4 Stone Buildings

The structure of pupillage

We aim to give all pupils the knowledge, skills and practical experience they need for a successful career at the Bar. We believe that it is important for all pupils to see as much as possible of the different kinds of work in chambers. This enables pupils to judge whether our work suits them, and enables different members of chambers to assess the pupils. Each pupil, therefore, normally spends time with two or three pupil supervisors within any six-month period. When other members of chambers have particularly interesting cases in court, pupils will be encouraged to work and attend court with them.

All pupils work in their pupil supervisors’ rooms, read their papers, attend their conferences, draft statements of case and documents, write draft opinions and accompany their pupil supervisors to court. Each pupil’s progress is carefully monitored to ensure that appropriate training is being provided.

Pupils are treated as part of chambers and are fully involved in the activities of chambers.

Number and period of pupillages
We offer up to two pupillages for twelve months.

Pupillage awards
Awards of up to £50,000 for each 12-month period are available.

Mini-pupillages
We encourage potential candidates to spend a week or at least a few days in chambers and we will be pleased to arrange mini-pupillages at any time.

Qualifications
Candidates are expected to have first-class or good second-class degrees. But mere intellectual ability is only part of it: a successful candidate must have the confidence and ambition to succeed, the common sense to recognise the practical advice a client really needs, and an ability to get on well with clients, solicitors, other members of chambers and the clerks.

Application details

Mini-pupillages are available.

Sponsored pupils are not accepted.

All applications should be made direct to chambers on chambers’ form. The closing date for applications is 30 April 2012. In exceptional cases we may consider later applications, but competition is obviously strong and it is in your interest to make application by 30 April 2012.

All applications for pupillages and mini-pupillages, and any queries, should be addressed to David Goddard, the senior clerk, e-mail d.goddard@4stonebuildings.com.

4 Stone Buildings is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all applicants irrespective of race, age, ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, political persuasion or sexual orientation.