At 4KBW, we recognise that pupillage is an important stage of a barrister's career. First and foremost, it is an opportunity to develop the skills which the pupil will use throughout his or her practice and to observe others putting those skills into practice. Second, it is a time for the pupil to get to know the individuals who make up Chambers and to decide whether he or she wants to build his or her career amongst them. Third, it is an opportunity for the pupil to put developing skills into practice and, hopefully, to secure a tenancy. We do not embrace the old-fashioned perception of pupillage as a year-long interview. Whilst securing a tenancy is an important aim for most of our pupils, we believe that the emphasis of a pupillage at 4KBW should be on the pupil's development as a barrister as well as on his or her assessment as a future tenant. Our pupillages are, designed to achieve this goal.

In developing this philosophy Chambers prides itself on offering a modern innovate approach to pupillage. Chambers operates a structured development of advocacy and skills training in the first sixth months, second sixth will be strong in court advocacy particularly criminal litigation. Chambers experience shows this route develops strong advocates in both civil and criminal minded pupils with advanced skills in case management and preparation.

Applicants for first sixth pupillage will be expected to have performed at a high academic level and show a commitment to develop their acquired legal skills for successful practice at the Bar. All first sixth applicants seeking a second sixth in Chambers will need to apply to a further advert in pupillages.com.

Applicants for second sixth pupillages must demonstrate a solid grounding in basic practice and procedure. Prior to selection, applicants should expect to produce examples of written work and references for both academic training and also professional work.

At each stage of the interview process, 4KBW will apply the guidance set out in Equality Code for the Bar. In particular, care is taken to ensure:

• All interviews have a common structure and that similar questions are asked of each candidate;
  
• All questions will avoid personal relationships and family composition which are irrelevant to suitability; and no assumptions will be made about a candidate's abilities or potential based upon age, race, sex, sexual orientation or disability.

First six pupillage experience: Christopher Loxton

The first month my first six has certainly been a busy and exciting time. I’ve relished the transition from working as a paralegal in a solicitors’ firm to being on the receiving end of instructions, be it under the auspices of my pupil supervisor! Having the opportunity from day one of working on ‘live’ cases has given me a focused sense of importance as to what a barrister does. I’ve written first (and third!) drafts of skeleton arguments and advices, met clients in conference, prepared trial bundles and frantically taken notes of unfolding events at court.

My supervisor’s practice is extremely broad – I’ve been engaged in finding a suitable resolution for a bail application to travel abroad, to drafting a skeleton on a High Court case concerning restrictive covenants, to evaluating expert evidence for a criminal appeal, and researching the costs implications of civil proceedings stretching over three years. The variety of work 4KBW undertakes, and its dynamism in its methods of operating, certainly gives one the impression that it’s well-placed to see out the storm of legal cuts that looms on the horizon. A very reassuring thought for someone just starting in the profession! It has been fascinating to come to the Bar at such a time of flux, in particular being involved in direct access cases where members of the public instruct directly.

It’s been fantastic to feel genuinely part of a community both within the friendly confines of chambers and the wider Bar. Playing even a small but connected part in the never-ending story of the legal system, particularly at its very heart in Temple, is truly an experience no other career can offer. Despite all this frenzied action, my friends have been pleasantly surprised that I’ve rarely left work much after 6.30 p.m. Though I’m told that changes as the prospect of taking on one’s own cases becomes increasingly a reality! Nevertheless, it’s a reality I await with bated breath.

Mini-pupillage

Mini pupillages are a vital part of our application process and Chambers ethos. For individuals interested in acquiring further experience of the Bar, common law work, and Chambers in particular, 4KBW offers mini-pupillages of 3 or 5 days duration throughout the legal year.

A mini-pupil typically spends time with several different members of Chambers and can expect to attend court, mediation/tribunal hearings or conferences. In addition there may be an opportunity to look at papers and complete legal research. Generally mini-pupillages are not assessed. They represent an opportunity for the mini-pupil to get a better idea of the practice and people of 4KBW.

Candidates are encouraged to apply for a mini-pupillage as far in advance as possible; Chambers receives many applications and spaces fill up quickly.