4-5 Gray's Inn Square

Description of Chambers

4–5 Gray’s Inn Square is a leading set of chambers specialising in a wide range of
work, including public law and judicial review, planning and environmental law, commercial law, employment and human rights. A distinctive feature of Chambers is the large number of barristers who practise at the intersection of these various specialisms. We believe our strong reputation owes a lot to this unusual diversity. We are a large set, comprising 56 tenants (16 QCs and 40 juniors), and take a modern and innovative approach to the changing market for legal services. We have well-established links with the academic world and have a number of leading lawyers among our associate tenants. We are fully committed to the Bar’s professional responsibilities and members of Chambers frequently undertake work in a pro bono capacity. We pride ourselves on being not only a high-quality set, but also a friendly one.

Areas of work

General public law (including judicial review applications for and against local government and human rights challenges); planning and environmental law (including inquiries, statutory appeals and judicial review applications) on behalf of developers and planning authorities, and all aspects of domestic and EU environmental law; employment law (including unfair dismissal, sex, race, disability and other prohibited discrimination and trade union law); commercial law (including fraud, banking, shipping, regulatory work, insurance and reinsurance); professional negligence (including actions involving property, education and solicitors); education (including human rights and discrimination, special educational needs, admissions, exclusions and transport).

Who should apply

We have a rigorous selection procedure for pupillage. To obtain a first interview, candidates must show first-class academic ability (though not necessarily a first class degree) and evidence of advocacy potential. Successful interview candidates will be expected to demonstrate exceptional legal problem-solving and advocacy ability.

Pupillage programme

Pupils will receive thorough training in the full range of Chambers’ work during their pupillage. During the pupillage, pupils will generally be assigned to three different members of Chambers (pupil supervisors) to ensure that they see the full range of work in which Chambers specialises. There may be some opportunity for pupils to gain advocacy experience by appearing in employment tribunals or in court. To gain additional advocacy experience pupils may take cases for the Free Representation Unit, which can be done both prior to and during pupillage. Chambers pays for all new tenants to attend the annual Advanced International Advocacy Course at Keble College in Oxford.

When and how to apply

Apply through PORTAL summer season, even if PORTAL exempt.

Mini-pupillages

We welcome applications for minipupillages. A mini-pupil will generally spend about 2–3 days in Chambers. The minipupil will normally be attached to one member of Chambers but will often have the opportunity to see the work of others. The object of mini-pupillage is for you to see some of the work we do and to get to know us and for us to get to know you. It is particularly aimed at prospective applicants for pupillage. Applications for mini-pupillages should be sent, with full CV including university examination results to date, to David Loveday, with ‘mini-pupillage’ marked clearly on the envelope. The deadlines for mini-pupillage applications are 31st January (for mini-pupillages in March/April) and 30th June (for minipupillages in September/October).

Sponsorship/funding

We offer up to three 12-month pupillages with minimum £40,000 grant (2012 figure).