Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation and Structure of Pupillage
The Barrister Group has a particular focus on innovation and flexibility, taking into account a pupil’s personal circumstances, promoting a more diverse legal profession as well as creating an accessible and encouraging learning environment. Our approach ensures pupils can develop and demonstrate the competencies in the Professional Statement, with the aim of excelling above those minimum standards through training and experience.
You can learn more here about how we have chosen to do things differently: https://thebarristergroup.co.uk/pupillage
Put simply, The Barrister Group’s training programme aims to support pupils to develop and demonstrate all of the competencies in the Professional Statement which allows pupil supervisors to approve their pupil’s application for their Full Practising Certificate. Our use of technology allows us to ensure our training programme is compliant, flexible, accessible, and highly supportive of self-reflection with our pupils driving their own development.
We encourage applicants to consider the information on our website in order to learn about The Barrister Group. Our innovative approach means that we place no limit on the membership of The Barrister Group, and it is our hope that all pupils who have successfully completed their pupillage with us will choose to stay by applying through our open process for membership. You can learn more here: https://thebarristergroup.co.uk/join-us
We are offering a maximum of 12 fully funded pupillages which can be undertaken remotely and/or from our London, Taunton or Birmingham offices. At the present time, the application process and timescales will run in accordance with the mandated timetable set by the BSB. We are currently lobbying for changes to the mandated timetable, which would allow us to offer more pupillages throughout the year; we are in the process of gathering evidence.
We place great value on individuals who have taken a different and interesting route to qualification.
You can apply at any stage on the path to qualification and we encourage applicants to tell us more about their particular path and the individual experiences they have encountered along the way. However, applicants must have satisfied the BSB Authorisation Framework requirements before commencing any period of pupillage with us. If we agree that you could secure an exemption/waiver, we will guide you through the BSB application process ahead of your pupillage commencing.
The Barrister Group particularly welcomes applications from pupils who have obtained waivers/reduction from the BSB or have the strong opportunity to obtain such, given that this will be awarded by the BSB based on significant relevant knowledge, experience and a demonstrable drive and determination to succeed at the Bar. In addition, it is our experience that such candidates also help in promoting diversity and inclusion and help to create a Bar which reflects the society it serves.
The Barrister Group is a leading national provider of legal representation and considers itself to be the largest civil Chambers in England and Wales. We have offices in London, Taunton and Birmingham, but due to our emphasis on LegalTech, all of our members are able to operate remotely with access to electronic systems so they can focus on delivering the best legal service to their clients.
Interviews will be offered in person or remotely, depending on an applicant’s individual needs and location. We feel it is important to highlight details of the accessibility of our offices which can be found here: The Barrister Group Office Accessibility
Financial and Other Support Available
In addition to the minimum award (which allows us to offer more pupillages), pupils will receive invaluable specialist resources and online systems which will support your development and have the flexibility to learn in an environment that suits your individual needs.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
The Barrister Group is proud of its 20 year history developing a naturally inclusive environment; equity and accessibility is at the heart of what we do.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
The Barrister Group is proud of its 20 year history developing a naturally inclusive environment; equity and accessibility is at the heart of what we do.
The practical impact of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Suite can be seen in our published policies here:
- Anti -racism statement
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
- Fair Allocation of Work Policy
- Flexible Working Policy
- Harassment Policy
- Accessibility at our offices
- Parental Leave and Extended Leave Policy
If you have any questions on accessibility or equality, diversity or inclusion, you can contact professionalstandards@thebarristergroup.co.uk
How to Apply
Stage 1: Complete The Barrister Group’s Initial Assessment.
Stage 1: Complete The Barrister Group’s Initial Assessment.
This will become live on Wednesday 03 January 2024, 12:01(am) via The Barrister Group’s Pupillage webpage, where you can now register your interest to be notified as soon as this becomes live: https://thebarristergroup.co.uk/pupillage
This stage takes an innovative approach using a completely anonymous assessment tool. You will not be asked to provide any identifiable personal data, educational attainments, or institutions. Instead, we focus on the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful self-employed barrister. Our ideal pupil criteria is developed from the Professional Statement for Barristers
To see how we have translated these competencies, check out our “ideal pupil criteria” on our website.
Stage 2: Complete The Barrister Group’s Pupillage Suitability Assessment.
You will be invited to complete this stage if you are successful at Stage 1.
This stage looks at the candidate’s suitability with The Barrister Group assessing qualities, skills, experience, and abilities which align with The Barrister Group’s values, aims and ethos. Our overall objective is to recruit candidates who we can encourage and support to develop and maintain their own successful, sustainable self-employed practice.
We recognise how challenging applying for pupillage can be, so, other than at stage 1 (due to its anonymity), we guarantee to provide specific and constructive feedback to all applicants.
