At Charter Chambers we look for pupils who will thrive in the challenging and exciting environment of the Criminal Bar.
We operate an equal opportunities policy, looking for the strongest applicants regardless of background. Successful applicants must demonstrate not only academic ability and advocacy skills, but also empathy, good judgment, and a commitment to the Criminal Bar.
Pupils at Charter Chambers are allocated one pupil supervisor every four months. This allows pupils to experience a variety of different practices, and to get to know different members of Chambers.
We place great emphasis on the training of our pupils so they are thoroughly prepared for when they get on their feet. We operate an in-house advocacy programme throughout pupillage which culminates in a mock trial before a District Judge.
In their second six pupils can expect to be at court every day, working in both Magistrates’ Courts and the Crown court.
Chambers offers guaranteed earnings of £15,000 during pupillage. It is Chambers’ policy to pay for pupils to attend the compulsory Forensic Accountancy, Advice to Counsel and the Human Rights Act courses. Pupils do not pay either clerks’ fees or Chambers rent. Expenses for travel outside London will be reimbursed.
We recruit an average of two twelve-month pupils per year exclusively through the OLPAS summer season. We aim to recruit tenants from our own pupils, and normally invite pupils to complete an additional 6 months before consideration for tenancy. This allows applicants to settle in and build their own practices, as well as allowing members of Chambers to get to know them.
Applications for 3rd six pupillages are welcomed and should be made in writing to the Secretary to the Pupillage Committee, enclosing a covering letter and CV.
Chambers also offers a number of mini-pupillages during the year. Again, applications should be made in writing to the Secretary to the Pupillage Committee, enclosing a covering letter and CV.