We are always keen to discuss opportunities with established practitioners wishing to join chambers. Each year East Anglian Chambers offers up to two funded 12 month pupillages. We also offer mini-pupillages and occasionally have vacancies in our clerks’ room.
Established Practitioners
We are happy to consider applications from barristers of more than five years call as, from time to time, we have vacancies in some practice areas. If you are interested in joining East Anglian Chambers then, in the first instance, please contact our Senior Clerk Fraser McLaren for an informal and confidential discussion or by telephone on 01473 214481.
12-Month Funded Pupillages
On this scheme each pupil receives an award in line with Bar Council recommendations. We would expect applicants to have a commitment to the fields in which members practise. Pupils are allocated to pupil supervisors on the basis of their interests, whether in crime, civil or family work, but pupillages are organised so as to give pupils experience in all areas.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 6th February 2025 for entry in spring/autumn 2026, with interviews for short-listed candidates taking place in April 2025. If you haven’t heard from us by 21 March 2025, then unfortunately you have not been successful this time round.
- The selection process is detailed here
- The application form may be downloaded here
- The selection criteria are set out here
If you have any queries or problems accessing the documentation please contact Head of Administration, Yvonne May telephone 01473 346137 (or via the Contact feature on this site).
Please note that although we have premises across the region, all applications are considered by our Pupillage Committee centrally and you should therefore submit just one application.
Upon being offered Pupillage
In order to accept an offer of pupillage candidates are required to submit evidence of the following:
- Degree classification;
- Successful completion of the vocational component;
- Membership of an Inn and that they have been Called;
- Completion of the required number of Qualifying Sessions;
- Any waivers granted by the BSB;
- Identity; and
- Proof of right to work and live in the UK.
Mini-Pupillages
East Anglian Chambers offers mini-pupillages of up to one week in accordance with Chambers’ mini-pupillage policy. Chambers’ mini-pupillage policy can be found here. Applications are considered all year round.
Mini-pupillages at East Anglian Chambers are designed to give mini-pupils an insight into life as a barrister and in Chambers through shadowing our barristers at court and/or in conference.
Prospective applicants are required to submit a CV and covering letter by email to minipupillage@ealaw.co.uk for the attention of the Mini-Pupillage Coordinator, Michael Allin.
Prospective applicants should consider the selection criteria as set out in Chambers’ mini-pupillage policy when drafting their covering letter. Prospective applicants should also specify in their covering letter their preference as to which centre at which they wish to be based for the duration of their mini-pupillage (either Chelmsford, Ipswich or Norwich). They are also asked to complete an equality and diversity monitoring form which can be found here.
Following submission of their application, applicants should expect to wait no more than six weeks for a substantive response.
Please note that, unfortunately, Chambers is unable to accommodate applications for work experience / mini-pupillages from those applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria as set out in Chambers’ mini-pupillage policy.
Mini-pupillages at East Anglian Chambers are unfunded. In the event that a mini-pupil chooses to travel to undertake their mini-pupillage, costs will be borne by the mini-pupil themselves. Lincoln’s Inn operates a Mini-Pupillage Grant Scheme to assist mini-pupils with the cost of travel and accommodation. Further details about the Scheme can be found at: https://www.lincolnsinn.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/funding/
Applicants may also apply to Chambers, pursuant to Chambers’ Mini-Pupillage Funding Scheme, for a limited grant up to the maximum sum of £100 for financial assistance with their mini-pupillage. Chambers provides such financial assistance in order to promote access to and to facilitate mini-pupillages. For further details on how to apply, please click here.
If you are not quite ready to apply for a mini-pupillage, but have an interest in the Bar and would like more information or a greater insight; or, if you are a member of an educational establishment which would welcome a presentation about a possible career at the Bar, please feel free to discuss the matter with Chambers Administrator Yvonne May, who can be reached on 01473 346137 or by e-mail to ymay@ealaw.co.uk.