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In selecting our pupils, we look for the best and brightest
applicants regardless of their background. Every pupil is
selected on the basis that they are potential tenants, so
we look for people with whom we feel we would be happy spending
the rest of our working lives.
We recruit an average of 4 twelve-month pupils per year exclusively
through the OLPAS summer season. We also recruit a varying
number of third six pupils.
Who should apply?
Criminal law is a constantly changing, intellectually challenging
field in which we work. We look for candidates who will succeed
in this environment, and demonstrate academic excellence,
proven public-speaking ability, and a commitment to the criminal
law.
Funding
Each of our twelve-month pupils receives an award of £12,000
and they and our third six pupils receive substantial earnings
during the practising part of their pupillages.
The structure of pupillage
Pupils are assigned to one pupil-supervisor for each six month
period. We ensure that, where pupils are with us for more
than six months, both of their supervisors have contrasting
practices to allow for the widest possible exposure to all
aspects of the criminal law.
For our twelve-month pupils we have a training programme
that continues throughout for pupillage. It centres on advocacy
and is taught by members of chambers who are qualified advocacy
teachers. The programme involves exercises that develop the
advocacy skills that are so necessary in practice. A mock
magistrates' court trial is held in front of a District Judge,
whilst the culmination of the training during the first six
is a mock trial at the Old Bailey before one of the resident
judges. In addition the course covers ethics and case management
skills. It has been consistently praised by the Bar Council
and ensures that every pupil we have is well equipped to face
the challenge of his or her first months in court. As the
training programme continues throughout the practising part
of pupillage, our third six pupils are also able to benefit
from it.
During the practising part of their pupillage, our pupils
can expect to be in court every day, often covering more than
one case.
Tenancy prospects
We operate a policy of careful expansion. Many of our pupils
are successful in their applications for tenancy with us.
Virtually all those who are not are able to obtain tenancies
elsewhere.
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