pupillage
Cloisters is an approved training organisation for pupillage and offers two 12 month pupillages every year. Lisa Sullivan is our Head of Pupillage Training.
We welcome applications from outstanding candidates of all backgrounds and academic disciplines.
Why should you apply to Cloisters?
Cloisters is renowned for its pioneering work as well as being down to earth and practical. We are a supportive and nurturing set where everyone is given the opportunity to thrive and become the best in their field.
We see our role as educating, supporting and developing our pupils in line with Cloisters’ values which focus on commitment to excellence and delivering exceptional results for the people at the heart of our work. We keep in mind the aims, philosophy and ethos of pupillage and its professional and educational values.
Pupillage at Cloisters is split into four quarters, with a different supervisor for each one. All members of chambers are encouraged to become supervisors once they meet the qualifying period of practice which ensures that we have a wide range of supervisors of different calls, practice areas and personalities. In addition to working with and for supervisors, pupils are encouraged to do work for other members of chambers and to undertake pro bono work through FRU or law centres.
Our pupils are expected to see all areas of our work during their pupillage, which is normally organised through a choice of supervisors. Pupils are told who their supervisor will be shortly before each quarter begins. That choice is informed in part by what pupils have seen and experienced during pupillage so that all relevant areas of the pupillage checklist are covered. There is a formal appraisal at the end of each quarter, in addition to the feedback given throughout pupillage by supervisors.
The tenancy decision is based on a series of assessed tasks undertaken during the second six months (drafting, legal research, advocacy, interview) and feedback from supervisors, barristers the pupil has worked for, clients, opponents and clerks. The tasks are assessed against objective criteria. Each of the five areas are given roughly equal weight. A minimum of 70% is required for a pupil to be recommended for tenancy. If a pupil receives a mark of 80% or above they will be recommended for tenancy. While this is a challenging process for pupils, we believe that this system provides a fair and objective assessment of their skills. It means that we do not have a set number of tenancies to offer, the number we offer varies with the achievement of the individual pupils.
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 Parasiliti-Mollica.
Cloisters does not offer unfunded or sponsored pupillages.
When to apply
The pupillage portal website will give a full timetable for 2012. The system will open on 29th March and will close on 26th April. Cloisters operates a two-round interview process, which will take place on 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th and 12th June for first round interviews and 5th and 6th July for second round interviews. Offers will be made in accordance with the pupillage portal timetable.
Funding
Cloisters offers two funded pupillages each year. The pupillage award for 2013 will be £40,000, half of which is guaranteed earnings. Pupils can also ask for an advance of up to £6,000.
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 funded (currently £200). The successful interns will be selected on the basis of the strength of their application forms. The 2012 internship programme is now closed. The application form for an internship in 2013 will be uploaded over the summer. The deadline for applying for 2013 is 30th November 2012.
Any queries should be directed to internships@cloisters.com.
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 Parasiliti-Mollica.
Cloisters operates a Pupillage and Internship Policy and Procedure.