Pupillage Vacancy Information
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 magistrates' court. 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 mentions, sentences and other hearings for other members. Pupils are invited to apply to join the CPS advocates panel at Grade 1 and undertake magistrates' court prosecution 'lists' and similar junior prosecution work. 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 judgment 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.
