Pupillage is where a career at the Bar truly begins, and at Holborn Chambers we regard it as an investment in the future of Chambers.
We recruit two pupils each year in Crime, with both pupils commencing their twelve-month pupillage in July.
Our pupils gain first-hand experience of criminal practice alongside experienced members of Chambers, observing work for both the prosecution and defence and developing an understanding of criminal advocacy from both perspectives.
Pupillages each year
Six months non-practising + six months practising
Exposure to prosecution and defence work
Annual start date
6 Gate Street, WC2A 3HP
No less than the applicable London minimum pupillage award
Applications submitted directly to Chambers
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Holborn Chambers’ pupillage vacancy is advertised on the Pupillage Gateway in accordance with the annual BSB recruitment timetable. Applicants can review the vacancy and requirements before the application window opens.
When applications open, candidates complete the Holborn Chambers Pupillage Application Form. Applications are submitted directly to Chambers, rather than through the Gateway application system. Applications received after the mandatory closing deadline cannot normally be considered.
Once the application window has closed, applications are assessed against Chambers’ published selection criteria. Holborn Chambers uses a structured assessment process. The Pupillage Policy provides for applications, where reasonably practicable, to be reviewed independently by more than one assessor, with decisions recorded against agreed criteria. Candidates who demonstrate the strongest evidence against the criteria are invited to a first-round interview.
The first-stage interview provides the panel with an opportunity to explore the candidate’s application, motivation, communication, reasoning and suitability for pupillage. All candidates are assessed against the same published recruitment framework. Successful candidates progress to the final stage.
Candidates shortlisted following the first interview are invited to a more detailed second-round assessment. Candidates are given broadly equivalent assessment opportunities and are assessed against the published criteria. This is supported by Holborn’s policy, which specifically provides for interviews to include competency questions, legal discussion, advocacy exercises, written exercises and practical problem-solving.
Following completion of the assessment process, scores and evidence from the relevant stages are considered and the final recruitment decision is made. Offers are made only on the date permitted by the mandatory BSB/Pupillage Gateway timetable.
For Pupillage Commencing July 2027
Because Holborn administers applications outside the Gateway, the following BSB timetable applies:
Stage | Date |
Vacancies available to browse on the Pupillage Gateway | 23 November 2026 |
Applications open | 4 January 2027 at 11:00am |
Applications close | 28 January 2027 at 11:59pm |
Holborn may begin shortlisting | 1 February 2027 |
First-round interviews | [To be confirmed] |
Second-round interviews & written exercise | [To be confirmed] |
Pupillage offers may be made | 7 May 2027 at 9:30am |
Deadline for accepting initial offers | 14 May 2027 at 9:30am |
Pupillage begins | July 2027 |
These dates come from the BSB’s currently published 2026/27 mandatory timetable. Importantly, the same opening, closing and offer dates apply to AETOs such as Holborn that administer applications outside the Gateway.
Each pupillage is funded at no less than the Bar Standards Board’s minimum pupillage award for London in force at the relevant time.
The current London minimum is £25,863 per annum.
The minimum pupillage award is reviewed annually, with revised rates taking effect each January. Where the applicable BSB minimum increases during pupillage, funding will be adjusted as required by the applicable BSB rules.
Chambers meets the cost of compulsory courses required during pupillage in accordance with its Pupillage Policy.
Developing Throughout the Year
Assessment does not end once an offer of pupillage has been made.
Throughout the twelve months, pupils receive regular feedback and are assessed progressively against the competences required for practice at the Bar.
Holborn’s programme considers development across areas including:
Professional ethics and independence
Knowledge of law and procedure
Advocacy
Written advocacy and drafting
Conferences and client care
Practice management
Professional behaviour
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Progress is considered through practical work, supervisor observations, written work, advocacy, conferences and formal appraisal.
Holborn Chambers recruits pupils with a view to developing talented practitioners who may become future members of Chambers. Successful completion of pupillage does not automatically guarantee tenancy. Where a junior tenancy opportunity is available, pupils may be invited to make a formal application, which is considered on merit and in accordance with Chambers’ recruitment procedures and the availability of work.
During your first six months, you will work closely with an experienced pupil supervisor while developing the knowledge, judgment and practical skills required for independent practice.
You will gain exposure to criminal work undertaken on behalf of both the prosecution and defence. Depending on the work available, this may include observing trials and other hearings, attending conferences, reviewing briefs and case papers, undertaking legal research and preparing draft written work.
Typical Experience May Include
Court Observation
Observe criminal proceedings and advocacy in practice.
Prosecution & Defence
Gain insight into cases from both sides of the criminal justice process.
Case Preparation
Work with briefs, evidence and case materials alongside practitioners.
Research & Drafting
Develop written advocacy, legal research and case-analysis skills.
Conferences
Observe and learn from conferences with professional and lay clients where appropriate.
Feedback & Reflection
Receive constructive feedback to support continued development.
Following satisfactory completion of the non-practising period and once the relevant regulatory requirements have been met, pupils progress into their practising six.
At this stage, the emphasis increasingly moves towards work undertaken in the pupil’s own right.
Pupils begin accepting instructions and appearing in court while continuing to receive appropriate supervision and guidance. Responsibility develops progressively in accordance with the pupil’s experience and demonstrated competence.
The aim is to make the transition from supervised training to independent practice both challenging and properly supported.
Your pupil supervisor and other members of Chambers remain available to provide guidance as your own practice develops.
The BSB confirms that during the practising period a pupil may supply legal services and exercise rights of audience once authorised and issued with the appropriate Provisional Practising Certificate.
Supported Throughout Your Pupillage
Every pupil is allocated a pupil supervisor responsible for supporting their day-to-day training and development.
Formal supervision meetings normally take place at least once each week during first six, with regular supervision continuing throughout the practising period.
Supervision covers matters including:
Pupils receive ongoing feedback on their work, including feedback following court hearings, conferences and substantial written work.
Each pupil is also allocated a mentor within Chambers, providing an additional confidential source of support throughout pupillage.
Holborn Chambers looks for candidates with strong intellectual ability, clear communication skills and the potential to develop into effective advocates.
Candidates are assessed against consistent criteria including:
Intellectual & Analytical Ability
The ability to analyse complex information, identify the important issues and demonstrate sound legal reasoning.
Written Communication
The ability to communicate clearly, accurately and persuasively in writing.
Advocacy & Oral Communication
Clear and confident oral communication, persuasive reasoning and an ability to adapt appropriately to the circumstances.
Motivation & Commitment
A genuine interest in criminal law and advocacy, together with the drive and determination required to develop a successful career at the Bar.
Character & Professionalism
Integrity, judgment, resilience, relationship skills and the professional qualities required for independent practice.
If you have a question about pupillage or the application process, please contact Chambers: