Wilberforce Chambers - Pupillage - September 2026 - Hull

Pupillage Vacancy Information

About Authorisation Education Training Organisation

We are a prominent and progressive set on the North Eastern Circuit and the most established set of chamber in Hull. We are listed in the Legal 500 as a leading set.

Wilberforce Barristers’ chambers is located in very close proximity to the courts and law firms in Hull City Centre in the heart of the old town. We have strong links with the legal community on the south bank of the Humber in Grimsby and Scunthorpe and regularly receive instructions from clients outside of the Humberside area.

Wilberforce Barrister’s chambers has an experienced and knowledgeable clerking team managing a varied caseload in all disciplines that continues to increase in both volume and complexity. The opportunity for practice development throughout your career is well established with several former members of chambers achieving judicial posts. The strength of chambers and the abilities of our members have been endorsed through several individual entries within the Legal 500 and Wilberforce Barristers itself being deemed a leading set.

Structure of Pupillage
We are seeking to recruit at least one pupil to join our exceptionally busy team. Our pupils will undertake a mixed pupillage in civil, criminal and family work.

During your pupillage you will be allocated one pupil supervisor with the opportunity to spend time with other members of chambers in various different practice areas.

During your first six months in pupillage you will be paid a monthly income by Chambers. You will keep all earnings achieved in your second six months of pupillage. If your earned income within your second six does not meet the Bar council minimum monthly earnings then Chambers will subsidise your earnings to meet the minimum.

Wellbeing is important at Wilberforce Barristers. We recruit pupils with a view to tenancy; there should be no feeling of competition between our pupils. You will receive ongoing professional and emotional support from your pupil supervisor; achieved through regular supervision and check-in sessions, alongside access to our wellbeing officer. Our junior tenants care passionate about the next generation of barristers and will be on hand to to offer insights and reassurance to you during your pupillage. Our newly renovated chambers includes a large social space where you will always find members of Chambers working and relaxing; all of whom can be approached with a problem should something arise.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Chambers are committed to equality, and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. A copy of Chambers Equality and Diversity Policy can be provided upon request from our diversity officer Michael Masson (mmasson@hullbar.co.uk). Mr Masson will also be able to deal with any queries regarding accessibility.

How to Apply

Aspiring barristers are invited to apply to chambers using the Pupillage Gateway application system.

In addition to the standardised Bar Council questionnaire, candidates are asked to respond to the following questions from Chambers:

1. Why do you wish to pursue a career at the Bar? (250-word limit)

2. Reflect on an experience that has most influenced your decision to pursue a career as a barrister and why you think you would make a good barrister (250-word limit)

3. What attracts you specifically to Wilberforce Chambers in Hull, and how does our regional focus align with your long-term goals? (250-word limit)

4. Describe a recent legal development or case that you found particularly interesting. How might it affect the areas of practice undertaken at Wilberforce Chambers? (250-word limit)

5. In your view, what is the most challenging aspect of advocacy, and how would you approach improving your skills in that area? (250-word limit)