Pupillage Vacancy Information
Devon Chambers invites applications for one 12-month common law pupillage commencing in October 2026.
Based in the historic city of Plymouth, Devon Chambers is a friendly and welcoming set with a longstanding reputation for excellence in criminal, family and civil law. Chambers has been consistently recognised by the *Legal 500* as a Leading Set and, more recently, as a Top Tier Set on the Western Circuit. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the leadership of Jo Martin KC, who served as Leader of the Western Circuit until October 2025 following a successful three-year term.
At Devon Chambers, we are passionate about the pupillage system. We recognise that recruiting talented pupils is fundamental to the continued strength and success of Chambers. We are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and nurturing environment in which pupils can develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive at the Bar.
Our recruitment process is designed to identify candidates with the potential to become outstanding tenants at the conclusion of their pupillage.
Successful applicants will typically demonstrate resilience, self-awareness, motivation and a strong commitment to a career at the Bar. Selection is based on the quality of the application submitted through the Bar Council's Pupillage Gateway and performance at interview, where candidates will be assessed on their:
* Academic achievement
* Advocacy skills
* Written communication
* Motivation and determination
* Self-awareness
Our Head of Chambers, Jason Beal, delivers training for pupil supervisors across the Western Circuit. As a result, pupils at Devon Chambers can be confident that their training is structured in accordance with recognised best practice.
Our Pupillage Officer, Sophie Johns, is dedicated to ensuring every pupil receives the highest standard of training and support. Pupils benefit from a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing guidance throughout the year. The pupillage team works closely with our Mini-Pupillage Officer and the Devon Chambers Students' Forum to ensure Chambers remains a welcoming, progressive and supportive place to begin practice.
Structure of Pupillage
The pupillage is a 12-month common law pupillage covering criminal, family and civil law. It comprises:
* Six months' non-practising pupillage.
* Six months' practising pupillage.
Each pupil is assigned a dedicated pupil supervisor and receives additional support from the Pupillage Officer throughout the year. Pupils are also paired with a junior tenant who has recently completed pupillage. This informal "buddy" provides practical guidance, regular check-ins and an additional source of support.
The pupillage award is £26,000, comprising:
* £12,000 during the first six months.
* Guaranteed earnings of £14,000 during the practising six months.
Pupils can reasonably expect to earn more than the guaranteed minimum during their second six.
Devon Chambers is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. All applications are considered solely on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Our Accessibility Officer is Victoria Bastock. Any enquiries regarding Chambers' equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives should be directed to victoria.bastock@devonchambers.co.uk.
Please visit the pupillage section of our website for details on how to apply.
https://devonchambers.co.uk/pupillage/
Applicants will be asked to answer the following questions:
1. Why do you want to practise at Devon Chambers? (Maximum 250 words)
2. What type of client do you think you would find most difficult to represent, and why? (Maximum 200 words)
3. What unique quality would you bring to Devon Chambers? (Maximum 100 words)
Interviews are expected to take place on **Saturday 8 August 2026** at Devon Chambers in Plymouth.
