Recruitment
Experienced Practitioners
We welcome approaches to join these Chambers from those with relevant experience. These may be members of the Bar wishing to move from their present chambers or from solicitors wishing to transfer to the Bar.
The Head of Chambers is always happy to discuss with such individuals, in confidence, their interest in these Chambers.
Pupillage
One Chancery pupillage, either practising or non-practising, is available at any one time. Funded up to £30,000 for 12 months (for pupillage commencing October 2023), pro rata. There are currently no third six month pupillages available. The Head of Pupillage is Philip Brown.
Pupillage commencing 1st October 2023
The application process for pupillage commencing 1st October 2023 will open in January 2023 and close in February 2023 in accordance with Bar Council guidelines.
How to apply
9 Stone Buildings advertises its vacancies on the Bar Council’s Pupillage Gateway but does not accept applications through the Gateway using instead its own application form which is downloadable here (when the process opens) and are available by request from the Senior Clerk. The form should be completed and returned by email or post as set out on the application form.
Following the shortlisting of candidates the successful candidates will be asked to undertake a written exercise to be returned and marked before interview to determine how clearly and concisely candidates are able to express themselves, and to assess their ability to marshal arguments.
Interviews will take place in March/April 2023.
Our recruitment process is undertaken in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code of Conduct and the Equality and Diversity Code for the Bar.
Mini Pupillage
We are pleased to offer a limited number of places for mini-pupillage to those considering a career at the Bar. Those accepted will spend one to two days in chambers (usually with junior members) attending court and conferences, and studying sets of papers. The visit is not assessed, nor is it a pre-requisite to obtaining pupillage at 9 Stone Buildings – we view mini-pupillage as an opportunity for potential applicants for pupillage to experience the type of work we do, and the atmosphere in chambers.
We find that mini-pupils obtain the most from the experience if they have completed at least one year of an undergraduate law degree, or have started the GDL course at the time they visit chambers. Prospective GDL students are welcome to apply, provided they will have started the course at the time of their visit.
Applications should be made by way of covering letter and curriculum vitae, specifying degree classification obtained (or if you are still studying, marks obtained in university examinations to date), and sent clearly marked “Mini-Pupillage” by post or by email to clerks@9stonebuildings.com. The member of chambers in charge of mini-pupillage is Andrew Shipley.
The following deadlines apply:
- 30th June for a mini-pupillage between October and December.
- 31st October for a mini-pupillage between January and March.
- 31st January for a mini-pupillage between April and July.
Mini-pupils are generally accepted if it appears they would be considered as potential pupils in the future, and there is space to accommodate them. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application after the relevant deadline has expired. We regret that late applications cannot be considered.
All mini-pupils are required to sign a declaration of confidentiality on arrival in chambers.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn operates a Mini Pupillage Grant Scheme which offers financial assistance to students who have secured a mini pupillage but need additional funds to complete it. The fund is intended to help with the cost of long distance travel, commuting, accommodation and purchasing appropriate professional clothing. The value of each grant is calculated based on the applicant’s anticipated expenses up to a maximum of £500.
Applicants do not need to members of Lincoln’s Inn and must meet certain social mobility based criteria to be eligible for a grant. More details including all of the application criteria and application form can be found on this page of the Lincoln’s Inn website Applications are open all year round.