Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
Spire Barristers are Family Law specialists who are approachable and place the client’s needs and concerns at the heart of every case. We act for solicitors and Local Authorities and undertake Public Access and Pro Bono cases
Our barristers provide specialist legal advice and advocacy services in Family and Public Law.
Our barristers provide specialist legal advice and advocacy services in Family and Public Law.
Members work across the North Eastern circuit and, though we have a large footprint in Leeds, we do a lot of work across the circuit and we have members who live and focus their practices in York, Hull, Grimsby, Sheffield and other main court centers within the North Eastern circuit. We also have members who work in other circuits.
Structure of Pupillage
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.
Our training programme is designed to ensure that, by the end, pupils shall be able to securely satisfy all the competencies set out in the Bar Professional Statement.
Each pupil is allocated an overall Supervisor alongside two mentors and, from the very beginning of pupillage, our pupils work with 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, ensuring pupils move seamlessly into tenancy with busy and successful practices.
All pupils have access to the best specialist clerking services to ensure the right exposure to instructing solicitors, as well as full administrative support.
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, embrace our differences and seek excellence.
For a complete overview please follow this link to our Pupillage handbook:
https://www.spirebarristers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SpireBarristers_Pupillage-Handbook-2024-2025.pdf
https://www.spirebarristers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SpireBarristers_Pupillage-Handbook-2024-2025.pdf
Financial Support
Total award of not less than £27,500 – split into £10,000, 1/6 per month during the first six. Then £17,500 guaranteed earnings equating to a minimum of £2,916.66 per month for the second six. No chambers charges 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. We believe there is more to a good pupil than simply their undergraduate grades.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 3 January 2024 and 7 February 2024 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’.
We recruit pupils on the merit of their application, including relevant life experiences rather than focusing solely upon academic achievement. That said, we do require either a degree at 2.1 level as well as the requirement that that on completion of the vocational stage of training (BTC/BPC), a grade equivalent to “Very Competent” must be 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 on the North Eastern Circuit.
They will also have an ability to engage well with clients, members of chambers and the clerks.
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 on the North Eastern Circuit.
They will also have an ability to engage well with clients, members of chambers and the clerks.
Candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions which are the standardised Bar Council questions and one 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. Please limit your answer to no more than 200 words.
2. What attributes do you possess that are required of the Family and/or Public Law barrister? Please limit your answer to no more than 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. Please limit your answer to no more than 200 words.
