Pupillage
Pupillage Vacancies to start in September 2024:
2 Criminal Pupillages
1 Family Pupillage
1 Public Law Children Pupillage
We are inviting applications through the Pupillage Gateway which can be found here: https://www.pupillagegateway.com/
Why Broadway House Chambers?
Broadway House Chambers has been at the forefront of the legal profession in the North of England for nearly 100 years. Based in Leeds and Bradford, all pupils will receive a professional and rewarding pupillage enabling them to begin a successful career in their chosen profession.
Barristers are often said to be drawn from a narrow, privileged elite, unrepresentative of the communities they serve. At Broadway House Chambers we seek to challenge that stereotype, we strive to offer a distinctive, innovative approach to the provision of legal services. Broadway House Chambers is recognised as ‘one of the leading sets in the North of England with some extremely talented young barristers coming through the ranks’ (Legal 500).
Our teams are continuing to expand and diversify, leading us to offer four pupillages (2 Criminal, 1 Family law and 1 Public Law Children) starting in September 2024. We seek to attract talented pupils who share our ambition and vision for the future.
What do we look for during the application and interview process?
We will be looking for those with a good academic background and some experience of the justice system to illustrate an interest in and understanding of the legal process. This may be either voluntary work or paid employment in some area of law or mini pupillages. Reasons for pursuing the pupillage sought should be evidenced in the application. Engaging in debates or moots demonstrates a keen interest in public speaking, the ability to ‘think on your feet’, and a sense of self-confidence.
Chambers invests in each pupil and will be considering those who can illustrate a commitment to working and remaining in the north of England. This may involve family connections to the area or other reasons for wishing to embark on a career here.
As well as an interest in the law, the likely pupils will have experience of life generally. This may involve having travelled or having worked in other spheres, engaging with members of the public. Having the ability to engage with people assists in establishing a relationship with those being represented and a viable basis for obtaining their instructions.
An important aspect of pupillage is to bond with other members of the team and members of the other teams within chambers. Throughout the year chambers have various social functions, some private and some for solicitors and other guests. These include work presentations to solicitors and the other instructing bodies such as the Crown Prosecution Service. Pupils will attend and participate at these events and to network with solicitors.
Structure of Pupillage
Pupils will be assigned to a pupil supervisor for a 12-month pupillage, during which they will participate in court proceedings alongside other members of Chambers in the initial six months. Additionally, pupils will engage in conferences, handle paperwork, and be responsible for undertaking paperwork for other members of Chambers, not just their assigned supervisor. This approach ensures a diverse range of experiences for each pupil, allowing Chambers to comprehensively evaluate their progress and capabilities. Upon entering the second six months, pupils can anticipate actively conducting their own work in court. Your supervisor will be available throughout the second six months.
Pupils will be expected to participate in social functions within Chambers and to network with solicitors at social and work-related events organised by the individual teams and by Chambers.
You can read some useful information from the Bar Standards Board about becoming a Barrister here: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/training-qualification/becoming-a-barrister.html . Professional Statement: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/training-qualification/the-professional-statement.html
Tenancy
On completion of a pupillage each pupil will be considered for a tenancy. In deciding whether to offer a tenancy, Chambers will consider how well the particular pupil has completed their pupillage, together with reports from the pupil supervisor and any other relevant matters.
If a tenancy is offered, the new tenant will commence their practice in the area of law in which they did their pupillage. This is to ensure that particular team can develop and expand, thereby offering an enhanced service to our instructing solicitors.
Financial and Other Support Available
Guaranteed earnings of £39,000 (£13,000 award in first six months and £26,000 guaranteed in the second six months). We find that pupils exceed the guaranteed amount of earnings in the second six months.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Broadway House Chambers is committed to promoting equality and diversity in and out of the workplace. We do this by ensuring that our policy documents are updated and that all staff, pupils and tenants are aware of any changes. Broadway House Chambers values and respects each individual as an equal regardless of their gender, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age and ability.
You can find our Anti-Racism statement here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61dd59568ee2964220b45f55/t/634684de75f4d60170e87c0c/1665565918981/BHC+Anti+Racism+Statement.pdf
Alexander Modgill is our Equality and Diversity Officer and can be contacted by emailing clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk (Subject Line - Pupillage Equality and Diversity).
What do our current first six Pupils think?
Q - How are you finding Pupillage at Broadway House Chambers?
“Although pupillage has been a steep learning curve, I can wholeheartedly say my experience at BHC has been extremely enjoyable. From the moment I stepped foot into chambers, I have been welcomed with open arms -which certainly helped with the nerves. As BHC insist on you getting the most out of pupillage, members often invite you to shadow them on their cases. This has allowed me to be in a trial almost every week in cases such as burglary, murder, and rape. I have enjoyed observing different members of chambers and their different advocacy styles. Aside from going through cases in depth with my supervisor, BHC’s approachable culture has been pivotal in enabling me to develop my knowledge and skills, as I am confidently able to query matters I do not have a thorough grasp of. Given the helpful nature of BHC, I look forward to my second six confident that I will be provided with the help and support needed from members of chambers” (Safaraz Ahad, Criminal Pupil)
Q - How did you know that you wanted a career at the Bar?
