Structure
Pupillage at 12KBW is divided into two 6 months periods: first (non-practicing) six and second (practicing) six. During their first six, pupils will focus on doing written work for their supervisors and other members of chambers. In their second six they will start appearing in court and taking on their own cases whilst continuing to do written work.
Pupils are encouraged to go to court with junior members of chambers from an early stage so as to gain direct experience of the type of work they will undertake in their second six. They are also throughout pupillage given the opportunity to attend court, settlement meetings and conferences with more senior members in cases of importance or interest. This allows them to broaden their exposure to different practice areas in chambers and to get to know other members of chambers.
Pupils are usually assigned to three supervisors during pupillage. They will spend three months with the first, four months with the second and five months with the third.
Pupils will attend conferences with their first supervisor, shadow them in court, and do written work for them. Supervisors will review written work and provide detailed feedback, allowing pupils to identify areas that need improvement and ensure they are doing everything to meet the selection criteria. Pupils will also occasionally undertake work for other members of chambers when with their first supervisor.
Second-seat supervisors tend to have a slightly different role – checking what work their pupil has seen already, making sure that they continue to see as many aspects of chambers’ work as possible and starting to tailor their exposure to the areas in which they are developing an interest in. Pupils will also be given more opportunity to do written work for other members of chambers. This continues from the start of the second six and into the third seat, but adjusted to reflect that pupils will be undertaking significant amounts of their own work.
Chambers organises a mock trial and a mock application for pupils before the start of second six. This allows pupils to experience an authentic replica of the real thing before getting on their feet for the first time. Comprehensive feedback is given to ensure pupils are well prepared for taking on their own cases.
In their second six pupils learn to cope with handling a busy practice from the start and are able to gain a high level of advocacy experience. Pupils can expect to be in court three times a week on average, appearing in small claims hearings. Third-seat supervisors, as well as junior members of chambers, are on hand to assist pupils as they navigate their first cases.
Wellbeing
12KBW is committed to encouraging and facilitating working practices and services that support the health and wellbeing of all of its staff, pupils and barristers. As part of this commitment, 12KBW operates a scheme of mentoring, coaching and training to provide staff, pupils and barristers with the skills and support to deal with wellbeing issues, effecting themselves and others, that may arise during the course of a busy chambers.
12KBW also acknowledges that pupillage can be a challenging time for pupils and, consequently, it aims to provide its pupils with the guidance and support required to ensure they can meet the demands placed upon them. To assist in this aim, each pupil is assigned a mentor with whom they may discuss, frankly and confidentially, any wellbeing or any other issues that may arise during their pupillage.
Equality and Diversity
Chambers applies objective selection criteria which is vetted by the Equal Opportunity Adviser and the fairness of the recruitment process is regularly reviewed. Chambers aims to ensure that the members of chambers involved in recruitment reflect the diversity of chambers and receive up to date and appropriate training in fair recruitment and selection. Chambers is committed to complying with the Equality and Diversity Provisions of the Code of Conduct.
