Our View of Pupillage

At 7 King’s Bench Walk, we recognise that pupillage is an important stage of a barrister’s career. First and foremost, it is an opportunity to develop the skills which the pupil will use throughout his or her practice and to observe others putting those skills into practice. Second, it is a time for the pupil to get to know the individuals who make up Chambers and to decide whether he or she wants to build his or her career amongst them. Third, it is an opportunity for the pupil to put developing skills into practice and, hopefully, to secure a tenancy.

We do not embrace the old-fashioned perception of pupillage as a year-long interview. Whilst securing a tenancy is an important aim for most of our pupils, we believe that the emphasis of a pupillage at 7 King’s Bench Walk should be on the pupil’s development as a barrister as well as on his or her assessment as a future tenant. Our pupillages are, we hope, designed to achieve this goal.

 

Equal Opportunities

In accordance with the Bar Code of Conduct and the Equality and Diversity Code for the Bar, we practise an equal opportunities policy for selection of pupils and tenants. We assess candidates solely on merit irrespective of race, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, religion, political persuasion or disability. As regards disability, we will make reasonable adjustments to the application process for pupillage and tenancy for disabled applicants, and will fully consider making reasonable adjustments to facilitate pupillage and/or practice as a tenant in the event of a successful application.

 

7KBW Pupillage Policy