Tenancy
Chambers aims to recruit regularly in order to maintain a structure which provides our clients with a choice of counsel of different experience and which advances the careers of individual barristers.
On average we aim to recruit one new member every year from our two pupils. In some years, we may recruit more than one candidate; in others, we may decide not to recruit.
We are looking for people who can demonstrate a high standard in each of the following areas:
- thinking fast and clearly, absorbing complex information rapidly, and identifying essential points and possible solutions in a practical and pragmatic manner;
- communicating clearly, concisely and persuasively, both orally and in writing;
- getting on well and, where appropriate, working effectively with, people from different backgrounds, including solicitors, clients, judges, our staff, fellow members of Chambers, and other barristers;
- being assertive when necessary, and being able to remain calm, objective and confident while working with complex material and against deadlines;
- commitment and enthusiasm;
- honesty and reliability.
We usually decide in July each year whether we wish to recruit at the end of the pupillage year. If we do decide to recruit, then generally any pupil who has demonstrated that they are clearly of a sufficiently high standard in each of the above areas will be offered a tenancy. If we decide that we have a need to recruit, but do not have a pupil who is clearly of a sufficiently high standard, then we will advertise the tenancy, and appraise our existing pupils against external candidates. The decision will normally be made and communicated by the end of July. Sometimes, however, we postpone the decision until the following autumn in order to see more of our internal candidates before offering a seat.
If you are taken on, our experience for many years has been that new recruits are fully employed doing their own work (as opposed to devilling) from shortly after the time they become full members of chambers.
On the other hand if you are not to be taken on, we will let you know as soon as that is clear. We have a good record of placing ex-pupils, many of whom are now successful practitioners in other chambers.
