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 will be recruiting for two 12-month general common law pupillages commencing in October 2021 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.  This means the total pupillage grant is £20,000.

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 2015 has had 11 pupils, all of whom have been taken on as tenants. The tenancy decision is usually made within one month before the completion of pupillage.

The application form can be downloaded here.  Please follow the instructions on the application form and submit it by 4pm on Monday 8th February 2021 to pupillage@qsc.law.  You should also enclose a copy of Equal Opportunities Monitoring form which can also be downloaded 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.

The Employment Team at Queen Square Chambers has experienced significant growth in 2020 and we are now looking for experienced employment practitioners of 7 years PQE and above to join us ahead of further expansion in 2021.  The Employment Team consists of 14 barristers who are frequently recognised in both Legal Directories for their expertise.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate outstanding levels of advocacy and written advisory work and a proven track record in all areas of employment law.  We welcome applicants from the Self-Employed and Employed Bar, as well as qualified Solicitors who want to transfer.

Chambers currently has 44 members and has been based in Bristol for over 40 years.  We also have a base in Cardiff and appear across the South West, Wales and nationwide.

Applications are by way of curriculum vitae and covering letter addressed to Charles Row, Head of Chambers. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you would like discuss anything prior to making an application please contact either James Bromige, Head of the Employment Law team (james.bromige@qsc.law) or Tom Cole, Civil Clerk (tom@qsc.law)