Application & Selections

We offer up to two fully-funded pupillages each year. As we seek to recruit only pupils that we perceive to be strong candidates for tenancy, we will occasionally offer only one pupillage.

Littleton is a member of the Pupillage Gateway.

Please visit www.pupillagegateway.com for details as to application requirements and timetable.

Many applicants, particularly those who have studied law at degree level, prefer to apply in the Spring prior to commencement of the BPTC. Successful candidates in this position can undertake the BPTC with the benefit of an advance of part of their pupillage award (if desired) and in the knowledge that they have a place at which they can complete the vocational stage of their training.

We are, however, equally happy to receive applications from candidates who have commenced or completed the BPTC.

• Sifting of applications: Initially, we are looking for academic excellence, evidence of potential advocacy skills, and a genuine and considered interest in the bar in general and Littleton in particular.
• First-round interview: As with all our interviews, candidates will be presented with a legal problem question which they will be asked to discuss with an interviewing panel. The problems are designed to test legal reasoning, advocacy skills and potential, rather than detailed knowledge of authorities. We take account of the fact that non-law graduates may have had less thorough training in legal principles.
• Mini-pupillage: This is, perhaps, the most important part of our selection process. Successful candidates are invited to spend three days at Littleton, during which they will see the work of a junior tenant, have the chance to interact with clerks and tenants, and will gain exposure to solicitors and clients. You are likely to meet some Members of the Chambers informally over lunch or drinks arranged during your placement. During the mini-pupillage, you will be asked to draft an opinion on a problem question and then asked to discuss it in an interview setting.  Whilst we consider it preferable for candidates to spend the full three days in Chambers, we are able to discuss alternative arrangements with those who reach this stage but would have difficulty in attending Chambers for the full period.
• Final interview: The final interview follows the same format as the first round interview using a different problem question.

We appreciate that our selection process is rigorous. This is because we only recruit pupils whom we think are very likely to be offered tenancy at the end of the pupillage year. Offers will be made as early as possible, in accordance with the Pupillage Gateway timetable.

Our usual minimum academic requirement is a 2:1 degree.
We will consider applications from candidates who have not attained this standard only in exceptional circumstances. Any such circumstances should be clearly identified and explained on your application form.

Chambers also welcomes applications for deferred entry, if candidates state clearly on their application form the year/s in respect of which they wish to be considered. If they do not state a willingness to consider the deferred entry. Chambers will assume that the application is for the current round only.

Candidates must be in a position to commence pupillage in respect of the year they apply. Accordingly, if an application is made in respect of the current and future years, the candidate must be ready to commence pupillage in either year, at Chambers’ election.

PLEASE NOTE: We will only consider second and subsequent re-applications from unsuccessful candidates in previous years in exceptional circumstances.

Littleton is a long-established set specialising predominantly in employment and commercial law.

We are recognised in both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as being in the very top tier of employment sets. Our commercial practitioners are also recognised in both directories as leading individuals.

In addition to recruitment through 12-month pupillages, we frequently look to recruit third-six pupils who have not been offered tenancies following a pupillage at a top-ranked set. Candidates will be expected to have outstanding academic credentials, strong interpersonal skills and excellent references.

We have a good record of third-six pupils being offered tenancy. Indeed all 5 third six pupils over the last 6 years are now tenants and are establishing thriving practices here.

Please send a covering letter and CV, and have references sent, to our Administration Director (Felicity Schneider) at fschneider@littletonchambers.co.uk.