Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
Described by the Legal 500 as “a Western Circuit Powerhouse”, St John’s offers the perfect chance to build a stellar career at the Bar while enjoying the great opportunities on offer in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
St John’s Chambers is one of the largest barristers’ sets in the South West, with 7 silks and over 80 barristers. Chambers UK and the Legal 500 list us as a “top-tier” leading set in all of our major practice areas, describing us as a “go-to” and “must instruct” chambers. In 2022 we were awarded the Legal 500’s prestigious ‘Set outside London of the Year’. We were then shortlisted for this award in 2023 and 2024, further cementing our position as a standout destination for high-quality applicants who want the very best career without compromising on quality of life.
Structure of Pupillage
Our successful candidates for pupillage will typically have strong academic credentials, but we have no preference as to whether your undergraduate degree is in law or whether you have since transferred. We look for high-calibre recruits who can demonstrate evidence of key competencies: excellence in spoken and written advocacy, the ability to analyse complex information quickly, to present arguments succinctly and persuasively, to communicate effectively with all types of people.
We look for people who are determined, resilient and motivated, both in respect of their own careers and in making the Bar a representative, equal-opportunity profession that properly reflects the communities it serves.
We offer specialist pupillages within our three main practice groups. The structure of pupillage might change slightly year-on-year, but you can be sure you will cover all aspects of your specialist area, getting exposure to a broad range of styles and approaches so that you can find your own.
You will typically spend the first six months shadowing your supervisor(s) and other members of your practice group at court and preparing written work. You will receive ongoing feedback throughout, as well as plenty of opportunity to meet solicitors and lay-clients before you get ‘on your feet’ in your second six months doing real work of your own.
As well as your supervisor you will be given a ‘buddy’ – a junior member of the team not too long out of pupillage who you can speak to about anything you don’t want to raise directly with your supervisor. You will also sit down with a member of the Pupillage Committee once a quarter to review progress over the previous three months and make a plan for the next.
We pride ourselves on taking on pupils with an eye to tenancy, so they are never in competition. Provided that you successfully complete pupillage, you can normally expect to become a tenant.
Financial and Other Support Available
Loan of a tablet, stylus, and keyboard folio which can be purchased at market value at the conclusion of pupillage.
Financial assistance with travel/hotel costs when travelling outside reasonable parameters.
Free access to Westlaw and Lexis including law reports and practitioner texts
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Our Pupillage Policy contains all manner of information about how we make our application, recruitment, and pupillage processes as fair and transparent as possible. Have a look.
We are also proud to take an active part in various initiatives aimed at improving diversity and inclusivity at the Bar, including 10KBI, Bridging the Bar, and BarNone. Find out more on our Diversity page.
For more information and enquiries about any of these issues, please contact our Head of Pupillage, Brittany Pearce.
How to Apply
Completion of Chambers Application form that can be found on our website.
