Pupillage
2 Bedford Row offers four 12 month pupillages per annum.
Upon completion of 12 months pupillage, Chambers practice is to invite some, or all pupils, to complete a further six months pupillage prior to consideration of any tenancy applications. In exceptional circumstances a tenancy application will be considered after completion of 12 months pupillage.
Pupils will receive a sum of £40,000 over the course of their 12 months in Chambers. This will be made up of a grant of £20,000, payable during the first six months and a guaranteed income of £20,000 during the second six months. Pupils in third six are expected to earn in excess of £20,000 during that period.
First Six
Pupils at 2 Bedford Row have the opportunity to work on high profile cases with some of the leading criminal practitioners in the country. Pupils spend their first six in the company of their pupil supervisor; usually attending Court every day. They will also assist other members of Chambers so that they are exposed to as many different areas of Chambers’ expertise as possible.
Second & Third Sixes
During their 12 months ‘on their feet’, pupils appear on a daily basis in the Magistrates’, Crown and Youth Courts in a wide variety of criminal matters.
Tenancy
We aim to recruit tenants from our own pool of pupils. Those who have not been successful have almost invariably found a tenancy in good chambers elsewhere.
Pupillage Applications
Applications for pupillage commencing September 2025 have now closed.
Applications and Interviews:
Applications should be made through the Pupillage Gateway (For Applicants (pupillagegateway.com)). Following the Gateway timetable, applications for pupillage commencing in September 2026 will open in January 2025.
Chambers looks to recruit pupils who display the following qualities:
- Commitment to criminal law
- Sound academic background
- Persuasiveness in both written and oral argument
- Passion and flair for advocacy
In selecting our pupils, 2 Bedford Row has a two stage interviewing process. The first round interview is a 10 – 15 minute informal interview conducted by a small panel of tenants. This interview aims to get to know you better and questions are generally based on your application form plus a timed exercise.
If invited for a second round interview, the candidate will be given an advocacy exercise to perform, such as a plea in mitigation. This will be followed by a more rigorous and demanding 15-20 minute interview, conducted by a larger panel of tenants.
Due to the high numbers of applications received, we regret we are unable to provide feedback. If you have any queries regarding the process, please contact the Lisa Pavlovsky, Chambers Manager.
Mini-Pupillage
Information about the scheme
We offer mini-pupillages of one week duration but are flexible as to when you can conduct your mini-pupillage. We encourage applications from students who are in their second or third year at University; postgraduates; and from those who are considering applying to us for pupillage in the next recruitment cycle.
Assessment for mini-pupillage will be based upon three criteria:
- Commitment/dedication to the criminal bar
- Insight into the areas of practice within Chambers
- Advocacy
Applications will open again in January 2025 for placements from April 2025 – March 2026. Applications should only be made through our online form which will be found on this page in January.
Should you need to contact us, all correspondence concerning mini-pupillages should be sent to mini-pupillages@2bedfordrow.co.uk.
Due to the confidential nature of our work and restrictions at some courts, we are unable to offer mini-pupillages or work experience to anyone under the age of 18.
