How To Apply For Pupillage at Atkin Chambers

Applications for pupillage starting in September 2027 are now open. Applications close at midnight on 22nd January 2026.

The Process

To apply, please send a CV and Cover Letter to pupillage@atkinchambers.com. Within your cover letter of no more than two pages, please include why you are applying and why you think you would make a good candidate for pupillage at Atkin Chambers.

Your CV and cover letter should be your sole creation and original work, and you should not use any Generative AI programmes, including Large Language Model (LLM) Programmes like ChatGPT, to write any of your content.

Chambers is committed to recruiting pupils and tenants who are highly-motivated and have an interest in practising in the areas of law in which it specialises. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and have taken a range of different routes (academic and vocational) to becoming a barrister. All are valued. There is no single mould within which candidates must fit.

A science or technical background is not required, nor is a pre-existing knowledge of construction law, although candidates should have a firm grounding and interest in contract and tort law.

Chambers encourages applications for pupillage from law and non-law graduates alike. No preference is given to law graduates. When assessing applications, the Pupillage and Recruitment Committee recognises that the degree of legal knowledge expected of a non-law graduate may be different from what might be expected of a law graduate.

Please note that applicants must, as a minimum, be in their final year of their law degree or (for non-law graduates) undertaking the GDL.

Applicants for pupillage should have a first-class degree or a good upper second class degree. Postgraduate qualifications are viewed favourably but are not essential.

Detailed information about how we recruit, train and offer tenancy to pupils, including third six pupils, is contained in the Atkin Chambers’ Pupillage Policy. Please read this before applying to Chambers.

You can also read Atkin Chambers’ pupillage vacancy information on the Pupillage Gateway.

What Atkin Chambers Looks For In A Pupil

The recruitment of pupils and tenants will be on the basis of the Pupillage and Recruitment Committee’s assessment of the following factors:

Intellectual excellence. The PRC will assess intellectual excellence by reference to all material contained within a candidate’s application, which includes but is not limited to the educational achievements of the candidate. If invited to interview, the PRC will further assess the candidate’s demonstration of that intellectual ability.
Advocacy/ communication. The PRC will consider initially examples of advocacy/ communication ability set out in the candidate’s application and, if invited to interview, the oral (and at second round written) advocacy abilities of the candidate (including but not limited to preparedness, presentation style, clarity, persuasiveness, ability to anticipate and address opposing points and ability to respond under pressure).
Motivation and ability to build a successful practice as a self-employed barrister within Atkin Chambers. This includes but is not limited to an awareness of the high standards of conduct expected of members of the Bar, an awareness of the diverse needs and perspectives of others and an awareness of the requirements of (and commitment to) personal business development.
If invited to the interview stage, the PRC will also consider the candidate’s judgment and their potential to:
- advise confidently and calmly in commercial matters to professional and lay clients.
- work well with members of chambers, solicitors, clients and staff as well as independently.

These criteria will be evenly weighted at each stage of the process, where they are applicable.

Equality & Diversity

Atkin Chambers is committed to respecting and understanding the cultural needs of its diverse and global client base and has always prized equality and diversity in both recruitment and the provision of services.

Chambers continues to recognise the importance of increasing social mobility at the Bar and look at all applications for pupillage and mini pupillage solely on merit and irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, maternity or paternity, disability, religion or belief, age or political persuasion.

Chambers welcomes applications from graduates of all universities and from all backgrounds and all sections of the community with the ability and determination to succeed as a barrister.

Atkin Chambers operates under its equality and diversity policy in accordance with the Bar Standard Board’s Equality and Diversity Code.

Atkin Chambers is committed to making reasonable adjustments to reduce disadvantage for disabled people working in and with Chambers, and its reasonable adjustments policy is available below.