Pupillage

When we opened in January 1990 our aim was to be different. That remains the same, we seek “to have our feet on the ground and our heads in the stars.”

5th January 2026

Opening date for applications via the Pupillage Gateway

22nd JANUARY 2026

Closing date for applications

28th February 2026

Candidates notified if they have progressed the Advocacy stage.

1st March 2026 – 27th April 2026

Advocacy exercises in Chambers & Interviews in Chambers.

8th May 2026

Notification of pupillage offer and unsuccessful candidates notified.

15th May 2026

Final date by which candidates must either accept or decline an offer.

This timetable is in accordance with the requirements of the Pupillage Gateway.

How we select our pupils and what you need to consider. There are 3 stages:

Pupillage Gateway Application (ie Drafting)

Advocacy Exercise

Interview 

We expect our pupil's income to be at least £40k over the course of the pupillage, comprising the Pupillage Award and fee income.
 

1st Six

Chambers has set the minimum Pupilage Award at £40k p.a. 

During your 1st Six you will receive an award, paid on the 1st of each month in arrears, of 1/12 of the minimum pupillage award.  
 

2nd Six

During your 2nd Six we anticipate that you will earn around £30k in fee income.

Nevertheless, we still guarantee a minimum income to the value of the Pupillage Award. We expect the fees you receive as a barrister will exceed that amount. If not then Chambers will top-up the difference, based on your fee income during the preceding month.

You will pay not Chambers' rent, Clerks' Fees or other Chambers' expenses whilst a pupil.

The practicalities of a pupillage at 1 High Pavement Chambers

We operate the Bar Council’s Equality and Diversity Code in relation to members, staff and pupils.

The members of the pupillage committee have received training from the Bar Council in fair recruitment practices.

We welcome applicants regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, race, religion, marital status or disability.

Please let us know if you have a disability that may require us to make reasonable adjustment for the application or interview process.

No. 1 High Pavement is proud of our record in equality and diversity we nevertheless welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage those who are traditionally unrepresented at the Bar.

If you have any queries, please email the clerks: clerks@1hp.co.uk with the subject: ”Pupillage Enquiry”