Pupillage
Citadel Chambers is accredited by the Bar Standards Board as an Authorised Education and Training Organisation (AETO)
The Head of the Pupillage Committee is Nicholas Berry.
Pupillage
Citadel is accredited by the Bar Standards Board as an Authorised Education and Training Organisation (AETO)
The Head of the Pupillage committee is Nicholas Berry.
Citadel Chambers is accredited by the Bar Standards Board as an Authorised Education and Training Organisation (AETO).
The Head of the Pupillage Committee is Nicholas Berry.
The policy of Citadel Chambers is to recruit pupils steadily and gradually, with an emphasis on quality.
Chambers does not encourage speculative applications. All vacancies and the closing dates for applications are advertised via the Pupillage Gateway website, in accordance with the requirements of the Bar Council and BSB.
All applications should be made as specified by on the Gateway.
We do not request a covering letter, but rather set a question, or questions for you to answer. The responses to these questions are viewed as written advocacy.
Whilst we are of course interested in educational and other achievements, the first assessment of applications is generally done based on the answers to these questions alone. So, no matter how good your qualifications are, it is worth giving time and thought to that initial part of the process.
The Pupillage Committee tries to ensure that the same interview panel deals with each candidate. The first round of interviews is generally carried out virtually. We will talk briefly with up to 30 applicants on an individual basis. A second shortlist is then compiled, usually of 8-10 candidates who will be interviewed in Chambers for up to an hour. The final 2 or 3 candidates will be invited to attend our assessed, 1 day long mini-pupillages.
During these mini-pupillages, the candidates will spend time with a number of members of Chambers and may be asked to complete a piece of written work.
We normally aim to take 2 pupils.
The current twelve-month pupillage remuneration package, which includes guaranteed billing in the second 6 is worth £40,000.
Chambers operates an Equal Opportunity Policy.
Mini-Pupillage
A limited number of unfunded, one-week mini-pupillages are available to students interested in a career at the Bar.
We regret that due to the nature of our work and the high number of applications received each year, we are unable to consider applications from students under 18 years old.
In recent years we have had to restrict offers to students already undertaking their bar final exams.
Applicants should write to us, marking the envelope ‘Mini-Pupillage’, and enclosing a covering letter and a CV.
Please also provide a list of dates of availability for the following 12 month period. Please note that we cannot accept applications by e-mail.
An experience of Pupillage at Citadel Chambers
Mia McNevin joined Chambers in August 2023, after the successful completion of her 12 month pupillage. Here Mia gives her recollection of her time during pupillage at Citadel:
First Six At Citadel Chambers
I commenced my pupillage in a specialist criminal set, under the supervision of Nicholas Berry, towards the end of the Criminal Bar strike. Chambers were instrumental in enhancing my awareness of the issues, as well as providing me with reassurance.
In October 2022, following the conclusion of strike action, I attended a range of courts and observed a variety of cases. I witnessed different types of hearings from short applications and sentence hearings to trials. The trials included sexual offences, possession of drugs and murder. I learned a great deal about procedural, ethical and legal issues.
I also completed legal research and drafting for members of Chambers. I regularly drafted defence case statements, sentence notes and applications. I found this work to be purposeful and beneficial and received regular constructive feedback. It was particularly rewarding when I drafted cross-examination questions of an expert on issues that were deployed by King’s Counsel, during the course of a murder trial.
During my first six, I was afforded the opportunity to spend time with many members of Chambers. I observed barristers at a more junior level up to King’s Counsel. This provided me with a valuable insight into the different approaches and practices that members enjoyed.
On occasions, pupillage can be daunting as well as challenging. However, members of Chambers and staff were always welcoming and supportive. Everyone was keen to offer advice and share their knowledge. I felt that I could ask any member a question, no matter how insignificant it might seem, and be met with a helpful and thoughtful response. I also attended my first case dinner. This cemented the sense of value that I felt as a pupil and provided me with an opportunity to socialise with other barristers on the Midland Circuit.
Towards the end of my first six, I spent more time with junior members who were dealing with the types of cases that I would be experiencing during second six. I felt that Chambers had prepared me, as best as possible, for the formidable prospect that was being ‘on my feet’. I felt reassured in my knowledge that the guidance, direction and advice, already provided, would extend into my second six.
Second Six At Citadel Chambers
I commenced my second six in February 2023, feeling nervous and excited, in equal measure. I knew that the training and experience during my first six stood me in good stead for the next six months and beyond.
From the outset of my second six, I undertook both prosecution and defence work. I gained trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court and found myself steadily growing in confidence. I regularly prosecuted lists for the Crown Prosecution Service, which enabled me to ‘cut my teeth’ in a fast-paced environment. Appearing in the Magistrates’ Court gave me the chance to meet local solicitors. Through defence briefs, I was able to develop a client-focused approach.
It was not long before I appeared in the Crown Court and was successful in opposing my first appeal against conviction. At the conclusion of the Crown’s case, and without notice I responded to the defence’s submissions of there being no case to answer. Before first six, I would have found this a daunting prospect, however I was able to advance focused and persuasive submissions in response.
During my second six, I was afforded the opportunity to attend the Court of Appeal Criminal Division to defend in an appeal against a sentence imposed in the Crown Court. The experience was invaluable. At such an early stage in my career, being required to respond to challenging judicial intervention whilst ‘on my feet’, by exercising my judgment and thinking critically, was extremely rewarding.
Chambers also arranged for me to marshal HHJ Lockhart K.C. at Warwick Crown Court. It was beneficial to observe the courtroom from an entirely different perspective and become more familiar with the ‘behind the scenes’ workings of a court.
Throughout my pupillage, the clerking team have been excellent in ensuring that my diary has been kept busy and varied. Chambers has provided me with experiences and opportunities well beyond my year of call. My second six culminated in me successfully defending in a six week multi-handed drugs conspiracy. I feel very fortunate that there is always someone on the end of the phone when I have questions or issues to discuss. It is no exaggeration that every member of Chambers that I have spoken to have expressed a willingness to help. I am especially grateful to my supervisor, Nick Berry, for his continuous support advice and guidance.
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What is it like to be a pupil at Citadel?
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Pupillage - The Facts
John Binks, director at Citadel Chambers, talks through the facts of pupillage and what they look for in young people when they are recruiting.
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Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form
More information can be found in our pupillage policy and sample agreement.
The current twelve-month pupillage remuneration package is worth circa £40,000.
Chambers operates an Equal Opportunity Policy.