Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
Two Harcourt Buildings is a specialist criminal set, deeply rooted in principles of excellence and forward thinking. With thirty-five barristers, including five King’s Counsel, our diverse and talented members are experienced in both prosecution and defence at all levels, and the size and culture of our chambers enables members to tailor their practice to best meet their goals.
With experience in the most serious, complex and demanding criminal cases, we are committed to advancing all aspects of our profession through the quality of our work and our conduct. We offer a friendly and relaxed environment in which to complete pupillage.
Areas of work
Members of chambers have particular expertise in the following areas:
Murder and other homicide - we have broad expertise in cases of murder, manslaughter, and attempted murder. Our tradition of outstanding courtroom advocacy and skilful preparation means that our members are a popular and trusted choice for these high profile and sensitive cases.
Terrorism - members of chambers are frequently involved in high profile, serious and sensitive terrorism cases. Several of our members have the security clearance required to undertake this type of work and are available to act as Special Advocates on behalf of the Attorney General in such cases.
Serious fraud - we are regularly instructed in high-value, complex, and novel frauds, bringing to bear decades of experience in this type of work. In what can often be a daunting and document heavy area, we provide thorough preparation, expert advice, and engaging presentation. We have several members who are specialists in fraud and financial crime, and who are involved in cases brought by the Serious Fraud Office, the Fraud Prosecution Service, and others.
Police operations against organised crime and drug trafficking – we have vast experience in the area of Serious and Organised Crime, regularly appearing in cases investigated by the NCA, and other specialist agencies. Our members are well known for their expertise in major drug and firearms importations, international human trafficking and slavery, organised kidnaps and torture, international conspiracies, and crimes relating to Customs evasion.
Police operations against organised crime and drug trafficking – we have vast experience in the area of Serious and Organised Crime, regularly appearing in cases investigated by the NCA, and other specialist agencies. Our members are well known for their expertise in major drug and firearms importations, international human trafficking and slavery, organised kidnaps and torture, international conspiracies, and crimes relating to Customs evasion.
Rape, child abuse and other serious sex offences - we have a proven track record in prosecuting and defending the most serious sexual offences and have appeared in many high-profile cases in this field in recent years. We are well represented on the specialist prosecution panel for these cases.
Non-accidental head injuries in infants ("shaken baby syndrome") - in this highly technical area of work, we have long been recognised as a pre-eminent set of chambers. We have an outstanding knowledge of the medico-legal background which can dominate cases of this type and are regularly asked to advise on the instruction of experts in preparation for trial.
In addition to the field of criminal law, members of chambers have significant experience in the following practice areas:
Private Prosecutions - in recent years, our members have acted on behalf of leading insurance companies, local councils and charitable institutions involved in private prosecutions, acting for both the Prosecution and the Defence.
Regulatory & Disciplinary work - members of chambers are frequently instructed in disciplinary cases of all types and have appeared in cases involving sports tribunals and governing bodies, educational institutions and professional regulators. We accept instructions across all areas of regulatory work. We have particular expertise in healthcare regulation and our members frequently appear on behalf of both the Prosecution and Defence at the full range of hearings before the healthcare regulators including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Dental Council, the General Medical Council, the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Confiscation Proceedings - members of chambers are expert in all matters arising from confiscation proceedings. We are frequently instructed on behalf of prosecuting bodies, defendants, and interested third parties to represent their interests at complex and involved contested confiscation hearings.
Courts Martial - we defend members of the Armed Forces in the full range of offences, including those uniquely faced by service personnel or of the utmost gravity. We are also highly experienced at defending Members of the Armed Forces who face prosecution in civilian courts.
Structure of Pupillage
Pupils are assigned to one pupil supervisor for each six month period. During the first six non-practising months pupils attend court with their supervisor on a daily basis, and complete written work and research as directed. Effort is taken to ensure that the pupil has contact with, and the opportunity to work for, tenants of all levels of seniority within Chambers. During the second six months pupils conduct cases in court alone and can expect to develop their own busy practice. In-house advocacy training is provided weekly during pupillage - feedback received from pupils about this training has always been very good - along with regular written assessments by the pupillage supervisor and feedback from instructing solicitors.
Financial and Other Support Available
We offer an award and guaranteed earnings totalling £32,400. Up to 12.5% of the award for the first six months may be payable during the BPTC course upon request.
Pupils are offered the opportunity to benefit from Chambers' mentorship scheme from the start of their second six.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunities and aim to recruit articulate and confident candidates, regardless of their background, who can demonstrate drive and determination and who are committed to a future at the Criminal Bar. We look for applicants who can balance intellectual excellence (we normally expect a 2:1 degree or higher unless extenuating circumstances apply) with common sense and pragmatism. We take the recruitment of pupils very seriously and every pupil is selected on the basis that they are a potential tenant- in the past nine years twelve of our pupils were taken on and quickly developed excellent practices in chambers.
We participate in the Bar Social Mobility Scheme and the Bridging the Bar Scheme, offering mini pupillages to those from low income backgrounds and backgrounds with little access to the legal profession.
Any questions regarding accessibility should be directed to VickyBeasley@2hb.co.uk.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 2 January 2025 and 6 February 2025 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’.
Candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
1. What are the key skills and characteristics you possess that you believe will make you a good advocate? (Max 250 words)
2. What do you think the hardest thing will be about being a criminal barrister? Please also explain how you intend to deal with the challenge identified. (Max 250 words)
3. If there is anything else that you would like us to know about you, please provide details here. (Max 250 words)
Attached documents
