1 Overview
1.1 We aim to provide pupils with comprehensive training for a career at the Bar, to enable them to make a valued contribution both to the firm and to the legal profession. Pupillage encompasses our general policies and training requirements whilst covering those aspects of training which are unique to the Bar. The Bar Standards Board Handbook, which includes Code Guidance, provide a valuable framework within which our policy is interpreted.
1.2 Pupils are exposed to work across predominantly education, health, insurance litigation and regulatory sectors of the business, but are able where the opportunity presents itself to also experience working within other departments of the firm.
1.3 The core elements of the pupillage policy document are outlined in the Bar Standards Board’s Guidance for organisations intending to provide pupillage and the Bar Qualification Manual.
2 The number and type of pupillages on offer
2.1 We intend to offer one funded 24-month pupillage commencing during the year 2023.
2.2 The number of pupillages in future years will depend on future business development but is not expected to be more than two at any one time and no more than a frequency of two every two years.
2.3 It is anticipated that any pupillage offered will usually be a 24-month pupillage.
2.4 All Pupils have a ratio of 1:1 pupil to pupil supervisor supervision during their pupillage.
2.5 All pupillages are funded (salaried) and are offered on a 24-month fixed-term contract basis at a minimum starting salary of £29,000.00 per annum.
2.6 There is a commitment to offering all pupillages with a view to employment at conclusion, but this cannot be guaranteed as it depends both upon the calibre of the individual pupil and on strategic business plans of the BJ Barrister team which would shape the availability of work at an appropriate level.
3 Recruitment of pupils
3.1 We pride ourselves on our fair and transparent recruitment and selection process. In line with the Bar Standards Board recommendations and the guidance set out in the Equality & Diversity Code for the Bar and the Fair Recruitment and Equality & Diversity responsibilities for AETO’s vacancies for pupils are publicised widely. All vacancies for pupillage are advertised on the Pupillage Gateway, in line with the mandatory timetable, to ensure equality of opportunity. The vacancy will also be advertised through the Firm’s website. Applications from internal candidates are also welcomed, all of whom would have been recruited in line with our best practice recruitment and selection procedures including competitive interview process.
3.2 All members of the Pupillage Recruitment Selection Panel have been trained in fair recruitment and selection processes and in the use of objective and fair criteria. Furthermore, all application as per our general recruitment and selection criteria are anonymised both in terms of gender and educational attainment.
3.3 No pupillage brochure exists at present as the number of pupils to be recruited, if any, in future years is likely to be small. Our pupillage policy can be found on the pupillage section of our website however we would also direct pupils to the trainee solicitor section of our website, where there is a comprehensive overview of the training and working environment at the firm, which is replicated in general terms for pupils.
3.4 There is no minimum academic grade requirement to apply for a pupillage.
3.5 Those who wish to apply for pupillage are requested to complete an online application form.
4 Roles and duties of pupils
4.1 In general the pupil's work is directed towards the requirements of the pupillage and is intended to provide the pupil with the experience and training necessary to meet the competencies required to achieve the threshold standard in the Professional Statement in accordance with the Curriculum and Assessment Strategy in order to ensure they have the knowledge, skills an attributes required on ‘day one’ to practice at the Bar. In addition, pupils are expected to work with and for the pupil supervisor and other lawyers within the Firm who from time to time require the pupil's assistance. Such work will further the requirements of the pupillage and experience of pupils where possible.
4.2 However, whilst the completion of all elements of a pupillage is paramount pupils are under contract to Browne Jacobson and are expected, where necessary, to assist any lawyers as required as an employee of the firm and in line with the work requirements anticipated for life at the Employed Bar.
4.3 Pupils are based in the Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester or Nottingham office alongside the pupil supervisor. There may, however, be occasions when pupils will be required to travel to other offices of the firm (London) or elsewhere as the work of the pupil supervisor or other lawyers dictates. Travel expenses would be reimbursed in line with the firm’s policy.
4.4 The working day will normally be between 9am and 5pm. However, pupils are expected, as with any other lawyers, to work additional hours when required, subject of course to individual's rights under the Working Time Directive.
4.5 It is the responsibility of the pupil to be aware of training and other requirements of the Bar Council and/or Bar Standards Board in relation to their pupillage, and to inform the pupil supervisor accordingly. The administration of the pupillage is carried out primarily by the pupil.
4.6 In general, pupils are treated as equivalent to our trainee solicitors, and any training and experience which is provided to trainees is also made available to pupils where appropriate.
4.7 Overall the pupil's role and duties are those laid down by the Bar Standards Board’s Guidelines and the Code Guidance.
5 The roles and duties of pupil supervisor
5.1 The pupil supervisor will provide pupils with training and experience in all aspects of the pupil supervisor’s work and in every way exposes pupils to all aspects of a career at the Bar.
5.2 The pupil supervisor is responsible for ensuring that pupils are exposed to the work of other lawyers who can supplement the pupil's training and experience.
5.3 The pupil supervisor will carry out monthly appraisals with pupils, identify areas of work or other experiences which are either compulsory or desirable and will assist in ensuring that those areas are covered.
5.4 For all pupillages commencing from September 2020 onwards, the pupil supervisor will assess pupils in line with the threshold standard and competencies specified in the Professional Statement.
5.5 The pupil supervisor aims to assist pupils in their pupillage in anyway necessary and will offer such advice and guidance as may be required.
5.6 The pupil supervisor will ensure appropriate supervisory arrangements are in place when they are away from the office or when the pupil is allocated to another team for the purpose of their training or experience.
5.7 In every way the pupil supervisor duties will fulfil those laid down by the BSB requirements and their Code Guidance.
6 The general pattern of pupillage
6.1 The pupillage is served with one pupil supervisor, but pupils may work with other lawyers and/or pupil supervisors as and when required or when necessary to supplement the work of the pupil supervisor. A number of Browne Jacobson solicitors have higher court rights and a consequent workload which furthers the pupil's training.
7 The Professional Statement
7.1 We will ensure that the competencies outlined in the Professional Statement are covered at each stage of the Pupil’s training journey.
8 The finance available to pupils
8.1 Pupils are employees and accordingly do not derive income from brief fees. Pupils are paid a salary in equal monthly instalments of £29,000 per annum. This award is subject to review in the same way as all salaries of employees (general salary reviews are usually carried out in July each year). Guaranteed income schemes are therefore irrelevant.
8.2 As pupils are salaried, overtime is not payable. Pupils are expected to work the hours required by the work being undertaken at the time.
8.3 We do not permit grants/ loans or salary advances.
8.4 Benefits provided to our people are set out in the pupil's contract.
8.5 At present no scheme is available for paying the Bar Training Course (BTC) fees. It is possible this may be reconsidered in the future.
9 Procedure for providing pupils with an objective assessment of their progress at regular intervals throughout pupillage
9.1 Pupils follow a formal assessment programme with reviews at 3 monthly intervals. Such reviews are conducted with the pupil supervisor.
9.2 Pupils have every opportunity for informal guidance and assistance from both the pupil supervisor and lawyers and in addition may take advantage of the internal mentoring scheme at Browne Jacobson.
9.3 Pupils will undergo marked assessments as part of their pupillage, in particular in advocacy and drafting.
10 Payment for compulsory pupillage courses and travelling expenses
10.1 We will cover the cost and reasonable expenses (e.g. overnight accommodation, evening meals etc.) of any compulsory courses in accordance with the firm’s business expenses policy.
10.2 Pupils' reasonable travelling and other expenses, both for client work and for courses training etc. are reimbursed in ordnance with the firm’s business expenses policy. Both standard class rail travel and private vehicle use are permitted (for the latter a rate of 45p per mile is paid). Should pupils wish to utilise their own vehicle, they must be insured for business use.
10.3 Expenses are reimbursed by way of payment into the pupil's bank account upon production of satisfactory proof of expenditure. Pupils should note that expenses must be authorised by a partner of the firm, and obtain general permission to incur a particular expense from the pupil supervisor in advance where possible. We do not reimburse unauthorised expenses which are deemed excessive.
11 Complaints and grievance procedures
11.1 Pupils are encouraged to contribute to the running of their pupillage and it is to be hoped that they will be able to discuss any problems or complaints with their pupil supervisor in the first instance. Should an informal approach not resolve a problem, pupils should follow the firm’s grievance policy.
Dated: May 2024
You may be interested in...
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson wins brace of legal industry awards for social mobility programme
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Balancing elite sport with a career in corporate law
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
The Solicitor Apprentice: exploring alternative routes into careers in law
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Building a law firm fit for the future: A CFO’s to-do list
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Becoming O Shaped: Championing positive change
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson first law firm to join Ladder for Greater Birmingham campaign
Published Article - Careers
Neurodiversity in law firms: Thinking outside the box
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Placing inclusion at the heart of strategy: an interview with Caroline Green, Senior Partner
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Breaking through barriers to reach the bar
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Hints and tips to help you apply for a Solicitor Apprenticeship
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
A day in the life of our Solicitor Apprentice Laura Morland
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Putting values into action: creating an ethical supply chain
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Why consider an apprenticeship over going to university?
