​

​Pupillage

Apex Chambers is authorised by the Bar Standards Board to offer pupillage, the work-based learning component of qualification.

Pupillage is divided into two parts: a non-practising period of 6 months and a practising period of 6 months. During the non-practising period, pupils will shadow senior members of chambers, primarily in the Crown Court. During the practising period, pupils will begin to undertake their own work.

All pupils are assessed in accordance with the skills and attributes as set out in the Professional Statement (https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/training-qualification/the-professional-statement.html). Pupils are also required to undertake a number of compulsory courses and assessments.

During the course of pupillage, pupils will receive the minimum award as specified by the Bar Standards Board (£22,019 in 2025). Half will be paid monthly during the non-practising period. The remaining half consists of guaranteed earnings (i.e. in any given month during the non-practising period, if a pupil does not receive in fees the minimum amount specified by the Bar Standards Board, Chambers will ’top up’ their fees to the specified amount).

The number of pupillages being offered each year and details of how to apply can be found on the Pupillage Gateway website.

(https://recruitment.pupillagegateway.com/members/index.php).

While tenancy is not guaranteed, all pupils are recruited with a view to them being taken on as tenants. Towards the end of pupillage, pupils will be invited to apply for tenancy. Applications will then be considered by Chambers as a whole.  

​

​

Mini-Pupillage

Apex Chambers offers a limited number of mini-pupillages each year, which will take place in June, July and August.

​

Applications for mini-pupillages may be made from 1st March each year. 

Applications should be in the form of a covering letter (no more than 1 page) and CV (no more than 2 pages). In your covering letter please explain why you are interested in undertaking a mini-pupillage at Apex Chambers and why you wish to practise criminal law. 

Please address your application to Andrew Kendall and send it by email to clerks@apexchambers.net.

​

​

​