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Pupillage

Pupillage 2024

9 KBW is offering three twelve month funded pupillages from 1ST 0ctober 2024 

 

 

 

 

PUPILLAGE AT 9 KBW; WHAT WE OFFER

9 King's Bench Walk is a progressive, inclusive and highly pro-active set, working mainly in Crime, for both defence and prosecution, and in Regulatory work. We have a very experienced Management and Clerking team, who work closely with every member, probationary tenant and pupil to ensure that they receive a first class, skilled, successful and supportive service at all times.

9KBW is offering three funded criminal pupillages commencing in October 2024. Funding is a mixture of an award during first six and guaranteed earnings during second six, full details of which are set out below. Overall minimum guaranteed earnings will be £24,000 for the 12 months but our pupils earn substantially more than that, once fees begin to come in during second six. The award will be increased in line with any change to the BSB minimum guaranteed earnings level that occurs during the pupillage period.

A 9KBW Pupillage comprises four periods of 3 months, with four different designated Pupil Supervisors, who will be responsible for overall assessment and reporting. We believe that rotating supervisors in this way gives our pupils the widest possible experience of different types of work and advocacy styles.

During their first six pupillage pupils will; 

  • Attend and observe proceedings at the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Courts, as well as the Court of Appeal where possible.
  • They will attend Regulatory Tribunals and Extradition hearings.
  • A pupil will observe completed proceedings in all types of hearing in each of those courts.
  • A pupil will be expected to learn how to prepare a brief, both in relation to pre-hearing work such as, but not necessarily limited to, drafting indictments, defence case statements, opening notes, grounds of appeal and skeleton arguments and preparation for the hearing itself, such as preparing examinations in chief, cross examinations, speeches and any legal submissions.
  • Undertaking legal research (including tasks within areas of law and practice never previously encountered by the pupil).
  • Introduction to solicitors, CPS representatives (both law clerks and lawyers), other members of the Bar, and wherever possible members of the judiciary.
  • Further advocacy training in the conduct of small applications will be given by members of Chambers (not limited to the pupil supervisors) at various stages during the first and second six months

During second six every pupil will be kept very busy in court, doing cases for both the defence and the prosecution, in the Magistrates' Courts, but also gaining extensive experience in Crown Court hearings, including being instructed in jury trials. There will also be opportunities to undertake work in other areas of law. Although we are predominantly a criminal set, we also have experienced practitioners in Regulatory, Immigration, Animal Welfare and Extradition Law, who will be able to advise and guide pupils who wish to broaden their areas of specialisation. In second six, pupils are encouraged to talk to members about their cases and there is always an experienced member available for a pupil to call to discuss any concerns that they may have about any aspect of their work.

We also encourage pupils in their second six to apply to join the Crown Prosecution Service Advocate Panel as well as Regulatory Panels and our experienced Managing Consultant and Senior Clerk will be there to guide and assist pupils through the application process. We maintain a high level of success in this area, in both initial applications and applications to upgrade in the future. All of our pupils to date have been successful in their applications to join these panels prior to completing their pupillage.

Our Training Programme for pupils is extensive, so that pupils receive a wide ranging and comprehensive pupillage, designed to meet the competences and standards set by the BSB Although we are predominantly a Criminal set, we also have experienced practitioners in Regulatory, Immigration, Animal Welfare and Extradition Law, who will be able to advise and guide pupils who wish to broaden their areas of specialisation. 

We intend to recruit those pupils who we think have what it takes to become 9KBW tenants and we provide a wide and inclusive experience with that aim firmly in mind. 

9 KBW will offer applicants the opportunity to gain wide experience of life at the Bar generally and to master skills that will enable them to develop a first class practice, in not only their preferred areas of law, but also in other areas that they may not previously have considered. 

Although chambers are instructed in work primarily in London, 9 King’s Bench Walk believes in tailoring one’s practice to fit them. This being the case, some members of chambers are instructed in cases outside of the capital

We welcome and encourage applications from those in groups that may currently be under-represented at the Bar and particularly welcome those for whom the Bar, or law in any area, may not be their first career.

Where Reasonable Adjustments are requested, we endeavour to work with the pupil, in order to meet those adjustments, to the fullest extent possible.

