Contact Us
5 Essex Court
Temple, London, EC4Y 9AH
Phone: 020 7410 2000
Email: clerks@5essexcourt.co.uk
Pupillage at 5 Essex Court
Structure of Pupillage
Pupillage at 5 Essex Court is divided into the non-practising first six months and the practising second six during which time you will have the opportunity to start on your feet.
Pupil Supervisors
During the course of the year, you will have three pupil supervisors. The first four months will be spent with one pupil supervisor and the majority of the work you will undertake in this period will be for this supervisor. This is to give you sufficient time to find your feet in chambers and to become accustomed with chambers’ style before gaining exposure to other members of chambers.
You will then spend a further four months with a different pupil supervisor, who will ensure a smooth transition into the period when you are likely to be on your feet in court. The remainder of the twelve months will be spent with a third pupil supervisor who will oversee your growing practice.
We make a considerable effort to ensure that pupils have the opportunity to spend time with supervisors in each of chambers’ core practice areas.
The In-House Advocacy Programme
5 Essex Court has developed an in-house advocacy training programme which takes place before the end of the first six and which is designed to complement the training provided by your Inn. This programme is run by the course director of Inner Temple Advocacy Training. The exercises are designed to improve your advocacy skills and ensure that you are confident in your own ability by the time you start on your feet in your second six.
The Six Month Review
At the end of your first six months you will have a review meeting with the Head of the Pupillage Committee. They will provide you with feedback on your performance in pupillage. We also welcome feedback from you on the pupillage system that we operate and whether there are any areas for improvement.
The Second Six
During your second six, you will begin to conduct your own cases. As your practice builds up, you can expect to be in court on a regular basis as well as developing your paperwork practice.
Chambers and your pupil supervisors will ensure that you experience work of a sufficient variety to complete the Bar Council’s Pupillage Checklist. We also value pro bono work and pupils are given sufficient time and support to develop a pro bono practice.
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