Who Should Apply to 3VB?

3VB receives 150 to 200 applications each year and normally offers 3 pupillages.

To succeed, applicants must demonstrate by their CV and their interview very strong academic abilities (especially in contract and related areas of law). There is no absolute or inflexible grade or other requirement or set ‘type' of individual that we are looking for, but it is rare for a candidate without at least an undergraduate 2i from a good university (as well as a good record on the GDL where applicable), to progress far in the application process. Although not required, successful applicants usually have a first or a Master's degree (or both).

Applicants must also demonstrate strong written and oral advocacy abilities, which usually requires significant experience in mooting or similar activities.

We also expect applicants to be able to demonstrate, again by their CV and in interview, a commitment to and understanding of the Commercial Bar, in part by having done mini-pupillages at 3VB or, if not, at rival sets (although we appreciate that some candidates, especially non-law candidates, will have had a limited time of studying law in which to do mini-pupillages).

Finally, candidates must impress the interviewing panel with their temperament, commercial sense and motivation. The candidate's other experience and their personality are, of course, relevant to this criterion.

Chambers' pupillage policy can be viewed by clicking on this link.

3VB operates an equal opportunities policy in accordance with the Bar Code of Conduct and the Bar Standard's Board's Equality and Diversity Code. We are prepared and willing to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disabled applicants, pupils and tenants, and candidates with a disability are asked to indicate during the application process the nature of their disability and any adjustments they think 3VB might have to make to accommodate them as regards the application process and as regards pupillage and tenancy.