Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
The Personal Injury 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 PI law and must demonstrate a commitment to practicing at the Personal Injury 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.
PI Team Overview
Deans Court Chambers offers expertise in all areas of personal injury and clinical negligence litigation, and is widely recognised as one of the country’s leading Chambers in these areas. For many years, Members of Chambers have been involved in cases at all levels, including at the House of Lords and Supreme Court, and for both Claimants and Defendants. Clients are offered an outstanding service, and include insurers, health authorities, local authorities and government bodies, trades unions, small and national companies, as well as individual Claimants and Defendants.
The team is able to offer a full service, dealing with every aspect of personal injury and clinical negligence litigation, where necessary in conjunction with and complemented by other teams in Chambers.
Advocacy services cover an unrivalled range of work, including inquests and inquiries, insurance coverage and policy points, recovery and costs, as well as the issues raised in substantive personal injury and clinical negligence claims of all values.
We are aware of pressures on costs that there are in litigation. Mediation, joint settlement meetings and other forms of ADR are considered at all levels. We fully understand and apply our clients’ wish to deal with litigation proportionately, whether on the fast-track or for cases of significant value.
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? (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 Personal Injury Sector? (No more than 250 words)
6. What qualities do you feel are key to being a successful barrister? (No more than 250 words)