Hard work, commitment and dedication are what we expect and are what we will reward. Candidates should be willing to work hard, show a commitment to criminal law, be prepared to consider other specialisms, have a passion and flair for advocacy as well as good interpersonal skills, and be articulate, persuasive and clear. We do not discriminate between those with law degrees and those with non-law degrees, and so we encourage applications from those who are coming to the Bar at a later stage in their careers. We also welcome pupillage applications from transferring solicitors, or qualified legal practitioners (including those from other relevant jurisdictions). Our members come from a wide variety of socio-economic and educational backgrounds and we are proud of our history in that regard and are keen to make that our continued aim in the future.

While we have no absolute requirement as to class of degree, a high standard (generally no less than a 2:1) is usually expected unless there are mitigating circumstances. Should that be the case those circumstances should be set out in your application form.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please scroll to the bottom of the page to download the Application Form, an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion monitoring form and a copy of our Pupillage Policy

Applications will open on 3 January 2024 AT 12.01am and close on 7 February 2024 at 11.59pm (in accordance with the Pupillage Gateway timetable)

SELECTION CRITERIA

The criteria for selection for pupillage is whether the candidate has demonstrated the necessary skills and commitment to be a pupil at 9KBW.

Chambers will have regard to the candidate’s abilities and performance during the application process, including two interviews, an advocacy and a written exercise, in line with the following criteria:

  • Oral Communication and Advocacy Skills.
  • Written Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Commitment to a career at the Bar
  • Academic achievement
  • Non-academic skills and achievements 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Chambers selection procedure for pupils is as follows:

  • On receipt of all written applications for pupillage Chambers Managing Consultant will forward each to administrative support for acknowledgment
  • Chambers Managing Consultant selects three or four teams comprised of members of the Tenancy and Pupillage Committee (the number of teams is dependent upon the number of applications received) and forwards an equal number of applications to each team.
  • Each team selects up to eight candidates from their batch of applicants who they feel meet Chambers selection criteria. More may be selected if applications are of an exceptionally high standard
  • Those candidates selected are invited for interview by our Managing Consultant.

Chambers has two rounds of interviews in addition to an advocacy exercise in round one and a written exercise for those who are successful in progressing to the second round

Interviews will take place during March and April 2024

  • At first round interviews, (which may be in London or via Zoom if candidates are interviewed remotely) each candidate is given or sent a copy of an advocacy exercise and allowed 20 minutes to prepare. If Reasonable Adjustments are required, for specified reasons, additional time to prepare will be allowed
  • On completion of the advocacy exercise each candidate then spends up to 30 minutes answering questions from the panel, one of which is law based.
  • Following completion of all first round interviews, up to 12 candidates will be invited for second round interviews (the panel have discretion to invite more or less than that number)
  • Those selected for a second round interview will be sent a written exercise with a deadline for completion of at least two days prior to date of the second round interviews. Each candidate will be given the same deadline unless Reasonable Adjustments, for specified reasons, are requested. If so additional time will be allowed.
  • On return of the completed written exercise from the candidates, the selection teams will score the written work in accordance with an agreed criteria and scoring system
  • At the second round interviews, candidates will be questioned on the merits and skill of their written application, followed by a round of general questions.
  • On the day of the second round interview and not more than 10 minutes prior to the start of the interview, the candidates are given a topic upon which they will be asked to advocate for a period of two minutes during the course of the interview. If Reasonable Adjustments are required, for specified reasons, more time can be allowed to prepare.
  • The Pupillage Committee will determine which candidates most clearly meet the criteria and standards for a 9KBW pupillage and make offers to the top three candidates accordingly. Offers may be made to more or less than three candidates; more if the panel takes the view that the standard of applicants is exceptionally high or less if the panel feels that they have not seen three candidates that fully meet the standards set by the panel.
  • Should any candidate not accept Chambers offer, offers will then be made to the candidates who were placed behind them in terms of meeting the criteria.
  • The Pupillage Committee will make pupillage offers via e mail and in strict accordance with the Gateway Timetable.
  • Chambers will keep written records of each step set out above and feedback can be made available upon request

 

PUPILLAGE FUNDING

Pupils will receive £24,000 over the court of the pupillage year. This is comprised of a non-refundable grant of £12,000 during the first six months, and £12,000 in guaranteed earnings in the second six months. The guaranteed earnings are payable monthly and are either partially or fully refundable from fees received during the second six months of pupillage. The award will also be increased in line with any BSB requirement for guaranteed funding). 

