Recruitment

Our Mini Pupillage Programme consists of up to 5 days shadowing members of Wilberforce Barristers across a range of cases. We cannot guarantee that you would see cases within the Family Court as due to their confidential nature, attendance requires judicial approval and agreement of all parties. However, where possible we will tailor your progamme to your preferences. Our programme is not assessed, and so your time with us will not reviewed should you make any application for pupillage in the future.

Applications are invited from students in the second year of their law degree, or third year of a non-law degree or above. We also very much encourage applications from graduates and in particular those who have already pursued another career path. All applications are considered on merit.

Because of the limitation on the number of places that we can offer, we ask that anyone who applies should be seriously considering practice at the Bar and making an application for pupillage to Wilberforce Barristers in due course.

Wilberforce Barristers is committed to promoting equality and diversity at the Bar. There is no “type” that we look for, apart from being a hardworking barrister who is completely committed to providing a superb service to the client and going that extra mile.

To apply, please send a covering letter briefly explaining why it is you are applying to us and an updated CV for the attention of our Mini Pupillage Officer, Oliver Shipley, by email Mini.Pupillage@hullbar.co.uk with the title “[Your Name] – Application for Mini Pupillage”. Upon submitting, you should receive confirmation that your application has been received.

We endeavour to respond to all applications within 28 days, but during busy periods it may be longer. All applicants will receive a response to their application and until you have done so, we would politely ask that you refrain from chasing any application that is pending. 

Successful applicants will be contacted by our Mini Pupillage Officer and provided with further details and next steps upon acceptance of their place on our programme.We wish all applicants the best of luck with the application process.

We are a prominent and progressive set on the North Eastern Circuit.

Chambers is located in very close proximity to the courts and law firms in Hull City Centre. We have strong links with the legal community on the south bank of the Humber in Grimsby and Scunthorpe and receive instructions from clients outside of the Humberside area.

Chambers has an experienced and knowledgeable clerking team managing a varied caseload in all disciplines that continues to increase in both volume and complexity. The opportunity for practice development throughout your career to judicial appointment is well established over a period approaching 60 years of advocacy for the Humber legal community. The strength of chambers and exceptional abilities of its members continues as recently endorsed by the Legal 500.

During pupillage you will be allocated one pupil supervisor with the opportunity to spend time with other members of chambers in various different practice areas. We make every effort to tailor pupillage to the specific interests of the pupil, however with a focus on ensuring that you have experience of all areas of law. We recruit pupils with a view to tenancy. If you are taken on at the end of your pupillage, you can expect a dynamic and busy practice alongside continued support from your supervisor and all members of chambers and staff.

The fixed minimum pupillage award set by the Bar Council applies. Applications will be considered in line with the Bar Council Pupillage Gateway Platform timetable where details of vacancies will be published.

If you would like more information about our mini-pupillage or pupilage program or have any questions, please contact us. We are happy to help.

Applications from established practitioners to join our prominent, highly respected and friendly set are always welcome.

As the leading set in Hull the benefits of joining us are:

• Well established links with those who instruct practitioners across all areas of work undertaken

• Advantageous location to the Court centres in Hull itself and good network links to out of town centres

• Being part of a strong, professional team

• A pro-active marketing team

• Obtaining CPD points through free seminars/talks run by Chambers or the Hull Incorporated Law Society

All such applications will be considered on merit alone and treated in the strictest confidence.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please contact Charlotte Baines, Head of Chambers, who will be more than happy to discuss the matter with you.

Formal applications, comprising a covering letter and CV,  should be made in writing to the Senior Clerk, Wayne Stevens and marked ‘Private and Confidential’.