Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates a thriving nationwide legal practice are offering Pupillage to work in a busy legal aid practice conducting litigation in diverse areas of law. Pupillage will be offered in our Criminal Defence team. We are looking for candidates who have an interest in Defence work and some knowledge of Family and Housing law.
Our pupillage program offers aspiring barristers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience by shadowing both our experienced pupil supervisors and a diverse range of barristers and advocates within our department, enabling them to develop essential skills such as legal research, argument drafting, and advocacy. Pupils will also have the chance to participate in in-house advocacy workshops and various career development courses to foster their professional growth and excel in their legal careers.
At Gt Stewart Solicitors & Advocates, our strength lies in our dedicated team of partners, each of whom spearheads a distinct area of law and a vital aspect of our business functions. Our partners are not only accomplished experts in their fields but also deeply passionate about their work and the well-being of our colleagues. Their unwavering commitment not only drives excellence in our legal services but also fosters a supportive and inspiring environment for our team members.
We are now a growing practice with over 20 years, 200+ colleagues, 16 offices and now cover multiple areas of law including: Family, Housing, Conveyancing, to name a few
Candidates must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and passion in defending clients with tenacity and energy. All applicants must be able to show they are on top of the current legislation/case law and possess the ability to make sound and succinct submissions on their feet.
All successful applicants will be invited to an initial interview. Successful applicants will be shortlisted for a final interview involving practical assessments on advocacy and drafting from a mock case study where candidates will have time to prepare tasks in advance of the assessment.
Please note, there are two pupillages on offer to commence July 2025 and December 2025, please indicate if you have a preference with your supporting application.
Structure of Pupillage
The GT Stewart Pupillage Committee consists of Head of Advocacy, Ronnie Manek, Deputy Head, Georgia Morgan, Higher Court Advocate and and Human Resources Advisor, Matt Owen
Financial and Other Support Available
Salary: £26,000 for the first 6 months, then increasing to £30,00 for the remaining 6 months
Benefits:
• 23 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave days
• Contributory employee discounted gym, cinema etc.
• All necessary IT equipment provided
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Payment for professional subscriptions
• Occupational health assessments
• Career development programme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Reasonable work-related travel expenses covered
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
At GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that embraces individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that diversity is not only a source of strength but also a fundamental pillar of the legal profession.
As part of our ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity, we are implementing a new range of initiatives to support our pupillage applicants and pupils:
1. Equal Opportunity: We actively promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or socio-economic background.
2. Diversity Training: We are introducing a comprehensive diversity training programme for all our team members, including pupils and staff, to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of inclusivity in the legal profession..
3. Support Networks: We have established support networks and are introducing mentorship programmes to ensure that all individuals, including those from underrepresented groups, have access to guidance and support throughout their pupillage.
4. Accessibility: We are committed to providing an accessible and accommodating environment for individuals with disabilities (where possible). Our Accessibility Officer is available to address any accessibility concerns or questions that applicants may have.
We encourage all applicants to reach out to our Accessibility Officer directly to inquire about the accessibility of our firm or to discuss any specific requirements they may have during the application process. We are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to excel in their legal careers with us.
We believe that our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity not only enriches our workplace but also reflects the values that define the legal profession. We look forward to welcoming candidates who share our dedication to these principles
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply directly to GTSpupillagecommitee@gtstewart.co.uk between 2 January 2025 and 6 February 2025.
1. Why do you believe you will make a good barrister?
2. Why do you want to join GT Stewart?
3. Why are you interested in criminal defence?
4. What do you think is the most important attribute of a good barrister and why?
5. Please share a little about your long-term career goals. How does this position fit into your plans for the future?
6. Please state whether you are applying for June 2025 or January 2026 intake or both.
About the interview
The interview process will be conducted over two stages:
1st stage competency based discussion around your CV
2nd stage case study involving pre-prepared legal argument and advocacy
