Pupillage

Pupillage applications are now closed for 2024. We were delighted to accept four pupils this year who will be joining our criminal and family teams in September 2024. Further information will be posted in Autumn 2024 in regards to Pupillage starting in 2025.

In the meantime, what did our 2023-2024 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)