Each year Chambers offers unfunded mini-pupillages lasting up to 1 week.

During the week our clerks will endeavour to place you in court every day. We hope for you to see as broad a range of court work as possible. If you let us know that you would like to see a particular type of case, we will do our best to enable you to do this.

Chambers does not pay expenses; but we will not expect you to travel to see cases being heard in courts outside of the West Midlands, unless you request us to do so.

Who is Eligible?

As you can imagine we receive a large amount of applications each year, therefore we have had to limit the pool of candidates who are eligible. Places will be restricted to students that have studied or are already studying for a Law degree or equivalent qualification, or who have secured a place to do so. Consideration will also be given to candidates who have gained or are studying for a non-law degree and are interested in a career at the Bar. All candidates must demonstrate a genuine interest in a career at the Bar.

How do I apply?

Applications must be made in writing and addressed to Mr Alexander Jacobs.

Applications should consist of:-

• A brief covering letter explaining your interest in a career at the Bar.
• C.V.

Candidates may also state in their application the dates during which they will be available, but the more flexible candidates can be with their dates, the more likely they are to secure a mini-pupillage. Please note that dates are generally booked up several months in advance.

What qualities does Chambers look for in its applications?

Applications will be judged on a number of factors including the ability of the candidate to write, date and address an appropriately worded covering letter, suitable to be considered for a placement within the legal sector.  In the covering letter and CV the candidate should be able to demonstrate his/her commitment to experiencing life at the Bar (examples might include experience of mooting, debating, other mini-pupillages or legal-based work experience).  The CV should include contact details of two referees who can comment upon the candidate’s abilities and commitment to a legal career and who can also confirm the details submitted in the CV.

For the sole purpose of monitoring the application process, candidates are invited to include within their application their date of birth, sex, nationality and to indicate whether they have any disability.  This information will form no part in the selection process and applicants will not be penalised should they prefer not to disclose such information.

All applicants will be informed either in writing or via email.  Successful applicants will be required to telephone Chambers to arrange a mutually convenient week which, unless exceptional circumstances arise, will not be changed.

Successful applicants will receive a letter giving advice about what to wear, setting out the arrangements for the start of your week and enclosing a map to help find Chambers.

Is St. Ive’s Chambers committed to Equal opportunities?

Yes, St. Ive’s Chambers is committed to equal opportunities and has an Equality & Diversity policy which does not discriminate on any grounds, including, but not limited to disability, colour, race, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or political beliefs. If a successful candidate has a disability we will endeavour to arrange their mini-pupillage to suit their requirements.

Mr Alexander Jacobs is St. Ive’s Chambers Equality and Diversity officer. For details of the policy, click here.

Confidentiality

Upon commencement of your mini-pupillage and according to Bar Council policy, each mini-pupil is required to sign an undertaking to maintain confidentiality in respect of all the sensitive and confidential information he/she may hear or read about during their mini-pupillage.