This is calculated on a month by month basis so that fees received will only be recoverable against the award in the month in which they are received. A contribution towards Chambers expenses is payable on fees received over and above the award level. This stands at 12% of fees received above the award, exclusive of VAT and expenses. We know from experience that all pupils can expect to earn considerably more than the minimum funding during their second six.

Chambers will pay the cost of travel expenses during the non-practising 6 months for zones 1-6.and Chambers will also meet travel expenses where pupils in their first six accompany their Pupil Supervisors to courts or venues outside of the specified travel zones. Where requested, travel expenses can be paid in advance. Chambers will also meet the costs of any mandatory training, as well as the cost of any training that supervisors may designate as necessary.

As we realise that there can be a number of personal expenses that those new to the Bar must pay for as they start out, we offer a loan to pupils, prior to their start date, to allow for the purchase of an item of essential equipment such as court dress, IT equipment, a mobile phone, lockable case, or essential security software. This is repayable at the end of the 12 month period.

Chambers pupils are encouraged to apply for and are supported in applications for additional funding from other supportive bodies. In earlier years our pupils have applied, with letters of reference from Chambers and were successful in obtaining funding.

PUPILLAGE TRAINING

Chambers is currently awaiting assessment to be fully approved as an Authorised Training and Education Provider (AETO), having already received provisional approval and thus can advertise as one in this process. We fully adhere to the rules, principles and guidance from the BSB that an authorised AETO works to. The process that we have worked through, in order to make an application for authorisation, ensures that we do offer the highest standards of training and opportunity to those we give pupillage to and we expect high standards in return. At the same time, we are an inclusive, friendly supportive set where we endeavour at all times to make our pupils feel valued as part of the 9 KBW Team.

Each pupil will be expected to participate fully in the work of his or her Pupil Supervisor. In addition, Chambers organises written exercises and advocacy training.

Chambers has a highly detailed and focused Training Programme for Pupils, designed to allow every pupil to aim at meeting each of the competences set out in the Bar Standards Board Professional Statement. The Training Programme will be provided to those pupils, who accept offers of pupillage, prior to the commencement of their pupillage. This will allow pupils to familiarise themselves with the programme and to begin the self-reflection that the programme calls for.

The training is thorough and covers all areas of the competences specified in the Professional Statement, and pupils will be fully supported by highly experienced supervisors and clerks as well as other members of Chambers. It is important to us that we remain a very inclusive and supportive set

Chambers has several qualified pupil supervisors and successful applicants will be able to assist and observe Counsel involved in the most serious and complex cases, as well as receiving expert training in advocacy and advisory work. 

Senior Members not currently qualified as supervisors plan to undertake the necessary training to become Pupil Supervisors in 2024, in order to further broaden and develop the opportunities available to pupils, to observe a wider range of advocacy styles.

Before commencement of pupillage, pupils are provided with a comprehensive Welcome Pack in which they will find copies of the full Training Programme and Attachments, a Work Record for completion, our Pupillage Policy and Agreement, our Pupillage Handbook, containing details of all documents that need to be exchanged or signed, copies of Chambers Constitution, a record sheet for personal details and copies of a number of Chambers Policies including Credential Checking, Absence from Training and several policies relating to Equality and Diversity matters, Reasonable Adjustments, Health and Safety, Remote Working and Grievance and Discipline Procedures.

During their first and second six, pupils are given the opportunity to participate in our well established OIC Roadshow, which delivers training to police officers in London and the South East. We also present mock trials to junior police officers and all of our pupils and junior tenants are encouraged to take part in these trials. 

During 2024 we intend to continue with the successful programme of the OIC Roadshow as well as seminars covering all aspects of law and procedure. Are we?  Our pupils are always invited to assist with this side of Chambers activities as it provides excellent training and an opportunity to meet solicitors and prosecution lawyers in the CPS as well as Regulatory Departments. 

