Outline of Pupillage

All three 12-month pupillages are general criminal pupillages.

During the first six months, pupils will be allocated to a single Pupil Supervisor.

At an induction held a week prior to commencement of pupillage, all pupils receive a comprehensive introduction to pupillage at 25 Bedford Row. As well as welcoming the pupil, it sets out guidance and material in advance of the pupil’s arrival in Chambers to help them get the most out of pupillage with us. In addition, during the first week in Chambers, we arrange a meeting for all pupils with the Chair and the other members of the Pupillage Committee, together with fellow pupils, to answer any further queries and to ensure that pupillage has begun smoothly.

All first six month pupils are also expected to spend some time with Probationary Tenants and / or Junior Tenants to ensure experience is gained in the Magistrates' Court prior to the commencement of second six pupillage.

In addition, placements can be arranged for each pupil to spend time at Release, a national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law.

Second six month pupils will be allocated to a (different) single Pupil Supervisor for the duration of the  second six month period that they will shadow and assist. Pupils will also attend Court in their own right. Pupils are moved to different rooms so they get to know as wide a range of members of Chambers as possible. The association between pupil and Pupil Supervisor is necessarily less strong during the second six months as the pupils are in court on their own account every day. But the Pupil Supervisors keep a close eye on the work their pupils are doing, especially during the first few weeks.

Probationary Tenants (formerly known as third six pupils) will be allocated to a (different) single Pupil Supervisor for the duration of the Probationary Tenancy that they will shadow and assist. Pupils will also attend Court in their own right. Pupils are moved to different rooms so they get to know as wide a range of members of Chambers as possible. The association between pupil and Pupil Supervisor is necessarily less strong during the Probationary Tenancy as the pupils are in court on their own account every day. However, the Pupil Supervisors keep a close eye on the work their pupils are doing, especially during the first few weeks.