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PUPIL SELECTION POLICY |
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Policy The number of pupillages available each year will vary depending on Chambers Development strategy and also the recommendations of the Pupillage Committee to Chambers in the light of the interviews conducted. Chambers generally offers only 2 pupillages of 12 months duration. This enables chambers to provide pupils with a proper training and gives an adequate opportunity to assess them as potential tenants. Awards are set with reference to the Bar Council’s funding requirements but may be varied each year by the Management Committee in consultation with the Pupillage Committee. The Policy at Clarendon Chambers is that pupillages are offered to candidates who would be suitable to become tenants so that the investment in training is returned if the pupil joins as a member. Chambers therefore has a vested interest in selecting pupils of the very highest standard and assessing their ability and suitability as carefully as possible. The procedures that follow have been established to ensure this. Procedure 1. Promotion of Pupillages 1.1 Pupillages are advertised via OLPAS and all pupils are selected through the following Chambers selection procedure. 2. Selection for Interview 2.1 The members of the Pupillage Committee (of which there are a minimum of five) form the selection panel who have responsibility for sifting applications and forming a shortlist for interview. All applicants are scored against the following criteria: • Academic / work achievement • Real aptitude for work at the Bar • Commitment to working at the Bar • Competence in advocacy 2.2 Information supplied by each applicant is copied to each panel member along with the agreed date to meet and confirm the shortlist of interviewees. Each panel member considers the applicants and prepares an individual shortlist, rating the candidates as ‘definite’, ‘possible’ or not to be interviewed. 2.3 The panel members compare their individual shortlists and agree on a minimum number of candidates (which varies according to the quality of candidates and the number of pupillages on offer) for interview based on those candidates with the most ‘definite’ or ‘definites’ and/or ‘possibles’ 2.4 An interview date is agreed and short-listed candidates are invited for interview with the aim of interviewing all candidates over a period which will normally not exceed 14 days. Candidates rejected at this stage will be sent a letter advising them of this decision. 3. Interviewing 3.1 Interviews are conducted by the selection panel. First interviews last about 15 to 20 minutes and are an opportunity for each candidate to be assessed on the basis of the following criteria. i. academic background ii. legal background, interests and experience iii. general interests and pastimes 3.2 If a candidate is selected for second interview, the interview will last 30 to 40 minutes and in addition to the above criteria the panel will consider their performance in an advocacy test which they will be asked to present and their ability to deal with a problem exercise. 3.3 Standard questions are asked of each candidate during the interview. Panel members assess each candidate using the Pupil Selection Criteria (Quality Manual Appendix 8B) and record any striking features of the interview and their impressions of the candidate and award scores on the basis of those impressions. 3.4 Time is allowed after each interview for a short exchange of views. No decision is taken, however until all interviews are complete, when there is an opportunity for discussion and for the final scores to be tallied and decisions made. 3.4 Applicants are told at the conclusion of their interview when they can expect to be told of the outcome, usually within a matter of days. 4. Selection 4.1 The panel members compare their candidate ratings and list their preferences in descending order. All preferences are reviewed and debated until a decision is made. 4.2 A letter will be sent to unsuccessful candidates explaining that they have not been chosen. Should they want any feedback they can contact Chambers. Feedback from the candidates regarding the selection process is also invited at this stage. 4.3 The successful candidate(s) will be sent a letter of confirmation detailing the terms of their pupillage. Any offer is subject to taking up references and to the pupil passing their exams first time. 5. Records & Monitoring 5.1 A list of the names of all applicants, initial sifting scores, interview decisions, interview scores and records of selection decisions are kept in Chambers for a minimum period of three years. Equal Opportunities Monitoring data from OLPAS is analysed and reviewed by the Equality Officer as part of the annual Equality Review. 6. Third Six Pupillage Chambers welcomes applications for third six pupillage which should be sent for the attention of the Senior Clerk Russell Burton. If you would like a telephone discussion prior to submitting an application, please feel free to contact the Senior Clerk. In the event of a vacancy, applications will be considered by an ad hoc committee consisting of members of the Management Committee, Pupillage Committee, the Senior Clerk and members of Chambers. First and second round interviews will be held if appropriate. 7. Mini-Pupillages We are unable to offer mini-pupillages. |
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