“At university, whilst studying my law degree, I participated in a number of extracurricular activities, which helped form my decision for a career at the bar. Initially sitting in court and on mini-pupillages, I found court advocacy, by barristers, intriguing and compelling. Leading on from this I decided to participate in my university’s internal mooting competition. Acting essentially as an advocate, I was provided with a feel for public speaking, advocacy, and judicial intervention, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I then volunteered for Street Law, which involved giving a speech to a large group of sixth form students, persuading them to study law. Presenting to giggly teenagers was a nerve-wracking experience, nonetheless I found it exhilarating being able to grasp their attention. To ensure the bar was the right career for me, I explored other legal avenues and career paths, which involved attending networking events and speaking in detail with solicitors and paralegals about their career” (Safaraz Ahad, Criminal Pupil)
Q – Why did you apply to Broadway House Chambers?
“One of the main reasons why I decided to apply to BHC is the team. Through networking and pupillage events I had the opportunity to meet several members of chambers and staff and each and every one was personable, helpful and experienced. I found BHC to be a friendly set, devoted to client care and the wellbeing of their staff and members. I knew that by applying at BHC I would not only have the possibility of undertaking pupillage at one of the leading sets in the north-eastern circuit with specialist teams in different areas of law, but I would also be in an environment in which I would flourish, by learning from caring and knowledgeable barristers” (Camilla Bonifai, Mixed Civil Pupil)
Q – What do you do on a daily basis?
“As a pupil, no two days are the same. Some days I am in Court or the Tribunal, others I am working from home or in Chambers on a remote hearing. I usually prepare to observe a hearing by reading the case in advance, researching the law and discussing the case with the barrister I am shadowing. During the hearing I take detailed notes. When I am not in Court / Tribunal I will prepare written work such as drafting opinions. Whilst the majority of the time is spent shadowing my pupil supervisor, I often shadow other members. This enables me to experience different practice areas but also observe different advocacy styles. The work that I shadow / undertake on a day-to-day basis varies significantly but I am always either with my supervisor or in contact with them. Both my supervisor and other members are always happy to answer all of my questions” (Camilla Bonifai, Mixed Civil Pupil)
Q – What are your tips on applying for Pupillage?
“Know why you are applying for the chambers you are applying for. You will be asked questions like ‘what can you bring to this particular set?’. Be modest in your answer. I simply relied on my experience in the industry after graduation in that I had a good grounding in family law and connections with local solicitors.
In interviews, take a minute before responding. And listen to yourself carefully. If you make a mistake, it’s better to rectify yourself and handle it calmly, than to panic and/or brush over it.
Be yourself. It’s easier said than done, but by the time I reached my last interview, I was so exhausted from the process that I was just too tired to feel nervous and I felt as though I was more myself. In all honesty, it is very rare that your first interview will go well. I do not remember one single interview season in which my first interview went well. It’s like the first pancake. Throw it out and dive back in.
Try to enjoy the process. I had a really enjoyable interview experience at Broadway House. I was truly interested and engaged in the debates with the panel. The panel want to see you at your best. If they’re asking you questions and you’re debating with them on a topic for longer, that’s a good sign”
(Josephine Garvey, Family Pupil)
Q -How did you decide which practice area was right for you?
“Whilst at university I looked to undertake work experience within the court system and started volunteering with Support Through Court. Although I assisted litigants in person on a range of different practice areas, I found myself assisting a great deal on matters involving Child Arrangement Orders and resisting non-molestation order applications. I found that I interacted and connected well with the clients. Not long after that, I obtained a mini pupillage at a specialist family set in London. After undertaking this, I was certain that the practice area was the right fit for me. I felt I had the right personality to connect with the clients, I was interested in the legal developments, and the area struck the right balance between practising both oral and written advocacy. Whilst I have more personal reasons for my initial interest in wanting to study family law at undergraduate level, it was my volunteering and work experience at university that solidified my ultimate decision” (Josephine Garvey, Family Pupil)
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers between 3 January 2024 and 7 February 2024 using the Pupillage Gateway application system to search for the relevant Pupillage Vacancy and selecting ‘Apply for this pupillage’.
· Thursday 07 September 2023 - Applicant account set up
· Monday 27 November 2023 - Advertisements: Applicants may access the Pupillage Gateway to browse vacancies
· Wednesday 03 January 2024 - Applications open
· Wednesday 07 February 2024 - Applications close
· Friday 10 May 2024 - Offers made
· Friday 17 May 2024 - Deadline for accepting initial offers
Good luck and we look forward to receiving your application.