Pupillage
Twelve-month pupillages
Up to three pupillages are offered for 2009-10, each with an award of up to £30,000, including guaranteed earnings of £12,500 during the second six months. Candidates are invited to apply during the summer preceding the year in which a pupillage is sought (chambers subscribes to the OLPAS system).
After an initial induction process, successful candidates will spend three periods of four months each with different pupil supervisors. The aim is to introduce pupils to each of the core practice areas in chambers, giving them experience of court work and the opportunity to work with as many members as possible. These members will then form part of a larger panel reporting back to the Recruitment Committee when pupils' applications for tenancy are being considered.
During their second six months, pupils can expect to be in court at least five times a week. Their work will consist mainly of small claims arbitration: an ideal environment for 'cutting your teeth' in advocacy. Other likely work will include possession claims and family issues (contact hearings, applications for injunctions and committals).
The progress of each pupil is reviewed at regular intervals - and all pupils are encouraged to apply for a tenancy at the end of their working six months. The Recruitment Committee will make its decision on the basis of feedback from pupil supervisors, panel members and the clerks' room, as well as a written exercise and interview.
Pupils are given a copy of the Chambers' Pupillage Handbook, which contains details of how to apply for a tenancy as well as a grievance procedure specific to pupils.
All enquiries about pupillage should be addressed to the Pupillage Committee (whose present chair is John Buck) - either by post or e-mail to jbuck@tanfieldchambers.co.uk.
Twelve-month PupillageThird six Pupillage
Mini-pupillage
