Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Twenty Essex is proud to be an inclusive environment and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. A long-term commitment to diversity is one of chambers’ strategic objectives. We were the first chambers to adopt Rare’s Contextual Recruitment System to review applications for pupillage in the context of the candidate’s socio-economic background.
Improving the fairness, objectivity and awareness of our recruitment process is just one piece of the jigsaw that will lead to a more diverse Bar. We not only meet, but go further than, the BSB Equality and Diversity Rules and constantly strive to reduce the risk of unconscious bias and to remove any factor that may lead to particular groups being underrepresented within chambers.
We are a signatory to the Women in Law Pledge, a partner set of Bridging the Bar’s mini-pupillage programme, of Combar’s Mentoring Scheme For Underrepresented Groups and of 10,000 Black Interns. Members of chambers devote significant time to mentoring individuals from underrepresented groups at all stages, including those at school, university, training for the Bar and practising barristers. Mentoring schemes we participate in include Bridging the Bar, the Combar Mentoring Scheme, all four Inns of Court schemes and the Social Mobility Foundation.
Twenty Essex’s premises are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. If you would like to discuss any particular requirements for adjustments to services or have any questions relating to our equality and diversity policy, please contact our HR Manager, Kylie Coker at kcoker@twentyessex.com.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between Wednesday 4 January 2023 and Wednesday 8 February 2023 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, please respond to the following questions from Chambers:
1. We only offer interviews to candidates who have either been offered or completed a mini pupillage at Twenty Essex. What date were you offered a mini pupillage with us or on what date(s) did you complete your mini pupillage with us? (Please note your pupillage application cannot also be considered as a mini pupillage application. See our website for full details and criteria.) (max. 1200 characters)
2. Why do you believe you will make a good barrister? In your answer, please identify any relevant additional experiences or skills that you believe may help you in your career. (max. 1200 characters)
3. What areas of practice are you interested in and why? (max. 1200 characters)
4. Please give your reasons for choosing to apply to Twenty Essex. (max. 1200 characters)
About AETO and Structure of Pupillage
Pupillage at Twenty Essex offers the opportunity to train with barristers at the top of their profession in a highly successful, international and friendly set at the cutting edge of commercial and international law. The key features of pupillage at Twenty Essex:
• We are a leading commercial and public international law set
• We seek outstanding applicants.
• Diversity is very important to us. We were the first chambers to adopt Rare’s CSR.
• High retention rate: over 80% of our pupils taken on as tenants in the last five years.
• A detailed, structured training programme. We do not just test: we teach.
• Friendly and supportive atmosphere in chambers.
• Generous award of £75,000, with drawdown and other benefits.
• An emphasis on work/life balance for pupils.
• No numbers limits: if you achieve tenancy standard you will be offered tenancy.
For more details and our full selection criteria, please see our website. The next deadline for mini-pupillage applications is 31 December 2022. We only interview candidates who have been offered,or have completed a mini pupillage at Twenty Essex. The interview dates will be Friday 24 and Saturday 25 March 2023. We look forward to your application.
Any Other Relevant Information
You may wish to look at our top tips on applying for commercial pupillage
We are hosting an insight into commercial pupillage webinar. Join our panel of barristers who will share their insights on how to apply for a commercial pupillage, what happens during pupillage, and what life is like as a new tenant. The speakers will include barristers who are interview panel members for pupillage applications.
If you would like to register please reserve your place here.
