Pupillage at 3 Verulam Buildings

The work of commercial barristers consists of advocacy and advisory work. Pupils entering commercial chambers must have high intellectual ability, which means at least an upper second in an honours subject (not necessarily in law). A candidate whose first degree is not in law should normally have achieved at least a commendation in the CPE. Because we are specialists in advocacy, we also seek candidates who have the qualities which make an effective advocate. Definition of these qualities is impossible: the foundation of them is the ability to present logical argument orally and in writing with confidence and flair. Anyone so qualified normally also has the personal qualities to fit into the friendly professional team (including the practice managers and other staff) which constitutes our Chambers.

Pupillages and awards are granted for twelve months. Pupils spend three months with each of four different members of chambers. Each of the pupil supervisors is likely to have a different form of practice. They are also likely to have a different approach to their work. Our policy is to expose our pupils to as many different styles of advising and of advocacy as possible, and to enable them (whether they commence practice at the Bar or not) to develop a career in any of the areas of practice that are attractive to them.

Pupils sit in the rooms of their pupil supervisors and share their daily professional life. They are expected to produce pleadings and opinions in the pupil supervisor's cases as if they were themselves the barrister instructed, including attending the majority of conferences between the barrister and clients, and going to Court. Pupils learn by direct experience how to prepare for hearings, and to do the necessary legal research. Pupils are not expected to undertake heavy photocopying or other administrative tasks (an advantage which they enjoy over most trainee solicitors). In their second six months pupils will undertake a limited amount of their own work, distributed on a rotation basis as far as is practicable. Chambers does not charge any clerks fees or expenses in relation to the fees earned by pupils.

Regular in-house training sessions focusing on improving advocacy skills are organised for all pupils. Chambers employs the General Commercial Check List which pupils are asked to complete regularly and conscientiously.

We reserve the right to terminate a pupillage and award after 6 months in the unlikely event that a pupil’s performance or conduct proves unsatisfactory. Pupils are kept informed of the pupillage committee’s assessment of their progress, with reviews at the end of each three month period.