South Square aims to provide the highest quality advocacy and advice for clients in international and domestic business disputes. We work in a modern, efficient and informal environment. We recruit and train pupils, and select our tenants, from applicants with a wide mix of backgrounds and experience, whether recent university graduates or those seeking a second career at the Bar. A number of our members have degrees in Law, and some have the BCL or other postgraduate qualifications. Others have taken non-Law degrees and gone on to take the CPE/GDL.
We are actively seeking to recruit the highest calibre of candidates who must be prepared to commit themselves to establishing a successful practice and maintaining Chambers’ position at the forefront of the modern Commercial Bar. Our work requires a high degree of self-discipline and self-motivation and the ability to work as part of a team of barristers, solicitors and other professionals is also vital. The Bar is particularly individualistic and meritocratic and the rewards (both professional and personal) can be high for those who succeed.
We look to recruit at least one tenant every year from our pupils and it is the policy of Chambers to assist new tenants to establish careers in the early stages of their practice.
Training
During pupillage, we aim to achieve a balance between training and assessment. Pupils are welcomed into all areas of Chambers’ life and are provided with an organised programme designed to train and equip them for practice in a dynamic and challenging environment.
Pupils sit with a number of pupil supervisors for periods of 6-8 weeks during which time they are expected to become fully involved in all aspects of the practice of their pupil supervisor.
Financial Details
Chambers’ pupillage award for pupillages commencing October 2013 will be £60,000. Drawdowns for living expenses during the BVC year will continue to be available.
APPLICATIONS
12 month pupillages
South Square will be offering two 12-month pupillages to commence in October 2013. The deadline for applications will be 20th January 2012 and the interviews will be held in February 2012.
Applications for pupillage should be made in writing to the Pupillage Secretary at South Square by post or by e-mail with a covering letter enclosing a full CV including details of two references, one of which should be an academic reference. The minimum academic qualification is a 2:1 degree.
South Square is not a member of the OLPAS scheme.
3rd Six Pupillages
Chambers welcomes applications for 3rd six pupillages from applicants who have completed a pupillage at a leading Commercial or Chancery set. Applications should be sent to the Pupillage Secretary and be by way of CV and covering letter – clearly marked “Application for 3rd Six Pupillage”- by 6th July 2012.
Funded Mini-Pupillages
Each year South Square offers up to 10 funded mini-pupillages of one week’s duration, each carrying an award of £500.
Up to five places will be available between April and October 2012. The closing date for applications for these places will be 17th February 2012. Applications should be by CV and covering letter, clearly stating that you are applying for a funded mini-pupillage. Funded mini-pupils are placed with members of Chambers who are at a senior level and qualified to act as pupil supervisors. During their week in Chambers the candidate will be asked to undertake a written problem which will be reviewed if the candidate applies for a full pupillage. For all candidates completing a funded mini-pupillage in Chambers the preliminary interview stage in the pupillage process is waived.
Unfunded Mini-Pupillage
Unfunded mini-pupillages are usually offered for 2 days and provide an invaluable guide to the work of Chambers. Unfunded mini-pupillages are available throughout the year except during court vacation. It is advisable to apply as early as possible in the academic year as space is limited. Applicants for unfunded mini-pupillages should be in their second or third year of academic study. A mini-pupillage is not a requirement for prospective pupils at South Square, but those contemplating a career at the Bar would be well-advised to undertake a number of mini-pupillages in various sets covering diverse areas of the law in order to choose the specialisation they prefer and consequently to apply for pupillage to those sets which cover that field.
Applications for unfunded mini-pupillages to be undertaken between April and July 2012 must be received by 2nd March 2012. And for unfunded mini-pupillage to be undertaken between October and December 2012 must be received by 27th July 2012.
Applications for unfunded mini-pupillages should be by CV and covering letter and be addressed to the Pupillage Secretary, clearly stating you are applying for an unfunded mini-pupillage.
Chambers has implemented the Bar Council Equality Code and invites applications from suitable candidates of any background.
Contact
If you need further information about pupillage, please contact the Pupillage Secretary at South Square.