Recruitment

We welcome applications to join our chambers and we are always interested to talk to high-calibre practitioners with a proven record at all levels of seniority in any area in which we practice.

Cross-qualified applicants are always welcomed and each submission will be treated on its own merits as situations can be so varied.

Applications for tenancy should be made by sending a CV with covering letter to Charles Row, our Head of Chambers, at the following address: Queen Square Chambers, 56 Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4PR.

Queen Square Chambers usually offers one or two 12-month general common law pupillages commencing in October with funding of £9,000 in first six and guaranteed earnings of £9,000 in second six.  We realise that the first few months of pupillage can be a financial struggle and so will offer a grant of £2,000 one month before the start of pupillage to assist you in re-location and accommodation costs.

Chambers is located in Bristol and our members are instructed in cases nationwide, with a particular focus on the Western and Wales and Chester Circuits.

During pupillage you can expect to have 3 pupil supervisors each for a four-month period.  Alongside the Western Circuit advocacy training, Chambers runs its own in-house advocacy programme to best prepare you for second six as well as comprehensive feedback on all written work.

Once you start your second six you can expect a busy and varied diary in all areas of Chambers work.  Alongside Magistrates Court work, recent pupils have been instructed in Crown Court matters, Family proceedings, Fast Track trials and Employment Tribunals.  New tenants have been able to build upon this platform of mixed work to forge successful practices, often exceeding the levels of their contemporaries in London.

Chambers only offers pupillage with a view to tenancy and since 2012 has had 9 pupils, all of whom have been taken on as tenants. The tenancy decision is usually made within one month before the completion of pupillage.

Applications for 2020/21 are now open and will close on the 7th February 2020 at 4pm. Application forms are available to download below.

We offer a limited number of mini-pupillages throughout the year – an opportunity for applicants to experience all elements of life at the Bar in Bristol. Mini-pupils will have the opportunity to shadow members in chambers in court and during conferences. You will also be able to ask any questions about pupillage at Queen Square and the profession as a whole.

Applications are assessed by academic ability, demonstration of the skills required to succeed as a Barrister, and enthusiasm for potential practice in Bristol and / or at Queen Square Chambers. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from those studying in Bristol, including those who are still deciding whether to pursue a career at the Bar.

Mini-pupillages are neither assessed nor a pre-requisite to any future pupillage application.

Applications should be made by way of the form below, returned by email to minipupillage@qsc.law. PDF format is preferred to preserve formatting. Please also complete and return our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form, also available below.

Please note: Following the Covid-19 outbreak, we have taken the decision to suspend mini-pupillages as of the 16th March 2020. Whilst we are more than happy to still receive applications during this time, we will not be able to offer mini-pupillages until further notice.

Applications are assessed quarterly and the following deadlines apply:

30 September – for mini-pupillages in January to March the following year;
31 December – for mini-pupillages in April to June the following year;
31 March – for mini-pupillage in July to September;
30 June – for mini-pupillages in September to December;

Unfortunately we are not able to provide financial support for mini-pupils.