Recruitment & Pupillage

Applications from barristers

We are a successful and growing set of Bristol barristers, always keen to speak to other specialist practitioners keen to further their career at an energetic and ambitious Chambers. We welcome applications from quality barristers, whatever your year of call. We particularly welcome informal approaches. All applications, whether formal or informal, should be sent to Robert Welch at Unity Street Chambers. Any application is of course treated in the strictest of confidence. At Unity Street Chambers we operate a competitive rent structure and an equal opportunities policy which can be found here.

Pupillage

As a progressive and ambitious set of Chambers, we are always looking to build for the future. We take pupillage seriously, and any offers are made with a view to tenancy.

Please note that Unity Street Chambers is not recruiting for pupillage this year. The information below is provided for future reference, to assist prospective applicants in understanding our approach to training and the structure of pupillage at Chambers.

Unity Street Chambers typically offers one 12‑month general common law pupillage, commencing in October. Pupillage attracts an award that is made up of:

  • A grant of a fixed sum paid in advance of commencing Pupillage to assist with relocation and equipment costs
  • Half of the remainder of the Pupillage award is paid in monthly instalments in arrears during the first six months (non‑practising period)
  • During the second six months, our pupils receive guaranteed minimum earnings monthly (with pupils in recent years earning well in excess of this figure)

Pupillage is structured into four three‑month periods, each supervised by a different pupil supervisor to ensure that all training needs are met. During the first six months, pupils undertake paperwork, advocacy exercises, and attend conferences and court appearances with members of Chambers across all levels of seniority and practice areas. This prepares them for the second six months, when they undertake their own court work across the Western Circuit in Chambers’ areas of practice.

Applications are normally made by way of CV and covering letter (saved as a PDF file named “surname.firstname”) and submitted to the Pupillage Secretary at pupillage@unitystreetchambers.com. Chambers follows the Pupillage Gateway timetable and accepts applications in January, with deadlines in early February, and interviews held between February and May.

Applicants are invited to enclose a copy of our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form which will be detached from the application to ensure that we follow our Equality and Diversity policy. The form can be requested by sending an email to clair.wadden@unitystreetchambers.com.  

 

 

Mini-Pupillage

What is it?

Mini-pupils will be able to observe members of chambers in court and in conference with both lay clients and instructing solicitors. Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to draft legal documents and discuss the profession with members of chambers, as well as ask questions about the application process for Pupillage.  

Unity Street Chambers offers six mini-pupillage placements a year, for a period of three days. Applications are accepted between 1st January & 31st March each year, with placements taking place from April to December. Applicants must be 18 or over.

How to apply

Please email a copy of your CV, along with a covering letter to minipupillage@unitystreetchambers.com Applicants are asked to include their dates of availability. If you are successful, you will be contacted directly to confirm the dates of your placement.

Bar None Mini Pupillage Pledge

Unity Street Chambers is committed to the Bar None Mini Pupillage Pledge and aims for at least 50% of mini pupillages to be awarded to those from State school and/or BAME backgrounds.

Lincoln’s Inn Mini Pupillage Grant Scheme

The Mini Pupillage Grant Scheme offers financial assistance to students who have secured a mini pupillage but need additional funds to complete it. The fund is intended to help with the cost of long-distance travel, commuting, accommodation and purchasing appropriate professional clothing. The value of each grant is calculated based on the applicant’s anticipated expenses up to a maximum of £500.

More details including the application criteria and application form can be found here: https://www.lincolnsinn.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/funding/ Applications are open all year round.