Pupillage - 5KBW

Here at 5KBW, we regard pupillage as an essential investment in the future of Chambers and the Bar.

Chambers seeks to select those applicants who have the potential to become exceptional advocates. Prospective pupils must be articulate and well-motivated individuals who can demonstrate academic excellence, high standards of presentation and communication skills, sound judgement and a practical approach to problem solving.

We are looking to recruit two pupils to start in October 2026 – see below for further details.

Applying For Pupillage

All pupillage applications must be submitted through the Pupillage Gateway.

Key Dates

Publication of adverts on Pupillage Gateway – Monday 25^th November 2024
Applications open – Thursday 2^nd January 2025
Applications close – Thursday 6^th February 2025
First round interviews – 29^th March 2025
Second round interviews – 1^th April 2025
Offers made – Friday 9^th May 2025

Applications for should be made in the form of a CV and covering letter addressed to our chambers administrator Nicki Crew nicki@5kbw.co.uk.

Application Assessment

Your application form will be marked according to standardised criteria assessing academic achievement, advocacy experience, hard work, commitment to the criminal bar and high standards of presentation. The marking is subject to moderation to ensure consistency and fairness across all applications.

Successful candidates have usually, but not always, obtained at least a 2:1 in their undergraduate degrees. We will take into account any extenuating circumstances you put forward and seek to establish a rounded view of the application form as a whole. At all stages of the process, you will be marked by reference to the stage you have reached in your legal education.

Interviews

We aim to invite about 30 candidates to the first-round interviews. The interview panel will consist of at least two members of chambers. The interview will centre on a discussion topic, which will be presented to you once the interview has begun, as well as questions arising from your written application. The interview lasts around 15-20 minutes. Your performance will be marked primarily according to the quality of your advocacy and the cogency of your arguments.

Around 12-15 candidates will be selected for the second-round interviews, which last no longer than 30 minutes. The interview panel will comprise at least five members of chambers, including at least one KC. The interview consists of an advocacy exercise and further questions that arise from your written application. Again, we will be looking at the quality of your advocacy and the cogency of your arguments.

If you are unsuccessful at the second-round interview stage, we can provide feedback on your performance on request.

Remuneration

The funding for pupillages commencing in October 2026 will be a package equivalent of up to £40,000 for 12 months, made up of £20,000 for the first six, and guaranteed earnings (receipts) of £20,000 for the second six months.

First Six

During your First Six at 5KBW, you will have one pupil supervisor and a junior and KC mentor and have the opportunity to meet other members of chambers. During your First Six (and Second Six when you are not in court) you will accompany your pupil supervisor during the working week.

You will learn by reading briefs, preparing legal arguments and advice on evidence, carrying out legal research for your pupil supervisor and other members of chambers and attending court and conferences. This period is designed to ensure that you observe work that is interesting, informative and thought-provoking so that you are properly prepared to begin your own practice. 5KBW uses the Bar Council Criminal Checklist as the basis for the work that you should be undertaking during the course of pupillage.

You will be provided with an Oyster card covering travel from zones 1-2 in London. If your pupil supervisor is appearing outside this area, they may make arrangements for you to accompany another member of chambers.

If your pupil supervisor is absent from chambers (or working outside the Greater London area) for a prolonged period for any reason, we will arrange for you to be assigned temporarily or permanently to another member of 5KBW.

Second Six

We ensure that you are ready for the practising period of pupillage by creating the opportunity to accompany members and more senior pupils to the Magistrates’ Courts towards the end of your First Six, arranging Youth Court training and an internal seminar by the juniors.

You will be allocated a new pupil supervisor for your Second Six, during which you will appear predominantly in the Magistrates’ Court, drawing on the experience and insights you have gained during your First Six and putting them into practice on live cases.

While developing your own practice will be your priority at this stage, you will still be required to assist your pupil supervisor or other members of chambers. During your Second Six, you can expect to be in court most days, if not twice a day, mostly in the Magistrates’ Courts but also in the Crown Courts, where pupils deal with matters such as pleas and directions, mentions, etc. before moving on and undertaking their own Crown Court trials.

Towards the end of your Second Six, you will be given the opportunity to apply for a tenancy or a probationary tenancy.

Probationary Tenancy

Assessing Your Progress

Throughout your pupillage, you will be assessed for the required competencies by your pupil supervisors, members of chambers for whom you have carried out significant work, and any members who have had the opportunity of seeing your work in court.

We make every effort to ensure that the assessment process is open and fair. We are committed to a structured appraisal system from which all parties can benefit. Every pupil supervisor should encourage their pupil to approach them at any time in order to discuss any difficulties that the pupil may be encountering.

In-house Advocacy Programme

At 5KBW, we run our own in-house advocacy programme. The main purpose of this programme is educational though it also gives members of chambers the opportunity to meet and assess the advocacy skills of our pupils.

The programme runs throughout the pupillage period and consists of individual monthly sessions, during which pupils perform advocacy exercises in front of members of the Pupillage Committee and other tenants. Chambers also organises a mock list in a London court before a ‘real-life’ judge to provide an authentic experience of court for all pupils. All members of chambers are invited to participate in or observe this exercise.

Tenancy Applications