Pupillage

If you are interested in training with one of the country’s leading chambers in criminal and regulatory law then a pupillage at 187 Chambers may be for you.

Applications should be made through the Pupillage Gateway.

187 Chambers offers two twelve month pupillages each year. We provide training and assessment for completion of both the non-practising period of pupillage (6 months), and completion of the practising period of pupillage (6 months) in accordance with the BSB Professional Statement Competencies and Bar Qualification Manual.

Chambers awards £15,000 for the first six months of pupillage (non-practising) and guarantees £15,000 minimum earnings for the second six months (practising). Chambers will cover all travel expenses outside of London for the duration of pupillage, and the costs of compulsory training courses.

Upon satisfactory completion of the 12 month pupillage, pupils are invited to complete a six month probationary tenancy in Chambers to further develop their skills before applying for tenancy. We recruit pupils with the aim of their successfully applying for tenancy. Most of our pupils over the years have become tenants at Chambers.

Recruitment Process

Chambers conducts its recruitment process in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, the Bar Council Fair Recruitment Guide, and the BSB Handbook Equality Rules. Opportunities are open to all qualified candidates and we seek to recruit from the largest possible pool of available talent. We encourage applications from those from non-traditional or disadvantaged backgrounds.

When selecting pupils, we look for highly motivated candidates with strong analytical ability, demonstrable interest in the field of criminal law, sound practical and ethical judgement and the potential to be an outstanding advocate.

All Gateway application forms are assessed by three different individuals. Applicants achieving a sufficient aggregate score are invited to a first round interview. The first round panel will score each candidate against the criteria above and recommend a small number for a second round interview, after which offers will be made to successful applicants through the Gateway.

Probationary Tenancy / Third Six

We will consider applications at any time for probationary tenancy (also known as a “third six”) from those who have completed a criminal pupillage elsewhere. Applications should be made by sending a CV and covering letter addressed to Emma Gluckstein. Please consult our guidance for recruitment of both pupils and tenants for the criteria we will be considering.

187 Chambers to Host a Webinar Pupillage Q&A on 4th November 2025

Please join us for this informative Q&A session on pupillage at 187 Chambers. The event will run from 17:30 to 18:30. It will be presented by several of our barristers, including our current pupils, to give an insight on life at the Bar and pupillage at 187 Chambers.

187 Chambers is a leading set of chambers with a national and international reputation in criminal and regulatory law. We are an inclusive and friendly set of chambers. We seek to expand by recruiting three pupils a year, who we hope will become leading barristers in the future.

We hope that the session will be of assistance to anyone considering applying for pupillage in chambers.

The number of places that we can offer is limited. If you are interested in attending, please email RSVP@187chambers.com