Pupillage
Cloisters welcomes applications from outstanding candidates of all backgrounds and academic
Why should you apply?
At Cloisters you will find a close-knit team of dedicated practitioners, many of them the undisputed leaders in their field practice, united in their commitment to excellence.
We are renowned for breaking new ground and shaping policy through our pioneering work and this is down to the intellect and tenacity of our barristers combined with our dedication to achieving premium outcomes for our clients.
We believe that individual fulfilment and achievement is the key to our combined success and with us you will benefit from a supportive, nurturing environment where all of our people can thrive with the opportunity to become the best in their field.
How to apply
Cloisters will only accept applications for pupillage which are made through the Bar Council's Online Pupillage Application Scheme (OLPAS), now known as Pupillage Portal (PP). Application forms and further information, including full details of the PP timetable, may be obtained from the PP website.
We welcome applications from those coming late to the Bar, who may not be required to undertake the full pupillage requirement. Should you require any further information about making an application in such circumstances, please contact Alessandra Fanone.
Cloisters does not offer unfunded or sponsored pupillages.
When to apply
Cloisters is in the Summer season of PP. The new season commences on 30th March 2010. Cloisters operates a two-round interview process, which usually takes place in June and July. The deadline for submission of Summer season applications is 27th April 2010.
Funding
Cloisters offers two funded pupillages each year. Each pupil will receive an award (currently £35,000 per year). Pupils can also ask for an advance of up to £7,500.
Internship Programme and Open Evening
Cloisters offers twelve one week internship placements each year. All applicants must have completed at least their first year at university in any subject. The internships are currently unfunded (although this is currently subject to review), but we may pay travel costs in the event that an intern is asked to travel to court outside of London. The successful interns will be selected on the basis of the strength of their application forms which can be downloaded here. We also invite our interns and applicants who narrowly miss out on an internship to an Open Evening in February or March. This will consist of a series of talks on Cloisters, the Bar and the pupillage process followed by drinks and the opportunity to meet our barristers.
The 2010 internship programme is now closed. However, we welcome applications for our 2011 programme. The deadline for an internship in 2011 is 19th November 2010. Any applications received after that date will be considered for an internship in 2012. Please click here for application form. Please press the Back button to return to this page after viewing/printing form.
Any queries should be directed to Dee Masters, Danny Dyal and Will Dobson.
Please note that completion of an internship or attendance at the Open Evening is not a condition of applying for pupillage at Cloisters.
Equal Opportunities
Cloisters is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in the workplace. We maintain our reputation by recruiting pupils with outstanding ability, imagination and energy. We are firmly committed to the Equality Code for the Bar.
Please return to this page for information about Pupillage as it will be regularly updated. If you have any specific queries not answered on this page, please contact Alessandra Fanone.
Cloisters operates a Pupillage and Internship Policy and Procedure.