Kings Chambers is proud to have been one of the first chambers to hold a dedicated mini-pupillage event each year. This is our Mini Pupillage Programme. It is a 2-day event at which our selected mini pupils get to meet as many of our members as possible, to hear about their work in presentations and to take part in advocacy and other exercises.
Junior and senior members offer an insight into working life in their specialist areas. Senior clerks tell the mini pupils how chambers really works and each year we hear from a senior judge about the Bar as seen from the bench.
The Pandemic did not deter us in 2020 or 2021. We held the event online.
We have 25 places on the Programme.
Applications are invited from students in the second year of their law degree, or third year of a non-law degree or above. We also very much encourage applications from graduates and in particular those who have already pursued another career path.
Because of the limitation on the number of places, we ask that anyone who applies should be seriously considering practice at the Bar and making an application for pupillage to these chambers in due course.
The Programme is not part of our selection process for pupillage.
Kings Chambers is committed to promoting equality and diversity at the Bar. There is no Kings Chambers “type”, apart from being a barrister who is completely committed to providing a superb service to the client.
We encourage applications for our highly sought-after mini-pupillage programme to students from all backgrounds. Our aim is to ensure that any personal costs are not a barrier to applying. So that our scheme is fair and equitable to all, we offer a ‘mini-pupillage award’ of £200 to all of our successful applicants. Breakfast and lunch are provided for the duration of the event. For those who travel from afar, we may also arrange accommodation and for exceptional travel costs to be reimbursed.
Successful applicants will be provided with details upon acceptance of their place on our programme.
In 2021, King’s Chambers, along with four other planning, property, and public law chambers (Cornerstone Barristers, Field Court Chambers, Francis Taylor Building, and Landmark Chambers), launched a mentoring scheme to support underrepresented groups at the Bar. Falcon Chambers, 39 Essex Chambers, No5 Chambers, and Gatehouse Chambers have since joined the scheme. It is supported by the Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA).
This mentoring program aims to serve as a guiding light for talented individuals who may not have previously considered a career at the Bar. It seeks to highlight the vast opportunities the Bar offers and to guide aspirants through the process of becoming barristers, including assistance with the application procedure.
The scheme has a clear mission: to inspire undergraduates and postgraduates from groups traditionally underrepresented in the legal sphere, including women, individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds, and those facing socio-economic disadvantages.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one mentorship sessions, attend workshops on the pupillage application process, and participate in various social events alongside their mentors and fellow mentees.
Applications are now open for the 2024/25 mentoring scheme, scheduled to run from October 2024 to June 2025.
To apply, please first read the application guidance and then fill out an application form and email it to [email protected]. The deadline is 23:59 on 11 October 2024.
For any queries, please contact the scheme coordinator, Susan, at [email protected].