Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Spire Barristers
Our barristers provide specialist Legal Advice and Advocacy services in the core areas of Family and Public Law. Spire Barristers is a unique set of chambers, where all members, pupils and staff are encouraged and guided to be the best they can. We celebrate diversity and embrace our differences. Pupillage within #TeamSpire was developed and refined to ensure our principles of excellence is upheld, whilst providing an enjoyable, challenging and, we believe, inspiring twelve months. We always recruit pupils with a view to tenancy.
Structure of Pupillage
Our pupillage training programme is designed to ensure that, by the end of their training, chambers’ pupils satisfy all the competencies set out in the Bar Professional Statement. Each pupil is allocated a Pupil Supervisor as well as two mentors. From the very beginning of pupillage our pupils work with a wide range of practitioners across Chambers, so that they can be assessed widely and receive the greatest variety of experiences.
The training and opportunities provided are of the highest quality, which ensures that pupils may move seamlessly into tenancy with busy and successful practices; having been nurtured in a welcoming and collegiate environment. Pupils have access to the best specialist clerking services to ensure the right exposure to instructing solicitors, as well as full administrative support.
During pupillage, chamber's financial support amounts to a total award of not less than £32,000. During your first six, £12,000 is split one sixth per month, with various expenses also reimbursed. During your second six there is £20,000 of guaranteed earnings. This equates to a minimum of £3,333.33 per month. No chambers charges are made during pupillage.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
We recruit pupils on the merit of their application, including relevant life experiences rather than simply focussing on academic achievement. That said, we do require either a degree at 2.1 level or a 2.2 with an LL.M pass or Masters degree. Additionally is the requirement that, on completion of the vocational stage of training (BTC/BPC), a mark of at least 70% at first sitting (e.g. 70 D 1) is achieved.
The successful candidate will have demonstrably good communication skills, a commitment to their development as an outstanding advocate as well as a commitment to the independent bar and, in particular, the Family and Public Law bar throughout Leeds, Yorkshire and the North Eastern Circuit. They will also have an ability to engage well with clients, members of chambers and the clerks.
AI policy
Chambers Pupillage policy will be updated at our imminent annual general meeting and will include a requirement that the use of AI in the pupillage application process will not be allowed. We want to see the real you through your application.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 5 January and 22 January 2026 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search this advert and select 'Apply for this pupillage.'
Application Questions
Candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
1. 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. (Max 200 words)
2. What attributes do you possess that are required of the Family and/or Public Law barrister? (Max 200 words)
3. Why do you want to join Spire Barristers? In your answer, please give reasons for your choice of chambers and explain why you are interested in our areas of practice. (Max 200 words).
Any Other Relevant Information
For our full pupillage booklet, please follow this link:
https://spirebarristers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SpireBarristers_Pupillage-Handbook-2026-2027-Digital.pdf
