Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
We are a prominent and progressive set on the North Eastern Circuit and the most established set of chambers in Hull. We are listed in the Legal 500 as a leading set.
Chambers is located in very close proximity to the courts and law firms in Hull City Centre. We have strong links with the legal community on the south bank of the Humber in Grimsby and Scunthorpe and regularly receive instructions from clients outside of the Humberside area.
Wilberforce Chambers building stands in the heart of the Old Town and has recently undergone extensive renovation in Winter 2023, providing a vibrant and engaging work atmosphere.
Chambers has an experienced and knowledgeable clerking team managing a varied caseload in all disciplines that continues to increase in both volume and complexity. The opportunity for practice development throughout your career to judicial appointment is well established over a period approaching 70 years of advocacy for the Humber legal community. The strength of chambers and exceptional abilities of its members continues as recently endorsed by the Legal 500.
Structure of Pupillage
We are seeking to recruit at least one pupil to join our exceptionally busy team. Our pupils will undertake a mixed pupillage in civil, criminal and family work.
During your pupillage you will be allocated one pupil supervisor with the opportunity to spend time with other members of chambers in various different practice areas. We make every effort to tailor pupillage to the specific interests of the pupil, however our focus is ensuring that you have experience of all areas of law within our thriving practice.
We recruit pupils with a view to tenancy. If you are taken on at the end of your pupillage, you can expect a dynamic and busy practice alongside continued support from your supervisor and all members of chambers and staff.
Financial and Other Support Available
During your first six months in pupillage you will be paid a monthly income by Chambers. You will keep all earnings achieved in your second six months of pupillage. If your income within your second six does not meet the Bar Council minimum monthly earnings Chambers will subsidise this to meet the minimum.
Wellbeing is important at Wilberforce. You will receive ongoing professional and emotional support from your pupil supervisor through regular supervision and check-in sessions, alongside access to our wellbeing officer should you wish. Our Junior Tenants care passionately about the next generation of Wilberforce Barristers and will be there to offer their insights and reassurance to you during your pupillage.
Wellbeing is important at Wilberforce. You will receive ongoing professional and emotional support from your pupil supervisor through regular supervision and check-in sessions, alongside access to our wellbeing officer should you wish. Our Junior Tenants care passionately about the next generation of Wilberforce Barristers and will be there to offer their insights and reassurance to you during your pupillage.
Our newly renovated chambers includes a large social space where you will always find members of Chambers working and relaxing.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Chambers are committed to equality, and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Wilberforce Barristers chambers building has recently undergone extensive renovations with accessibility in mind.
A copy of Chambers Equality and Diversity Policy can be provided upon request from our diversity officer Michael Masson (mmasson@hullbar.co.uk). Mr Masson will also be able to deal with any queries regarding accessibility.
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’.
In addition to the standardised Bar Council questionnaire, candidates will be asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:
1. Why do you wish to pursue a career at the Bar? (250 word limit)
2. What life experiences have you had that lead you to believe you will make a good barrister? (250 word limit)
3. What attracts you to Wilberforce Barristers, Hull? (250 word limit)
4.What advocacy experience do you have? (250 word limit)
5. What non-work related interests do you have? (250 word limit)
