Structure
Pupillage at 12KBW is divided into two 6 months periods: first six and second six. During their first six, pupils will focus on doing written work for their supervisors and other members of chambers. In their second six they will start appearing in court and taking on their own cases.
Pupils are usually assigned to three supervisors during pupillage, sitting with each one for four months. They will spend the most one-on-one time with their first supervisor, attending conferences with them, shadowing them in court, and doing written work for them. Supervisors will review written work and provide detailed feedback, allowing pupils to identify areas that need improvement and ensure they are doing everything to meet the selection criteria.
Second-seat supervisors tend to have a slightly different role – checking what work their pupil has seen already, making sure that they continue to see as many aspects of chambers’ work as possible and starting to tailor their exposure to the areas that they are developing an interest in. Pupils will also be given the opportunity to do written work for other members of chambers. This allows them to broaden their exposure to different practice areas in chambers and to get to know other members of chambers.
Pupils are encouraged to go to court with junior members of chambers towards the end of the first six months so as to gain direct experience of the type of work they will undertake in their second six. Chambers also organises a mock trial for pupils before the start of second six. This allows pupils to experience an authentic replica of the real thing before getting on their feet for the first time.
In their second six pupils learn to cope with handling a busy practice from the start and are able to gain a high level of advocacy experience. Third-seat supervisors, as well as junior members of chambers, are on hand to assist pupils as they navigate their first cases.
Wellbeing
12KBW is committed to encouraging and facilitating working practices and services that support the health and wellbeing of all of its staff, pupils and barristers. As part of this commitment, 12KBW operates a scheme of mentoring, coaching and training to provide staff, pupils and barristers with the skills and support to deal with wellbeing issues, effecting themselves and others, that may arise during the course of a busy chambers.
12KBW also acknowledges that pupillage can be a challenging time for pupils and, consequently, it aims to provide its pupils with the guidance and support required to ensure they can meet the demands placed upon them. To assist in this aim, each pupil is assigned a mentor with whom they may discuss, frankly and confidentially, any wellbeing or any other issues that may arise during their pupillage.
Equality and Diversity
Chambers applies objective selection criteria which is vetted by the Equal Opportunity Adviser and the fairness of the recruitment process is regularly reviewed. Chambers aims to ensure that the members of chambers involved in recruitment reflect the diversity of chambers and receive up to date and appropriate training in fair recruitment and selection. Chambers is committed to complying with the Equality and Diversity Provisions of the Code of Conduct.
