Pupillage

I saw the quality of work that even junior members were receiving, the level of guidance and support offered to pupils, and the collegiate, friendly manner in which Chambers operates.”

Current Pupil

*Please note applications for 2023 are now closed*

Thinking about a career at St John’s?

On Tuesday, 14th December 2021 our barristers and current pupils presented a live webinar discussing all things pupillage, from our application and interview process, to life as a pupil, and the type of life and career you can expect as a barrister at St John’s Chambers.

For detailed information about our application and pupillage process, take a look at our pupillage policy: here.

If you are looking for a first class specialised pupillage that will give you the best possible springboard for your career at the Bar, St John’s Chambers is the set for you.

Described by the Legal 500 as ‘a Western Circuit Powerhouse’, St John’s offers the perfect chance to build a stellar career at the Bar while enjoying the great opportunities on offer in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. We are one of the largest and most prestigious sets in the South West, with over 80 barristers and 7 silks. Chambers UK and the Legal 500 list us as a ‘top-tier’ leading set in all of our major practice areas, describing us as a ‘go-to’ and ‘must instruct’ chambers. We are shortlisted once again for ‘Regional Set of the Year’ in 2022 in the Legal 500 Bar Awards and ‘Regional Set of the Year’ by Chambers UK Bar Awards 2022, further cementing our position as a standout destination for high-quality applicants who want the very best career without compromising on quality of life.

We are a ‘go-to’ chambers for legal advice outside of London, and receive high-level complex instructions from law firms across the UK, multi-national businesses, high net-worth individuals and people from all walks of life.

We were founded just over 40 years ago by barristers who wanted to do things differently.  We have a modern and progressive approach, with barristers, clerks and management working together as the driving force behind our success. Recently, we have been nominated at the Legal Cheek Awards for ‘Best Chambers for Colleague Supportiveness’ and ‘Best Chambers for Work-Life Balance’.  We continue to invest in our people to ensure we deliver the highest standards of service for our clients, and our open and collegiate culture promotes an inclusive and supportive work environment, allowing pupils to fulfil their potential and enjoy long and successful careers.

Our pupillage programme:

The pupillage committee and heads of practice groups determine the pupillage requirements for the following year by reference to the BSB’s Professional Statement and any specialist checklists. You can be sure your pupillage will cover all necessary aspects of your specialist area, while giving you exposure to a broad range of styles and approaches so that you can find your own.

What you can expect:

• a well structured pupillage;
• to carry out research for your pupil supervisor and other members of Chambers;
• to prepare pleadings, advices and opinions;
• to attend conferences with your pupil supervisor, the instructing solicitor, lay clients and experts;
• to accompany your pupil supervisor and other members of Chambers to court in order to gain experience and a working knowledge of the court system;
• to receive regular feedback on your work;
• in your 2nd Six you will build on the first 6-months’ experience as well as being busy in court.

What we look for in a pupil:

We look to recruit high-calibre candidates who demonstrate that they can analyse information quickly in order to present their arguments succinctly and persuasively. Successful candidates will typically have strong academic credentials.  We have no preference as to whether your undergraduate degree is in law or whether you have undertaken a valid transfer qualification.  Relevant experience such as public speaking or mooting and/or legal work experience is desirable but not essential.  A strong commitment to a successful and demanding career is essential, as is the ability to adapt and manage change and a desire to excel.

We generally expect our pupils to specialise within one practice group.

We are committed to recruiting new tenants from our pupils whenever possible. Accordingly, we offer pupillage to those who we hope and expect will become tenants.  Of course there can be no guarantees, but in the majority of cases a successful pupillage will lead to an offer of tenancy.

Funding

£50,000 along with the loan (with an option to buy) of the latest tablet, Smart keyboard and iPen. The award is paid in 12 equal monthly instalments, subject to a claw-back to the extent of any fees actually received during the second six months of pupillage.

When and how to apply for pupillage starting in 2024:

We do not accept applications through the Pupillage Gateway, but the timetable for our 2024 pupillage application process will be set by the BSB. It is likely that we will advertise from around November 2023 and applications will open in January 2024. Application forms will be available on this page.

Should you have any general enquiries about pupillage, please contact our Office Manager, Isabelle Mills on 0117 923 4717 or email: isabelle.mills@stjohn.joydemo.co.uk

Equal Opportunities Statement

St John’s Chambers will ensure that each application is considered on its merits regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

We ask you to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to help us to monitor our fair selection and recruitment practice.  None of the information contained on the form will form part of our selection process.

Part-time pupillage

We are also willing to offer part-time pupillages.  Please get in touch with us as above if this applies to you.