Pupillage at 3 Serjeants’ Inn
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do we do?
3 Serjeants' Inn is a set of forty-three practising barristers specialising predominantly in medical law, police law, professional discipline, employment and public & administrative law. We are consistently recognised as leaders in our practice areas by the legal directories and have been instructed in many of the leading reported cases in each of our fields of practice. We are a progressive, pragmatic and friendly set and pride ourselves on working with solicitors and clients as a team. James Watson QC and John Beggs QC are the joint heads of chambers.
2. How many pupillages do we offer?
We will be offering up to two pupillages in 2011.
3. How much will I earn?
The funding for each pupillage is £40,000. Funding comprises an award of £30,000 and guaranteed earnings of £10,000. Up to £10,000 can be made available as an advance for assistance with the BVC year.
4. How do I apply?
We recruit in the summer season of OLPAS. Applications for pupillage starting in 2011 can be made online from 30th March 2010. Please visit www.pupillages.com to apply.
5. Who should apply?
3 Serjeants’ Inn only takes on pupils we genuinely believe could become tenants here. If you have strong intellectual ability, determination to succeed and an interest in any of our diverse specialisations, you should consider applying here.
6. How are pupils selected?
We carefully screen all applications in accordance with the general criteria set out above and Bar Standards Board guidance on recruitment and equality and diversity. Successful applicants (between twenty-five and thirty-five a year on average) are offered a first round interview. Those who impress in the first round will proceed to a second and final round (normally conducted a week or so later) from whom our pupils are chosen.
7. What can I expect as a pupil at 3 Serjeants’ Inn?
A full year of hard but, we hope, enjoyable work. Pupillage is divided into three equal periods, each with a different supervisor in a different area of work. First six work is likely to include reading instructions, drafting pleadings and advices and attending conferences, trials, inquests and other hearings on which pupil supervisors are engaged. In the second six you will be able to take on your own work and are likely to be asked to devil for other members of chambers. You will of course be paid for any devilling.
8. Do you offer mini-pupillages?
Yes. We encourage applications from prospective pupils because it gives us a chance to get to know you a little better and find out how interested you are in our areas of specialisation. Please apply to Alice Smith in an envelope marked “mini-pupillage”. Places are limited. You can find out more information on our website.
9. Where can I find more information?
We set out all information in respect of pupillages on our website at www.3serjeantsinn.com where you can download a full pupillage brochure. Alternatively, please contact Alice Smith on 020 7427 5000 or asmith@3serjeantsinn.com.