Pupillage Vacancy Information
Our financial package is worth £50,000. That comprises an award of £25,000 paid during the first (non-practising) six months and then an earnings guarantee during the second (practicing) six months.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
For many years we have been at the forefront of equality and diversity issues at the Bar. We have robust policies on equality and diversity, flexible working, parental leave and wellbeing. All members of chambers and pupils receive relevant training and are encouraged to contribute to the work of chambers in these areas.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. Our application system removes all identifying features from applications before they are reviewed.
All applicants are considered on the same basis, with an objective selection policy based on our criteria of analytical ability, expression and persuasion skills, practical professional skills and motivation to have and develop a common law practice.
Candidates are required to have a minimum of a second class degree (the minimum qualification level in the Bar Qualification Manual) and be in a position to have been called to the Bar by the commencement date of pupillage. Otherwise, there are no formal academic requirements to apply or be selected for pupillage with us.
Deka Chambers and many of its members take part in work designed to increase access to the Bar and encourage prospective applicants to maximise their potential. Examples of our outreach programme include mini-pupillage (run on an expansive basis focused on access to the profession), online and in-person student events, mentoring, application clinics and mooting and essay competitions established in memory of our late colleague Aqeel Noorali.
How to Apply
The central Pupillage Gateway timetable will apply, with a deadline of 10am on Wednesday 8 February 2023.
All of the details, including the application form and guidance, will be published on our website at https://www.dekachambers.com/join-us/pupillage/ in advance of the opening of the Pupillage Gateway application window.
The application system is online and applications are only accepted through the dedicated chambers application system. We do not take applications through the Pupillage Gateway.
First round interviews will be held on Saturday 4 March 2023 and final round interviews will be held on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 March 2023. Please note that these dates have changed from the dates originally posted.
Reasonable adjustments will be made as required for individual applicants at each stage of the application process.
About AETO and Structure of Pupillage
Deka Chambers is a leading common law (mixed practice) set known for its core strengths in advocacy, drafting and advisory work. The set was created in October 2022 upon the merger of 9 Gough Chambers (formerly 9 Gough Square) and 1 Chancery Lane.
Tenants practise in all areas of work (civil, including personal injury, crime and family) for the first three years after recruitment, which provides enviable advocacy experience and develops an interesting and varied practice.
There are numerous practice groups with varying specialisms, including personal injury, clinical negligence, crime, family, court of protection, police, commercial, property, inquests, regulatory, travel and professional negligence. Clients include solicitors, local government, central government, corporate bodies and individuals.
We offer funded pupillages of 12 months' duration. We strive to ensure that a pupil sees as broad an array of work as possible, and particularly in our main practice areas. Before a pupil starts on his or her feet, he or she sits with a pupil supervisor in each of civil, criminal and family work. The pupillage programme includes regular feedback, internal training and a number of assessed exercises.
We are inviting applications for one pupillage place to commence in October 2023. Our pupillage package (which is a combination of an award and an earnings guarantee) is £50,000.
All the details will be available on our website in advance of the opening of the Pupillage Gateway application window. In line with current rules, the deadlines will align with the central Pupillage Gateway timetable, but we accept applications on our own application form and not through the Gateway system.
Any Other Relevant Information
Please note that we are advertising for up to one pupil to commence in October 2023 and up to two pupils to commence in October 2024. A candidate may apply (int he alternative) for both years on the same application form. Please indicate (as invited) on the form whether you are applying to commence pupillage in 2023, 2024 or both.
