Rights and entitlements of a pupil at 9-12 Bell yard

• Recruitment
• Introduction from Mukul Chawla QC
• Education
• Mini-pupillage
• The Pupillage Committee
• Selection of twelve-month pupils through OLPAS
• Obligations of pupil supervisors
• Applications for third six pupillage
• Recruiting Tenants from the pool of pupils
• What happens when you start a pupillage in Chambers
• After pupillage
• Rights and entitlements of a pupil at 9-12 Bell yard
• Duties as a pupil
• Useful telephone numbers

Chambers grant

Each of our twelve month pupils receive at least £24,000, made up of a grant of £16,000 plus £8,000 guaranteed earnings. The money is normally paid by standing order every month.

Holidays

Every pupil is entitled to four weeks holiday in the course of the year. This includes bank holidays and Chambers closures. You may find that holiday time is best taken during the first six months of pupillage in order to maximise earnings during your second six months.

Also remember that if you take holiday time you should clear this with your pupil supervisor well in advance. If you choose to take holiday time during your second six then you should negotiate the dates with the clerks and ensure they have adequate notice.

Scholarships

All the Inns of Court and The Bar Council have a range of scholarships available. If you think you may be eligible for a scholarship you should take care to apply in good time. Generally this will be well in advance of pupillage. It is your responsibility to make appropriate enquiries.

Misconduct

A pupil may be dismissed for gross misconduct, repeated misconduct, or repeated conduct likely to bring Chambers into disrepute. That decision will be taken by the Head of Chambers, but only after the pupil concerned has had adequate notice of the allegations and the opportunity of assistance from a senior member of Chambers and has had every reasonable opportunity to make representations.

Grievance procedure

A pupil should take grievances to his or her pupil supervisor in the first instance. If the pupil is not satisfied with the outcome brought about by the pupil supervisor, the pupil may then seek redress via the Head of the Pupillage Committee and then via the Head of Chambers.

Fair distribution of work

Chambers is committed to allowing pupils "a fair crack of the whip" by ensuring that work is distributed fairly amongst the pupils. This process is monitored by the Senior Clerk.

Non-discrimination

Chambers is committed to a policy of non-discrimination. Chambers promotes a policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs or disability. Elizabeth Smaller is the Chambers' Equal Opportunities Officer.