We only offer pupillages to those candidates who we think have the potential to become tenants and outstanding advocates, and intend to practise at the Bar of England and Wales.
We are keen to recruit bright independent-minded people, who thrive on hard work, have the ability to be self-starters, are keen to learn and have something to offer us.
We value diversity and we encourage original thinking. There is no Chambers type. We would typically expect a minimum of a 2:1 degree. We do not, however, require a law degree, and many members of Chambers have qualified through the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) Common Professional Examination (CPE).
We apply the same criteria to our applicants for pupillage as we apply in our selection of potential tenants. They are:
- Academic achievement and intellectual ability
- Analytical skills – including the ability to absorb complex information rapidly and identify essentials
- Common sense and sound judgment – including the ability to remain pragmatic and practical
- Written skills – ability to prepare clear, precise and accurate written work; ability to present arguments persuasively in writing
- Advocacy / public speaking / oral presentation skills – ability to present an oral argument clearly, persuasively, appropriately and with confidence and impact
- Resilience and independence – ability to work independently, seeking guidance where necessary; does not back away from tackling difficult or stressful situations; remains calm and in control under pressure
- Motivation/Capacity for hard work – level of drive and determination; conscientiousness, commitment to a career at the Bar and understanding of what a career as a barrister in chambers entails
- Impact and ability to deal with people – including articulacy; confidence; perceptiveness; and ability to build productive working relationships (whether with judges, lay clients, professional clients, other members of the Bar, clerks)
- Integrity and high ethical and professional standards
4 Pump Court often receives enquiries from lawyers qualified in other jurisdictions seeking a reduced or unfunded pupillage. It is our policy to prioritise recruitment of our junior tenants from the twelve month pupils and it is therefore only on rare occasions and to exceptional candidates that Chambers will offer a reduced and/or unfunded pupillage. In general, candidates who are entitled to a reduced pupillage but who are at the start or an early stage of their legal career (typically up to 5 years post-qualification) should apply for a twelve-month funded pupillage in the normal way, while established practitioners (typically in excess of 5 years post-qualification) may be considered for recruitment under Chambers’ lateral hire procedure even though they may be required to undertake a period of pupillage before practising at the Bar.
We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and aim to select candidates for both pupillage and tenancy on merit irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. 4 Pump Court is a Supporter of the Charter for Black Talent in Finance and the Professions (the Black Talent Charter) and gives deliberate preference to Black candidates when faced with a tie-breaker situation, providing such candidates are equally qualified.
We will also consider any reasonable adjustments needed to ensure that you can participate in our selection process fairly.
Would you like to know more?
For help and advice talk to a member of our clerking team. They can advise on the best options for your matter.
Call: +44 (0) 20 7842 5555