Our experienced team in Chambers are all pleased to help with in house advocacy training for our pupils, as we see this as an important part of not only their professional training, but as a way of additional support and inclusion in the life of Chambers.

Stephen Wells, a senior member of Chambers is an advocacy tutor trainer for Lincoln’s Inn and has acted as a lead tutor on both mandatory pupillage training courses and on the new practitioners’ programme. He taught advocacy in Bar schools for 12 years. We are highly fortunate to have Stephen in Chambers to lead our Advocacy Training Programme, in conjunction with Chambers Supervisors and other experienced members

In second six, pupils are encouraged to talk to members about their cases and there is always an experienced member available for a pupil to call to discuss any concerns that they may have about any aspect of their casework. We have two Whatsapp groups, one of which is specifically for the very junior end of Chambers and is a place where a pupil can ask questions or discuss any concerns with other juniors.

We view all of our pupils as part of a long term investment in the future life of the Bar and of Chambers itself. With this in mind we strive at all times to provide the most wide ranging and insightful experience that we can, in order to drive their knowledge and enthusiasm and to bring out the best in each of them.

TENANCY RECRUITMENT

Chambers policy is to offer tenancy to all pupils who are determined by a meeting of Chambers Tenancy and Pupillage Committee to have met the Selection Criterion for Tenancy following Pupillage. There is no set number of tenancies available and therefore no competition between pupils.

The selection process is as follows;

  • The Tenancy Committee will collect and assess all reports from Pupil Supervisors, Chambers Managing Consultant, Chambers Senior Clerk and any members who may have worked with the pupil concerned throughout the 12 month period.
  • They will be given any feedback from Instructing Solicitors, Members of the Bar The Judiciary and any other sources where the information may be of assistance
  • Applications will be decided upon by way of a majority vote.
  • Pupils applying for Tenancy will be asked to make a formal application by way of CV and a covering letter, setting out their experience to date and why they wish to apply for Tenancy.
  • Applications should be made during the final month of the second six, unless the Supervisor recommends a different time frame.
  • Applicants will be interviewed by at least four members of the Tenancy and Pupillage Committee towards the end of their twelve months. Any members not present will be provided with all written reports and consulted before a final decision is made.
  • Generally any interview will be conducted in Chambers. However, this may take place remotely if circumstances require it, or to facilitate caring responsibilities or any reasonable adjustment required by a pupil regarding travelling or accessing Chambers premises.
  • The interview will include an advocacy exercise and may, if the Committee request it, require the pupil to complete a written exercise prior to the interview, which will be assessed in advance by the interview panel.

On occasions, following a pupil’s application for Tenancy, the Pupillage and Tenancy Committee will consider offering a pupil a “Probationary Tenancy” rather than immediate Tenancy, for a period of up to six months. This will not be considered where the pupil has failed to meet the competencies set out in the Professional Statement as that would require consideration of an extension to the 12 months pupillage or the termination of the pupillage at the 12 month stage.

A Probationary Tenancy will only be considered in certain circumstances where the competences have been met, but where, for example, the Committee takes the view that the pupil has not had sufficient opportunity to observe or experience some of the work in the areas of law in which Chambers specialises or perhaps requires further opportunity to join a panel, such as the CPS Advocates Panel, before committing to Tenancy.

In those circumstances, the Committee are likely to offer a period of three months Probationary Tenancy initially, following which an application for full tenancy will be reconsidered by the Committee. This will not require a new application from those who have undertaken pupillage with Chambers but updated reports will be provided by the Supervisor and Senior Clerk.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY INITIATIVES

Chambers offers 25 mini pupillages, throughout the year, each for a period of five days. Chambers encourages in particular applicants from protected groups as well as applicants where they may be considering a change in career at a later stage in their lives, or are considering transferring to the Bar.

Mini-pupillages are an excellent introduction to life at the Bar and can assist any applicant looking for pupillage by broadening their knowledge of the areas of law that interest them.

We also encourage our mini pupils to talk to our clerking team for an insight into the career opportunities for a member of the Bar, what the financial position may be for those just starting out and for any other general information that may be of benefit to applicants. Full details are available on our website at www.9kbw,com/recruitment/mini-pupillage

We have a member who provides training/experience programmes, through Investin Education, to GCSE/A-Level students looking to get into certain professions which includes the Bar.

