Pupillage Vacancy Information
Goldsmith Chambers is a leading common-law set of more than 100 members, with crime, immigration, civil and family practice groups. We are a modern, professional and friendly set with a thriving group of junior practitioners. Chambers invites applications for 12-month common-law pupillage commencing October 2024.
Pupillage is divided into two periods of six months. In the first six months, pupils will shadow an experienced member of Chambers who will act as their pupil supervisor during this time and have general responsibility for their development and work. The pupil will observe their supervisor's cases and assist in note-taking, legal research and drafting written work under supervision. Towards the end of the first-six months, the pupil will increasingly shadow more junior members of Chambers to observe the sort of work they might encounter when first on their feet, e.g., in the County Court, Family Court, Immigration Tribunals, magistrates' courts. There may be opportunities during this time to work with a variety of members of chambers and pupils are encouraged to gain as broad an experience as possible of different members' styles and practices.
In second-six, pupils can expect to be in Court practically every day, conducting their own cases and covering hearings for other members. Members of Chambers practice in a variety of different jurisdictions, including in criminal courts, the Family Court, County Court and Immigration Tribunals: pupils can expect to experience a similar variety of work: although early advocacy experience is likely to be initially in magistrates' courts. Chambers provides a programme of advocacy training for pupils in preparing for the start of second-six.
Chambers recruits pupils with a view to them making applications for tenancy at the conclusion of pupillage; it is intended to be a challenging but rewarding process. Chambers has an excellent track record of retaining pupils as tenants.
The pupillage award is £25,000, divided into £12,500 award for the first-six, paid monthly in arrears, and £12,500 by way of guaranteed earnings in second-six. Chambers will reimburse pupils for travel expenses outside London (the M25).
Goldsmith Chambers is committed to equality of opportunity. It is our policy to treat everybody equally and fairly, and we assess all applications on merit alone, without reference to the candidates’ race, sex, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, disability, age, religion or belief. Race encompasses colour, ethnic or national origin and nationality. All applications will be treated in strictest confidence and in full compliance with the Equality and Diversity Rules of the Bar Standards Board’s Code of Conduct.
2. Why have you applied to Goldsmith Chambers for pupillage? (400 words)
3. Identify a recent appellate Court decision and explain why you suggest it is particularly significant. (400 words)
After an initial shortlisting process by members of the Pupillage and Tenancy Committee, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
