Overview

We will be welcoming applications for our Social Mobility Mini-Pupillage later this year from those interested in seeing the work of Chambers. We will update this page and make an announcement on LinkedIn and X when the application process opens again.

12KBW is committed to improving access to the profession and enabling excellent students from under-represented backgrounds to embark on careers at the Bar. As a profession that values fairness and justice, we recognise that we should strive to give equal access to all pupillage applicants irrespective of social origin, gender, ethnicity, or religious conviction.

In support of that commitment, we are proud to offer our social mobility mini-pupillage.

We will offer up to three places on the scheme. Each mini-pupillage will be funded by a £250 award and a travel/expenses allowance of up to £250.

The programme is named after Frank Burton KC.

Frank has personal experience of social mobility, being the first of his family to benefit from a university education and a professional career. He also developed an academic interest in the issue; he was a university lecturer in sociology for 9 years before coming to the Bar. As pupillage secretary, for over 10 years, he was keen to ensure Chambers’ recruitment policies did not discriminate on grounds of class, ethnicity, or gender so that we were more likely to attract the best candidates from all social backgrounds.

Frank was one of the preeminent personal injury lawyers of modern times. He acted in landmark cases, was respected across the profession, and accumulated a host of awards over the course of his career.

Programme

The mini-pupillage will last for three days in chambers (dates flexible).

Each mini pupil will be assigned a mini-pupillage supervisor who will arrange for you to see a broad spectrum of our work in chambers. You can expect to spend time in court, sitting in on conferences and considering papers. There will be opportunities for you to discuss what life is like in chambers with junior members and to ask any questions that you have about a career at the Bar.

The mini-pupillage will not be formally assessed.

Eligibility

The social mobility mini-pupillage is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

  1. You must have attended a state secondary school or college and be in at least your second year of university;

AND

  1. You must meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Were eligible for free school meals;
  • Been in care;
  • Be or have been a young carer for at least a period of 1 year (young carer is defined as an individual under 18 helping to look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem);
  • Have refugee or asylum status.

Applications from women and applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are particularly encouraged.