Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
Three Raymond Buildings is recognised as a leading set in criminal law and related fields, its members practising nationally and internationally. With a reputation for excellence in advocacy and advisory work, we are highly ranked in legal directories in all areas of our practice. The breadth and quality of our practice enables us to meet present and future challenges with confidence. We foster a strong, open and cohesive culture.
Our main areas of expertise are:
Criminal law: general, fraud, PoCA. Defending and prosecuting at first instance and in appellate courts, our members specialise in serious frauds and have appeared in many notable cases. We are expert in cases of money laundering and confiscation.
International – extradition, MLA, tribunals. We have appeared in many of the most significant extradition cases in England. We stand at the forefront of the law relating to mutual legal assistance. Our tribunal work extends to the international arena.
Public and administrative law: judicial review, inquests, inquiries. Members regularly appear in the High Court in all types of applications for judicial review. Members have been involved in some of the most significant inquests and public inquiries of recent times.
Licensing – all statutory licensing regimes with an emphasis on liquor, gambling, security and entertainment. We are highly experienced in every facet of licensing law.
Regulatory enforcement – health & safety, environmental & financial. This diverse area spans all areas of activity which are subject to statutory regulation.
Professional discipline: police, medical, sports. Our extensive criminal and regulatory work makes us the first choice for proceedings relating to police officers.
Structure of Pupillage
Pupils at Three Raymond Buildings can be assured of an excellent grounding in all aspects of our areas of practice through working with, and learning from, leading practitioners with a national and international reputation.
Each pupil can expect to work with a different supervisor every four months. During the first six months, pupils take a very active part in the practice of their supervisors and observe how busy juniors conduct their cases.
Second six pupils will also receive their own work, mainly in the Magistrates’ Courts but with some PTPHs, mentions and bail applications in the Crown Court.
Throughout pupillage, pupils are encouraged to work with as many other members of Chambers as possible, at all levels of seniority. Work done for others forms part of the reference process at the tenancy application stage.
We also have a comprehensive in-house training programme throughout the year.
Our clerking and administrative staff are friendly and helpful and we have excellent support facilities, including an electronic library for legal research.
Pupils will be considered for tenancy at the end of pupillage. The application process includes internal and external feedback on work done throughout the year, supervisor references, samples of written work, and an interview including a mock brief. The number of tenancies is not limited, and will reflect the standard of candidates applying at the time.
Financial and Other Support Available
Our funding is £55,000 for the year (£30,000 grant plus £20,000 guaranteed earnings) plus travel expenses outside zone 2, and up to £500 towards any external compulsory training.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
We aim to be an organisation in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity and are committed to ensuring that no-one is discriminated against, bullied or harassed on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender or sexual orientation, or treated less favourably on such grounds. This statement applies to the recruitment processes through which pupils are selected.
If you need reasonable adjustments during any part of the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Pupillage Secretary. We understand that it can be difficult to talk about a disability however, it may help you to be open about your disability so that we can support you through the process and ensure that you have the right level of reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustments might include (but are not limited to) ensuring ease of physical access, assistive technology, extra time. Any conversations regarding disability and adjustments will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with interview panels. Applicants may choose to share information relating to particular extenuating circumstances.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between Thursday 2 January 2025 and Thursday 6 February 2025 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’.
In addition to the standardised Bar Council questionnaire, candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
- Skill Area 1 - Intellect: Using examples where possible, please say why you think you have the ability to assimilate information quickly, the aptitude to think logically, flexibly and analytically when faced with complex situations, whilst at the same time maintaining an ordered attention to detail. (1235 character limit)
- Skill Area 2 - Working Methods and Approach: Using examples where possible, please say why you think you have initiative, are practical and possess common sense, self-reliance and integrity, that you have a constructive approach to problems and can work well under pressure. (1235 character limit)
- Skill Area 3 - Integrity and Resilience: Using examples where possible, please say why you think you can demonstrate a willingness to work hard, take on challenges and be open to critical feedback whilst being able to assert yourself where required. (1235 character limit)
- Skill Area 4 - Communication: Using examples where possible, please say why you think you can articulate complex ideas in a clear and persuasive manner, whilst having the ability to adapt your style to suit different target audiences or tribunals, and to convey a sense of confidence, competence and purpose. (1235 character limit)
- Skill Area 5 - Judgement: Using examples where possible, please say why you think you have sound judgement, are able to weigh up competing interests before forming a considered opinion, and can exercise tact and discretion as appropriate. (1235 character limit)
- Why do you want to become a barrister, and what are your reasons for applying to Three Raymond Buildings? (1830 character limit)
- What areas of practice are you interested in and why interested in and why? (940 character limit)
