & 2020 and 'Barristers Chambers of the Year’ at the 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 & 2021 Manchester Legal Awards, our reputation for professionalism and approachability is underpinned throughout by a rigorous quality policy. Undertaking work in the majority of practice areas including Crime, Family, Personal Injury, Health and Safety/Regulatory work, we aim to provide the highest standards of service and to anticipate and respond to our clients’ needs. We consistently maintain a reputation for the highest standards of service throughout the North West and nationally.
Individual members regularly appear in the Legal Directories and recent years have seen several appointments to the ranks of King’s Counsel, the Circuit Bench and beyond.
Former members of Chambers include Lord Justice Ryder (former Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit), Mr Justice Turner (former Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit) and His Honour Judge Stockdale KC, (former Recorder of Manchester).
"An excellent Chambers which always goes the extra mile. The client service is always first class” – Chambers & Partners
"Go to set in Manchester” – Legal 500
Deans Court Chambers operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to fair recruitment based on merit.
Crime Team Overview
Deans Court Chambers has a vibrant criminal team including 6 King’s Counsel, with some members basing themselves in our Preston annexe. Members have appeared in some of the leading cases over the years including the Shipman and Bulger trials and the Morecambe Bay Cockling Disaster. Former members of the team have succeeded in their judicial ambitions with two going to the High Court Bench and a number of others becoming Circuit Judges. Chambers covers a wide range of work across circuit, both prosecuting and defending. There is also considerable overlap between the Criminal team and the Regulatory and Professional Discipline teams thereby providing a unique opportunity on circuit to exploit non publicly funded income streams.
Structure of Pupillage
Pupillages offered are for a full twelve months. A pupil will have and be supervised by a formally-designated and approved pupil supervisor. We will ensure the pupil spends time with experienced practitioners from different disciplines, including civil, crime and family. Pupils are also allocated a mentor on commencement of their pupillage. The mentor is a Member of Chambers who was not involved in the selection and interview process. We encourage pupils to attend all relevant training and lectures to further their knowledge. During the second six of the pupillage, the pupil should expect to undertake paperwork and court work independently.
Financial and Other Support Available
Deans Court Chambers provide a financial package of £55,000 for 12 month pupils, comprising a grant of £20,000 for the first six and an earnings guarantee of £35,000 for the second six. In addition, reasonable travel expenses are paid during the first six and compulsory training costs are met by Chambers
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
The aim of Deans Court Chambers is to recruit excellent candidates with the capacity to succeed in any area of practice. Candidates will be recruited and appointed fairly, regardless of race, sex, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, disability (subject to the physical requirements of practice and any reasonable adjustments that can be made), age, religion or belief and in accordance with the Equality and Diversity Code of the Bar. If you have any concerns or questions in relation to equality and diversity, please contact Alex Jenkinson ajenkinson@deanscourt.co.uk who will direct your query to the appropriate individual on the Equality Committee.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 2 January 2025 and 6 February 2025 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’.
Candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
1. Why do you believe you will make a good barrister? No more than 250 words)
2. Why do you want to join the bar at Manchester and Preston? (No more than 250 words)
3. Why you are applying to Deans Court Chambers? (No more than 250 words)
4. Why should we offer you a pupillage at Deans Court? (No more than 250 words)
5. Why do you want a career in the Crime Sector? (No more than 250 words)
6. What qualities do you feel are key to being a successful barrister? (No more than 250 words)
