We welcome applications from barristers who have successfully completed pupillage and are ready to develop the next stage of their practice. We are particularly interested in applicants who demonstrate:
Probationary Tenancy
Develop Your Practice With a View to Tenancy
Holborn Chambers welcomes applications from barristers who have completed pupillage and are looking to continue developing their practice within Chambers. Our six-month Probationary Tenancy offers practitioners the opportunity to build their independent practice, work alongside members of Chambers and become familiar with our clerking team and professional environment, with a view to possible tenancy. Applications are welcomed from barristers who have completed pupillage either at Holborn Chambers or elsewhere. Opportunities are offered according to the work requirements of Chambers.
At a Glance
6 Months
A six-month probationary period
Post-Pupillage
For barristers who have completed pupillage
Independent Practice
Continue developing your own practice
View to Tenancy
An opportunity to be considered for membership of Chambers
London
6 Gate Street, London WC2A 3HP
Direct Application
CV + covering letter by email
Who Should Apply?
Strong Legal Ability
Sound analysis, preparation and professional judgment.
Advocacy Skills
The ability to represent clients confidently, clearly and effectively.
Professionalism
Integrity, reliability and high professional standards.
Practice Development
The motivation to build professional relationships and develop a sustainable practice.
Contribution to Chambers
A positive and collegiate approach to professional life within Chambers. I would keep the criteria at this level rather than creating a long formal scoring framework unless Holborn has formally approved one.
Equality & Reasonable Adjustments
Holborn Chambers is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
If you require a reasonable adjustment during the application or selection process, please let Chambers know so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.
Please note: A Probationary Tenancy is not part of BSB-regulated pupillage. It is a separate probationary period following completion of pupillage and does not guarantee an offer of tenancy.
Route to Tenancy
A probationary tenancy does not guarantee an offer of tenancy.
Where appropriate, the practitioner may be invited or entitled to make an application for tenancy in accordance with Chambers' recruitment procedures.
What to Expect
Continue Building Your Practice
During your Probationary Tenancy, you will practise in your own right while becoming part of the working life of Chambers.
The period provides an opportunity to:
- continue developing your advocacy and casework experience;
- build and strengthen your independent practice;
- work with Chambers’ clerking team;
- develop relationships with professional clients;
- work alongside and learn from members of Chambers; and
- demonstrate your suitability for tenancy.
Other criminal sets use the probationary period in a similar way. 25 Bedford Row describes it as a six-month period during which practitioners regularly undertake their own court work before being eligible to apply for tenancy, while 2 Hare Court emphasises the opportunity to build wider experience through a busy independent practice.
A View to Tenancy
Probationary Tenancy provides an opportunity for both the practitioner and Chambers to assess whether longer-term membership is appropriate.
Successful completion of the six-month period does not automatically guarantee tenancy.
Any subsequent tenancy application will be considered in accordance with Chambers’ recruitment arrangements, taking account of merit, suitability and the availability of work.
That distinction is important. The BSB recommends that chambers make the criteria and process for any tenancy decision clear within the written terms of a probationary arrangement.
How to Apply
Applications should be made directly to Chambers.
Please email:
senior.clerk@holbornchambers.co.uk
with:
Your current CV
A covering letter
Your covering letter should briefly outline:
- where and when you completed pupillage;
- your principal areas of practice and experience;
- the practice you wish to develop; and
- why you are interested in joining Holborn Chambers.
Questions About Applying?
If you have a question about pupillage or the application process, please contact Chambers: