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 the Code of Conduct 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.
2.1 We intend to offer one funded 24-month pupillage each year.
2.2 The number of pupillages each year will depend on future business development but is not expected to be more than three at any one time and no more than a frequency of two every year.
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.
2.4 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.
2.5 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.
3.1 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.
4.1 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 and Dublin) 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 of Conduct.
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 of Conduct.
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.
6.2 It is intended that the pupil will spend some time with a local Chambers, however this cannot be fully guaranteed as the arrangement relies also upon the goodwill and co-operation of local Chambers.
7.1 We follow the compulsory pupillage checklist.
7.2 We use the specialist checklists provided by the Bar Standards Board.
7.3 The following specialist checklists will be used;
8.1 Pupils are employees and accordingly do not derive income from brief fees. Pupils are paid a salary in equal monthly instalments of £26,000 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 BPTC/BVC fees. It is possible this may be reconsidered in the future.
9.1 We will cover the cost and reasonable expenses (e.g. overnight accommodation, evening meals etc.) of any compulsory courses.
9.2 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.
9.3 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.
10.1 Pupils follow a formal assessment programme with reviews at 3 monthly intervals. Such reviews are conducted with the pupil supervisor.
10.2 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.
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 grievance procedure.
Dated: January 2020
UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has won the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 23rd Franco-British Business Awards 2022.
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.
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.
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.
Browne Jacobson’s corporate finance lawyers are celebrating after two of its deals won major awards at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2022.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
A lawyer and a HR business partner from law firm Browne Jacobson have been announced as winners of the WeAreTheCity’s Rising Stars Awards 2022.
National law firm Browne Jacobson has launched an electric vehicle (EV) scheme as part of its employee benefits package. The benefit will be available to all of the firm’s employees across its five offices, including Birmingham, Exeter, London, Manchester, and Nottingham.
Browne Jacobson’s trainee lawyers are gearing up for the first of three outdoor fundraising challenges that will begin this weekend (Saturday 14 May), with the aim of driving positive change to the environment and raising funds for the firm’s charity partners.
National law firm Browne Jacobson has announced it has promoted 31 lawyers across the business, including six new partners, two legal directors and 23 Senior Associates, a record number for the firm.
Browne Jacobson is celebrating after two of its Nottingham based lawyers won top accolades at the recent Nottinghamshire Law Society Awards.
Browne Jacobson is continuing with its efforts to address fairer access and diversity within the legal profession, with the appointment of six work experience students who are currently part of the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme (DAS)
This article is intended to start a discussion on the International Men’s Day UK themes.
Having initially experienced a glimpse of the firm’s inclusivity during a University mentoring BAME scheme, I am pleased to have experienced that Browne Jacobson’s friendly and inclusive culture is the firm’s “beating heart”.
Like most law students, trainees and new starters, it was all virtual for us on the 2021 Browne Jacobson vacation scheme. 2020’s scheme had been cancelled so we were the first virtual cohort, mostly attending from our homes.
From the outset, I was drawn to Browne Jacobson for the variety and quality of work undertaken, the inherently friendly culture and the responsibility handed to trainees at an early stage in their contract.
I’m a vacation schemer at Browne Jacobson – how exciting is it to write that? I’ve been having a fascinating and exciting time seeing everything I’ve learnt in my LLB course put into practice- and quite a lot more besides!
My experience has been hugely positive. Every person I have spoken to, whether a partner, associate, or trainee, has been incredibly welcoming and supportive.
Our 2021 virtual Vacation Scheme is fully underway. Here, our first student Lavania Xavier Rajan gives her impressions of working at Browne Jacobson.
Embracing self-care is our focus for Mental Health Awareness Week this year. As we return to what we have longingly referred to as “normal”, we encourage you to prioritise self-care, connect with nature and talk with someone about any theme related mental health.