Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
PLP is a leading specialist set on the North-Eastern Circuit, formed in 2007 following the merger of Park Lane Chambers (Leeds) and Plowden Chambers (Newcastle), creating what The Lawyer described as a Northern “powerhouse”.
Chambers is forward thinking, democratic and progressive, underpinned by unique and modern business structures.
Further details of our vision and values can be found here:
https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/vision-and-values/
Structure of Pupillage
Chambers is forward thinking, democratic and progressive, underpinned by unique and modern business structures.
Further details of our vision and values can be found here:
https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/vision-and-values/
Structure of Pupillage
We are offering 5 pupillages commencing October 2025.
2 Civil & Employment Pupillages: exposure primarily to personal injury, clinical negligence and employment work, with opportunities to experience some of our other civil practice areas too. We will seek to adapt the pupillages according to the interests of the pupil, having regard to Chambers’ business needs at the time.
2 Family Pupillages: exposure to all aspects of family law including public and private child work, applications under Part IV Family Law Act 1996, matrimonial finance, financial provision for children under Schedule 1, cohabitation disputes and Inheritance Act applications, as well as to our expanding area of practice within the Court of Protection. Members of Chambers regularly represent local authorities, parents, children, the Official Solicitor, as well as private clients.
A Commercial & Chancery Pupillage: exposure to a range of of commercial and chancery litigation. This will include general commercial litigation, banking and finance, partnership disputes, insolvency work, probate work, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and property litigation.
2 Civil & Employment Pupillages: exposure primarily to personal injury, clinical negligence and employment work, with opportunities to experience some of our other civil practice areas too. We will seek to adapt the pupillages according to the interests of the pupil, having regard to Chambers’ business needs at the time.
2 Family Pupillages: exposure to all aspects of family law including public and private child work, applications under Part IV Family Law Act 1996, matrimonial finance, financial provision for children under Schedule 1, cohabitation disputes and Inheritance Act applications, as well as to our expanding area of practice within the Court of Protection. Members of Chambers regularly represent local authorities, parents, children, the Official Solicitor, as well as private clients.
A Commercial & Chancery Pupillage: exposure to a range of of commercial and chancery litigation. This will include general commercial litigation, banking and finance, partnership disputes, insolvency work, probate work, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and property litigation.
Open Evening
We are hosting an Open Evening on 10th January 2024 at 6pm in our Leeds premises.
It will be an informal event providing a chance to meet some of our current pupils and members, have a look around the building and listen to a few short presentations about the pupillages we have an offer, our different practice areas, as well as our selection process and how best to approach it. Further details about it and how to sign up, and about pupillages generally can be found on our website: www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/pupillages
It will be an informal event providing a chance to meet some of our current pupils and members, have a look around the building and listen to a few short presentations about the pupillages we have an offer, our different practice areas, as well as our selection process and how best to approach it. Further details about it and how to sign up, and about pupillages generally can be found on our website: www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/pupillages
In the interim, further information can be found
- In our Pupillage Guide: here
- In our Pupillage Training Program: here
- In our Pupillage Guide: here
- In our Pupillage Training Program: here
Financial and Other Support Available
All of our pupillages are funded by an overall package worth at least £35,000 over the 12 months made up as follows:
- An award of £15,000 for the first six months to be paid pro rata at the end of each month;
- Guaranteed receipts of at least £20,000 for the second six months.
In fact, we expect our pupils to generate income in excess of the guaranteed receipts in their 2nd six. Based on past experience, we anticipate billing in the first full year of fee generating practice to exceed £50,000.
Chambers will pay for each pupil’s reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred during the course of pupillage when accompanying members of Chambers, the cost of all compulsory training courses and travel expenses to attend such courses and the costs of attending Mess on Circuit. At the start of the first six months, Chambers will provide each pupil with an advance to cover anticipated expenses in the month ahead.
We are happy to discuss providing an advance of part of the pupillage award.
We understand the importance of pastoral support. In addition to their pupil supervisors, pupils will be allocated a “junior mentor”, will attend internal training sessions and will have regular appraisals with a member of the Pupillage Committee to ensure they are happy with their pupillage and progress.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Chambers is committed to equal opportunities for all, irrespective of background, and to promoting and improving diversity at the Bar. We particularly encourage applications from those in groups underrepresented at the Bar.
Chambers will pay for each pupil’s reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred during the course of pupillage when accompanying members of Chambers, the cost of all compulsory training courses and travel expenses to attend such courses and the costs of attending Mess on Circuit. At the start of the first six months, Chambers will provide each pupil with an advance to cover anticipated expenses in the month ahead.
We are happy to discuss providing an advance of part of the pupillage award.
We understand the importance of pastoral support. In addition to their pupil supervisors, pupils will be allocated a “junior mentor”, will attend internal training sessions and will have regular appraisals with a member of the Pupillage Committee to ensure they are happy with their pupillage and progress.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Chambers is committed to equal opportunities for all, irrespective of background, and to promoting and improving diversity at the Bar. We particularly encourage applications from those in groups underrepresented at the Bar.
Further details of our approach to Equality and Diversity and the various initiatives we have been involved in can be found at the following links:
We monitor diversity by way of our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Forms which candidates are invited to also complete with their applications. These forms are used only for monitoring purposes, they are kept separate from the application forms and are not used as part of the selection process.
Our Equality & Diversity Officers, Nicola Twine and Leila Benyounes, are happy to discuss any queries prospective pupils may have.
How to Apply
Applications must be made on our Application Forms which are available on our website:
https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/pupillages/
Any Other Relevant Information
For Civil & Employment Pupillages, first round interviews are likely to be held in person in Leeds or Newcastle on a Saturday in March 2024. Second round interviews are likely to be held in Leeds or Newcastle on a Saturday in April 2024.
For Family Pupillages, first round interviews are likely to be held in Leeds on a Saturday in March 2024. Second round interviews are likely to be held in Leeds or Newcastle a Saturday in April 2024.
For the Commercial & Chancery pupillage, first round interviews are likely to be held in Leeds on a Saturday in March 2024. Second round interviews are likely to be held in Leeds on a Saturday in April 2024.
Attached documents