One of our members is a mentor through the University of Law’s mentoring programme.

One of our senior members is an Advocacy Assessor for one of the Inn’s and also sits on the interviewing panel for BPTC scholarship awards.

As set out above we provide the option of a loan to new pupils to assist with the purchase of equipment that they may need for their practice, we allow for payment of travel expenses in advance to those who may find it difficult to fund their travel when starting out and we assist with applications from pupils who are looking to obtain additional funding. Last year one of our pupils received a letter in support from Chambers for one of the Inn’s Pupillage Awards/Scholarships and was awarded the Ede & Ravenscroft Prize of a wig, gown and circuit case.  

One of our previous pupils, now a tenant with 9KBW, earlier this year was given the Neville Laski award by the Inner Temple

This year, with the Kalisher Trust, a junior member took part in a workshop about life at the junior end of the Criminal Bar.

Chambers runs a prestigious training programme for inexperienced police officers from many different areas, known as the OIC roadshow. This is a volunteer programme run by a member who was previously a Met Police Officer, where our pupils and junior members re-enact court room proceedings, acting as Counsel for the prosecution and defence, witnesses and Judges, showing police officers who may have little or no experience of appearing in court, the ways in which to present evidence during such proceedings.  These re-enactments have taken place in real court rooms, where sitting judges have volunteered to play their part in those proceedings. During 2022/2023, we participated in several events, one being with the Kalisher Trust when a remote event was organised by Oxford University and alongside 2 other panelists, one of our members addressed an audience of children under the age of 18. The member spoke about the practicalities of obtaining pupillage, the competition and the financial concerns that arise as a result of a practice made solely or largely of crime. 

The same member also participated in a remote session on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association’s Social Mobility Committee, hosted within the Pupillage Fair. The aim of this event was to provide prospective criminal barristers with a real insight into what work and life at the criminal bar entail. Our member was the most junior on a panel which included 2 King’s Counsel’s other junior members of the Bar and two senior practitioners. The questions they answered from the audience covered topics such as finance, work/life balance and the nature of the work at varying stages of one's career. 

During 2022 one of our pupils took part, with another junior member of Chambers and other members of the Judiciary and the Bar in providing a training course to students that covered ground rule hearings and how to cross examine vulnerable and child witnesses

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION POLICIES

Chambers has a robust Equality, Diversity and inclusion Policy, combined with supportive and clear policies on Fair Recruitment, Dignity at Work, Anti-Harassment, Flexible Working, Reasonable Adjustments and Fair Work Allocation. Details of many of our Policies can be found under our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page and copies of any policies relevant to Pupillage, not set out in full on our website, can be obtained upon request from Christine Eadie.

9 King’s Bench Walk will not discriminate against any pupil, probationary tenant, or any applicant for pupillage, for a probationary tenancy or for tenancy, on the grounds of race, sex, gender reassignment, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age or political persuasion. At 9KBW we select candidates strictly according to demonstrated merit. 

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

If applicants require any form of Reasonable Adjustments, please contact our Accessibility Officer Robyn Murdo-Smith on robyn.murdo-smith@9kbw.co.uk

Our Reasonable Adjustments Policy is published on the Equality and Diversity page of our website or can be made available in hard copy form on request to Christine Eadie christine@9kbw.com

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should apply by clicking the link HERE to the application form 

Click on File, top left hand corner then download for completion.

Send the completed form to christine@9kbw.com. Applications must be made in strict accordance with the Gateway Timetable

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY DATA MONITORING 

We would be grateful if each applicant would complete an Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form. 

This allows us to review our data annually and to ensure that Chambers meets its statutory duty under the Equality Act 2010 as well as assisting us in developing our Equality Action Plan and Recruitment Policy for the future.

Please click the link HERE to download the form and send the completed version to our Equality and Diversity Data Officer clara.sibanda@9kbw.co.uk

PUPILLAGE AND OTHER AVAILABLE POLICIES

A copy of our Pupillage Policy can be obtained by clicking the link HERE or by request to christine@9kbw.com

If an applicant would like a copy of our Equality and Diversity, Dignity at Work, Recruitment or any other published Chambers Policy please e mail Christine Eadie