Page 5 - No.5_Pupillage_Brochure_2021

THE PUPILLAGE PROCESS APPLICATIONS

Chambers seeks to recruit up to 6 pupils each year No5 is rigorous in its application process, ensuring Applications open in January each year and are made via
through its own application process. The groups it attracts the best applicants with the potential to No5 application form downloaded from the website link.
within which the pupillage is provided varies annually, become hard hitters at the bar. Over the past 3 years The application form is assessed by members
according to business need. No5 is not part of the we have offered every pupil tenancy, numbering 14. of chambers, from differing disciplines, to identify
Pupillage Gateway.
Pupillage with No5 is structured to ensure each whether they meet the standard for interview.
An award of £25,000 is made during the first six pupil is exposed to a broad spectrum of work whilst
months of pupillage with guaranteed billings of working closely with their appointed supervisor(s).
at least £25,000 during the second six months. Additionally, each pupil is assigned a mentor, being I N T ER V I E WS A R E
Chambers funds additionally all compulsory training a junior member of chambers, to offer support of a H E L D I N T W O S T A G E S :
courses during pupillage. more pastoral nature.
The first centres on the Application Form, identifying the
The application form is released on the No5 The entire process is overseen by the Pupillage
candidate’s intellectual ability, debating, work experience,
website, ordinarily during the first week of January, Committee, Harpreet Sandhu, Olivia Chaffin-Laird
with applications closing a month later. and Samir Amin. Reviews are undertaken at regular hobbies, knowledge of chambers and commitment to both
intervals throughout the year for which supervisors No5 and the Bar. It is relatively informal with general,
Pupillages are for 12-months on a full time basis. topical questions posed in order to assess the applicant’s
prepare reports and provide sample work, as
All pupillages are offered with a view to tenancy appropriate. These reviews are constructive and ability to reason and argue a point with clarity of thought.
upon satisfactory completion. informative, providing an opportunity for feedback

All members of Chambers involved in the and for the pupil to raise any concerns they may Second round interview is offered to a shortlist of
recruitment process, at whatever stage, have have, independently from their supervisor. exceptional candidates and is far more focused. A
undergone fair recruitment training. Shortly prior to commencing second six, an advocacy legal problem is provided shortly beforehand. That
forms the basis for questioning and discussion on
No5 recognises its reputation stands or falls on exercise is carried out before the Committee to further both ethics and legal principles arising. Emphasis is
the standard of the next generation. It accordingly provide an opportunity for pupils to practice, make placed on the candidate’s critical reasoning skills, not
seeks to recruit “exceptional” individuals with a mistakes and receive feedback, as appropriate, in their knowledge of the law. This is critical in order to
first class mind, a drive to succeed, an enthusiasm order to ensure they are as ready as they can be for ensure a level playing field for all candidates whether
for intellectual challenge and advocacy alongside their first day in court. Further advocacy exercises are they are completing their undergraduate studies or
a commitment to No5, the Bar and all that such a provided throughout the year as a means by which transferring from another career, legal or otherwise.
career entails. pupils can hone their skills before a “friendly” tribunal.
These exercises, whilst formidable, are intended to It is intended to afford candidates with the opportunity
Successful applicants will have a first or upper assist pupils to hone their skills and prepare them for to demonstrate an impressive ability to analyse, formulate
second class undergraduate degree, whether their first day in court. and present a reasoned argument whilst also responding
in law or another subject and have, as a to questioning and challenge from the interview panel.
minimum, AAB grades at A-level (subject to
extenuating circumstances). Whether applicants Prior to the second-round interview shortlisted
apply direct from university or following an alternative candidates are invited to spend a 1-day mini pupillage
career, No5 is simply focused on attracting with the relevant group in chambers. This helps
exceptional candidates. candidates to see how No5 really works and that it
truly is, whilst of course hard working and committed,
also a friendly and welcoming environment.