Pupillage details
30 Park Place is committed to developing the future of the Bar by offering a number of funded twelve month pupillages per annum to suitably qualified applicants. All applicants are treated equally and without prejudice.
Chambers is NOT a member of OLPAS and applicants must apply by submitting a completed application form, either online or by printing off a copy, completing it and submitting it by post or in person. C.V.s are not accepted. A copy of the application form can be found in the application form section of this site.
The Pupillage Committee may in exceptional circumstances offer in addition to the "normal" twelve pupillage, a shorter period of pupillage to professional applicants seeking to convert, or a "third six" months pupillage. These offers will be considered individually on their merits, will be unfunded, and shall not be offered at the expense of standard twelve month pupillages.
During Pupillage
All pupils receive an Induction pack on their arrival in Chambers. In addition to the core pack issued to all new tenants and staff, a Pupil's Guide is also given, as is a copy of the Policy for Treatment of Pupils who are not accepted as tenants.
Each pupil is required to complete a Chambers Pupillage Self-appraisal Form at the end of each three-month period of pupillage, and also such forms/certificates as are required by the Consolidated Regulations. This process enables the pupil and Pupil Supervisors to discuss the pupil's progress so far and future goals, in addition to any informal occasions when such matters are discussed.
If any problems arise during pupillage, pupils are first encouraged to raise any minor grievances or complaints informally with his or her Pupil Master/Mistress, or with the Chair of the Pupillage Committee. If the problem cannot be resolved in this manner, or in the event of a grievance or complaint of a serious nature, Chambers' Grievance Procedure is followed, a copy of which is provided to each pupil as part of their induction at the start of pupillage.
Chambers also supports pupils undertaking work for the Free Representation Unit, and upon instructions from local Citizens' Advice Bureaux and following referrals from Members of Parliament. Typically such work would take place in Benefits Appeals Tribunals and the Employment Tribunal.
During pupillage, pupils are expected to pay a contribution to Clerks' fees, presently at a rate of 6%, for work undertaken through Chambers, which is due when payment is received. Details of funding of pupillage can be found in the Pupillage awards section of this site.
At The End of Pupillage
No pupillage at 30 Park Place is granted with a view towards tenancy. If a pupil of Chambers applies for tenancy, copies of the completed Self-appraisal Forms are made available to the Tenancy Committee. An interview by the Tenancy Committee is to be expected as part of the application process.
If at the end of pupillage, a pupil is not elected into Chambers in accordance with the Articles of Association, either a further period of pupillage is offered (third six) if appropriate, or a period of time is given in which to find another position, either in another set of Chambers, or in employment. This period of time will usually not exceed twelve weeks. All reasonable assistance will be given by Pupil Masters/Mistresses, the Chair of the Pupillage Committee and the Clerks to Chambers during this time, including the provision of appropriate references.
Further Information
Further information regarding pupillage at 30 Park Place and responses to specific queries can be dealt with either by contacting the Secretary of the Pupillage Committee, or Chambers Practice Manager, Mr. Gwyn Lloyd. To e-mail Mr. Lloyd, click here →
