Queen Elizabeth Building

Areas of work

QEB is a leading set of family law chambers, particularly well-known for dealing with the financial consequences of divorce, but with immense experience in all aspects of family law including: jurisdictional disputes, foreign divorces, pre-marital agreements, civil partnerships, injunctions both financial and domestic, private law child work, adoption, child abduction, Inheritance Act claims and disputes between former cohabitees. In addition some members practise in general common law with particular emphasis on personal injury and professional negligence work.

QEB has been established for well over 100 years and is consistently rated as one of the top-ranking sets for family law. Members of QEB have been involved in many of the most important cases of legal principle, including: White, Sorrell, Miller, Spencer, Marano, Robson, Schofield and Jones. At present, five Family Division judges out of 18 are former members of QEB and Lord Wilson sits in the Supreme Court.

Who should apply?

The practice of family law is infinitely varied and clients come from all walks of life. International and conflict of laws issues arise increasingly often. An ability to deal not only with complex financial disputes, often involving commercial issues, but also with child-related or other emotionally fraught and sensitive situations, is essential. We are looking for applicants with a strong academic record (minimum 2.1 law or non-law degree save in exceptional circumstances), good legal and analytical skills, and also those who can demonstrate an ability to communicate sensitively with a wide range of people at a critical time in their lives.

Pupillage programme

A pupillage at QEB offers top-quality training and very good financial support in a busy, friendly environment. A 12-month pupillage involves three pupil supervisors, but pupils are also encouraged to work with other tenants at all levels to gain a broad experience of our work. All our pupils are automatically considered candidates for tenancy and new tenants are only recruited from QEB pupils. Our reputation is such that
where a pupil is not taken on, he or she is usually well placed elsewhere. BARMARK has repeatedly singled out the QEB Pupillage arrangements for particular praise.

When and how to apply

Chambers is a part of the Pupillage Portal system. Please consult the latest Pupillage Awards handbook or website for details of the timetable.

Mini-pupillages

Applications for mini-pupillages are to be made by CV and covering letter to the Mini-Pupillage Secretary. Please consult our website for full details.