Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation and Structure of Pupillage
KBW Chambers is a multi-disciplinary set with a long-established reputation for excellence both on Circuit and nationally with a large criminal team (both prosecuting and defending at all levels) with members of Chambers undertaking complex, sensitive and high-profile cases across the North Eastern Circuit and elsewhere and specialist police, civil, family and inquests and inquiries teams with members of Chambers recommended across all practice areas.
KBW Chambers invites applications for two 12 month pupillages commencing September 2026.
Applicants are assessed on intellectual ability, advocacy (written and oral), interpersonal skills, commitment to the independent Bar and KBW Chambers and temperament.
During a mixed pupillage, pupils will be exposed to all areas of practice undertaken in Chambers (whilst retaining a single pupil supervisor) and so gain a solid grounding across a number of practice areas. Our pupils are expected to travel across Circuit during pupillage.
We have a strong commitment to pupillage education and training and all pupillages at KBW Chambers are offered with a view to offering tenancy if pupillage is completed satisfactorily.
Financial and Other Support Available
For pupillage commencing September 2026, KBW Chambers will pay a grant of £14,000 and guarantee earnings during the practicing period of £11,000, giving a total minimum income of £25,000 during pupillage.
Chambers will meet reasonable travel costs when pupils accompany members of Chambers and meet the cost of all compulsory training courses for pupils.
Pupils do not pay any Chambers contributions on any income during pupillage.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
KBW Chambers are committed to diversity and particularly welcome applicants from backgrounds that are under-represented at the Bar including (but non-exhaustively) women, people of minority ethnic origin, people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, people with disabilities and those who are LGBTQIA+.
KBW Chambers are committed to avoiding bias in the recruitment process and all those involved in recruitment receive equality and diversity training and Pupillage
Gateway application forms are anonymised before marking, to avoid unconscious bias, and are independently assessed by two members of Chambers.
KBW Chambers also has a bespoke mentoring programme for those from under-represented backgrounds where members assist applicants develop the skills and experience necessary to enhance their pupillage application and provide practical support and guidance on completing application forms and how to prepare for interview.
We are also holding a hybrid Pupillage Open Evening on 28 November 2024 to provide an insight into life at KBW Chambers and the pupillage application process. Further information, and details on how to register, can be found on our Chambers website.
KBW Chambers are happy to make reasonable adjustments for applicants. If you are invited to interview, we will discuss with you how we can accommodate your needs.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 2 January 2025 and 6 February 2025 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’.
Candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
- Why do you believe you will make a good barrister? In your answer, please identify any relevant experiences or skills that you believe may help you in your career. (250 word limit)
- Why do you want to join our chambers? In your answer, please give reasons for your choice of chambers and explain why you are interested in our areas of practice. (250 word limit)
- Please give an example of an occasion when you tried to change someone's mind about something. Briefly explain the situation, what you did or said, and what the result was. (250 word limit)
- Apart from your academic studies, which two experiences have been the most influential on you and why? (250 word limit)
- If you have previously applied for pupillage at KBW and been unsuccessful, how have you developed since that time? (250 word limit)
Any Other Relevant Information
If you have any queries regarding pupillage at KBW Chambers, please contact Ian Mullarkey at
