Pupillage

9BR Chambers is particularly proud of its pupillage programme and is rightly known for being “extremely nurturing of its junior members”. An Advocacy Training Programme is provided throughout all stages of pupillage with a curriculum of mock advocacy exercises. Pupils also benefit from 9BR’s legal practitioner seminar programme that provides topical lectures from members and distinguished outside experts.

9BR Chambers takes seriously its commitment to only offer pupillages with a genuine view to tenancy.

9BR Chambers will be offering four 18-month pupillages starting in October 2025 with an award of £39,600 made up of a monthly stipend in the first six months, followed by guaranteed earnings for the 12 months pupils will be on their feet. The award is reviewed annually and is likely to increase to reflect the cost of living.

Crime: three pupillages are offered to candidates wishing to focus on criminal law.

International: one pupillage is offered to candidates wishing to focus on international law and extradition law.

All pupils will undertake the same advocacy training programme and receive basic training in disciplinary and regulatory practice and court martial work. Applications are welcomed from dynamic individuals with a passion for advocacy and the law and respect for the traditions of the Bar. We are looking for outstanding candidates able to combine legal acumen, good judgment and persuasive advocacy with the determination needed to take advantage of the opportunities offered at our successful and growing set.

How to Apply

Chambers follows the timetable set by the Bar Council; the deadline for applications was 07 February 2024.

We will be in touch with all applicants in due course.

Please note that first round interviews will be held on 16 March 2024 (crime) and 20 April 2024 (international). Final interviews (crime and international) will be held on 27 April 2024.

3rd Six Pupillages

In addition, Chambers accepts direct applications from suitably qualified candidates for third six pupillages. Please email pupillage@9brchambers.co.uk with your CV and a short covering letter explaining the nature of the application and answering within it the following two questions:

1. In light of changing times at the criminal bar, how do you intend to establish yourself as a successful business?
2. Why have you decided to apply to 9BR Chambers in particular?

Mini-Pupillage

We now accept mini-pupillage applications on a rolling basis, for mini-pupillages up to a week in length.

These will be with members of our Criminal, Extradition and Regulatory teams and will not be assessed.

Potential applicants should send a CV and cover letter to minipupillage@9brchambers.co.uk, for the attention of Lucy Waterstone.

Applications will be assessed as per the following criteria:

1. The extent to which the cover letter demonstrates an understanding of and enthusiasm for the work carried out by 9BR Chambers;
2. Aptitude for the Criminal bar, including public speaking, advocacy experience, academic ability, and drafting skills as demonstrated by the cover letter and CV.

Our mini-pupillages run quarterly, over the following cycles:

• 1 May to 31 July (“Summer”)
• 1 August to 31 October (“Autumn”)
• 1 November to 31 January (“Winter”)
• 1 February to 30 April (“Spring”)

Applications are to be submitted by 00:00 on the following dates for the following cycles:

• Summer 31 March
• Autumn 30 June
• Winter 30 September
• Spring 31 December

These will be with members of our Criminal, Extradition and Regulatory teams and will not be assessed.

Potential applicants should send a CV and cover letter to minipupillage@9brchambers.co.uk, for the attention of Lucy Waterstone.

Applications will be assessed as per the following criteria:

1. The extent to which the cover letter demonstrates an understanding of and enthusiasm for the work carried out by 9BR Chambers;
2. Aptitude for the Criminal bar, including public speaking, advocacy experience, academic ability, and drafting skills as demonstrated by the cover letter and CV.