Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation and Structure of Pupillage
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 principle of excellence is upheld, whilst providing an enjoyable, challenging and, we believe, inspiring twelve months. We alays recruit pupils with a view to tenancy.
Our specialist and bespoke pupillage training programme is designed to ensure that, by the end of their training, chambers’ pupils are able to securely satisfy all the competencies set out in the Bar Professional Statement. Each pupil is allocated an overall 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 warm and welcoming and collegiate chambers’ environment. All pupils have access to the best specialist clerking services to ensure the right exposure to instructing solicitors, as well as full administrative support.
Financial and Other Support Available
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. Additionally in this period, various expenses are 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.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 2 January and 6 February 2025 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search this advert and select 'Apply for this pupillage.'
As well as other information, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
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)
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 as well as the requirement that 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.
For our full pupillage booklet, please follow this link:
