Pupillage Vacancy Information
About AETO and Structure of Pupillage
Tanfield is a leading Property and Business set. Members cover all sectors of the property market including residential/commercial property, agriculture and rural affairs and infrastructure.
There is specialist expertise in service charges, enfranchisement, boundary and party wall disputes and building safety.
Tanfield also has expertise in commercial disputes, company and insolvency, professional negligence, tax, and private client work.
In addition to appearing in significant, precedent setting cases, Tanfield’s members also write, edit, and contribute to leading academic texts including the first BSA 2022 book: ‘The Building Safety Act: a guide for property lawyers.’
Chambers adopt a pro-active and involved approach to pupillage, taking on up to three pupils every year with a view to eventual tenancy. Our policy is only to recruit those we consider to be potential future tenants.
Structure of Pupillage
Pupillage at Tanfield is divided into three periods of four months each with different pupil supervisors. The aim is to introduce pupils to the core practice areas in Chambers, giving them experience of court work and the opportunity to work with as many members of Chambers as possible. During their second six months, pupils can expect to be in court regularly.
First Six Months.
(non-practising period)
“Pupils shadow members including attending court and client conferences both in person and remote.”
Second Six Months.
(practising period)“Pupils begin practical experience being on their feet in court, Pupils do paperwork including opinions and pleadings.”
Financial and Other Support Available
For successful applicants yet to undertake their Bar vocational training year, up to £20,000 of the award may be drawn down.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Tanfield Chambers is a firm believer in equal opportunities and we consider all applications for pupillage on merit- regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, sex, gender re-assignment, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, religion or belief, or pregnancy and maternity.
We use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System, which allows us to understand each applicant’s achievements in the context in which they have been gained.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to Chambers between 5th January 2026 and 22nd January 2026 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search and apply via the Tanfield advert for the 2027 Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’, job reference barcouncil/TP/12081/1219.
Shortlisting and interviews normally take place in late February.
You will be asked to answer 6 extra questions including
“Chambers are recruiting pupils to start in 2026 and 2027. Please confirm which year(s) you would be able to start pupillage, and any preference.” (100-word limit)