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson health lawyer wins major accolade at Made in Manchester Awards
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
From the lab to the law: Natasha’s journey to becoming a future lawyer with Browne Jacobson
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Driving positive change through investment: a corporate associate advising in the energy sector
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
From associate to partner in an investment lifecycle - Ryan's story
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson maintains top spot in Social Mobility Employer Index 2022
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson appointed to first Social Mobility Commission Employer Advisory Group
Browne Jacobson can announce that the firm has been chosen as one of 13 UK businesses who will form the Social Mobility Commission’s (SMC) new Employer Advisory Group. The Employer Advisory Group has been put in place to drive social mobility in the workplace in the UK and support the Commission’s employer focused programme of work.Press Release - Careers
Law firm wins Franco-British Business Award for Diversity and Inclusion
UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has won the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 23rd Franco-British Business Awards 2022.
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Browne Jacobson helps the Civil Aviation Authority take off with its modernisation masterplan
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson partners with Forage to launch virtual work experience to improve diversity and inclusion in legal sector
Browne Jacobson has partnered with Forage, one of the world’s leading work experience platforms, to launch an interactive virtual work experience programme to open up access for aspiring young lawyers and improve diversity in the legal profession.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson barrister wins Manchester Young Talent Award
Holly Quirk, an associate barrister in Browne Jacobson’s Manchester office, was awarded the Legal Professional of the Year Award at this year’s Manchester Young Talent Awards.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson named as one of the UK’s best law firms by The Times
Browne Jacobson has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading law firms with its ranking in The Times “Best Law Firms 2023”. This is the fifth year that Browne Jacobson has been ranked.
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
From trainee to managing partner – an interview with Richard Medd
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Raising the Bar with Browne Jacobson
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Introducing our new Birmingham home - living and breathing our values through our office space
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Browne Jacobson helps Clean Power Hydrogen plc
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Courageous conversations: turning words into action
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson double deal success at Insider Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2022
Browne Jacobson’s corporate finance lawyers are celebrating after two of its deals won major awards at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2022.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson implements latest Real Living Wage rates with immediate effect to offset cost of living crisis
Law firm Browne Jacobson has confirmed its commitment as a Real Living Wage employer by implementing the Living Wage Foundation’s newly announced rates with immediate effect to help offset the cost of living crisis for low paid workers.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson announces 10 to its 2022 trainee solicitor scheme
Browne Jacobson has welcomed 10 future lawyers to its trainee scheme for 2022 – 2024 as it continues to grow its business. The new recruits have joined 36 trainees currently at the firm, bringing the total number of trainee solicitors at Browne Jacobson to 46 – a record number for the firm.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson strengthens its UK&I commercial practice with hire of new retail & consumer specialist partner
Browne Jacobson has bolstered its commercial practice in the UK with the appointment of commercial contracts and international trade specialist, Emma Roake, into its City-based London team.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson's private client team top Chambers High Net Worth Guide rankings again
Browne Jacobson’s private client practice has been ranked as Band One in the 2022 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide for its work in private wealth law.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson lawyer wins inspiring Birmingham Black Lawyer Excellence Award
Bridget Tatham, a specialist defendant insurance lawyer at Browne Jacobson has been honoured at this year’s Birmingham Black Lawyer (BBL) Excellence Awards, having been named Lawyer of the Year. Bridget was also shortlisted for BBL’s Diversity Champion 2022.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson opens first overseas office with Dublin launch
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson hires seven to bolster Manchester professional indemnity practice
Browne Jacobson has expanded its Manchester professional indemnity practice by recruiting a seven person team led by Jason Nash and supported by partner Michael Appleby. Jason joined Browne Jacobson last month ahead of the other members of the team.
Press Release - Careers
Browne Jacobson announces financial results with 11% growth in revenues
Browne Jacobson has announced its financial results for 2021-22 with revenues up 11 per cent year-on-year to £94m, up from £85m. It marks the 13th consecutive year of growth with a 59 per cent increase in revenues since 2015 (£59m).
Press Release - Careers
Trainees’ vs Partners: Law firm goes green for charity cycle challenge
Today, (Thursday 16 June) 18 trainee lawyers from Browne Jacobson began the second of three planned “going green” fundraising challenges which focus on driving positive change to the environment and will raise essential funds for the firm’s charity partners.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Training diary – Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
On Saturday 14th May, 17 Browne Jacobson trainees walked 24 miles around the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales to raise money for our five office charities.