No. 8 Chambers generally offers one pupillage per year commencing in September. We are not taking a pupil in 2009 and unlikely to take one in 2010. The closing date for applications for the possible vacancy in September 2010 is 30th September 2009. Late applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Additionally, Chambers always welcomes applications from those who may have exemption or partial exemption from pupillage such as solicitors who wish to come to the Bar.

Equal Opportunities: Chambers operates an equal opportunities policy and the successful candidate will be selected without reference to race, colour, religious or political views, gender, marital or domestic status, disability or sexual orientation. Equally, Chambers does not have any policy for positive discrimination for those who may be considered to belong to a minority group.

Application: There is no special form of application. Applicants should send a CV together with a hand-written letter of application to the Pupillage Secretary, 8 Fountain Court, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6DR.

Selection Process: Successful candidates will normally be expected to have a degree of at least class 2(i), but academic ability is not a determining factor. Particular note is made of other interests, pursuits, voluntary work and non-legal experience that may indicate a well-rounded personality with developed inter-personal skills, sense of social responsibility and administrative ability.

Initial selection is purely on the basis of the letter of application and CV. Those who pass this first hurdle will be invited to attend Chambers on a Saturday together with the other remaining candidates. During the morning candidates will participate in group discussions and complete a written exercise. Approximately six candidates will be selected, based on their performance during the morning, to return in the afternoon to be interviewed by the Pupillage Panel at length. In this way we hope to ensure that all candidates have a fair opportunity to impress the Panel in order that the best candidate may be selected.

Funding: Chambers will fund the successful pupil in accordance with the Bar Council Regulations. No additional funding is available.

Terms of Pupillage Offer: Pupillages are offered for a full twelve months with a designated pupil supervisor. Presently, Chambers has two qualified pupil supervisors, namely, Ian Strongman and Gary Cook. Other members of Chambers will be invited to afford the pupil experience outside the pupil supervisor’s own field or practice. Pupillages are offered with a view to a tenancy on successful completion of pupillage.