Pupillage Vacancy Information
Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
Fountain Chambers is a friendly and progressive set based in Middlesbrough, with facilities in Newcastle. We have strong practice teams across all levels of seniority in criminal law and family law. Pupils at Fountain Chambers have a track record of successfully applying for tenancy with us.
Structure of Pupillage
Chambers are offering three, twelve-month pupillages to commence in Autumn 2026; two in criminal law and one in family law. Candidates are asked to apply for a pupillage within a specific practice area. Successful candidates can expect to spend the significant majority of their pupillage within that area of practice.
Financial and Other Support Available
Pupillage awards for 2026 will be £40,000.00, comprised of £15,000 in the first six months and guaranteed earnings of £25,000 in the second six months.
In addition to the support of their supervisor, pupils at Fountain Chambers benefit from a mentor from within their relevant practice team.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Details of Fountain Chambers' diversity and inclusion policies are available on our website at https://fountainchambers.co.uk.
Fountain Chambers has signed up to the FreeBar charter.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 5 January 2026 and 22 January 2026 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting 'Apply for this pupillage'.
Candidates are asked to apply for a pupillage within a specific practice area.
In addition to the standardised Bar Council questionnaire, candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
- Why do you want to join our chambers and what do you think you personally could contribute if you were to be successful? (400 words)
- Why do you wish to become a barrister? (300 words)
- Why do you want to practise from Middlesbrough? (300 words)
- What area of law do you want to practise in and why? (300 words)
- Give an example of a time you have had to overcome a difficult experience and what you have learnt? (400 words)
- Tell us about an important legal development over the last year (a case, a news story or legislation) and tell us why it is so important. (400 words)
