Frequently Asked Questions

No. Practice at the Commercial Bar is intellectually demanding and we do therefore look for evidence of first-class intellectual ability. This can, however, be demonstrated in a variety of ways, not limited to undergraduate degree performance. For example, we take account of achievement in post-graduate study and of non-academic evidence of intellectual ability (e.g. in a professional context).

We are equally open to applications from candidates who have studied law as undergraduates and those who have studied other subjects. Neither is preferred.

At interview, we will take into account how much law candidates have studied by that stage in assessing their performance in the legal advocacy exercises. For example, we recognise that a non-law undergraduate undertaking the GDL (or equivalent) may have less familiarity with certain legal concepts than a candidate who has completed a law degree. That said, we aim to set exercises which are accessible to all candidates and we are seeking to assess each candidate’s potential analytical ability and potential as an advocate rather than legal knowledge.

There is no requirement to have completed or to be undertaking post-graduate study. Many candidates do undertake further study, to pursue areas of interest or to bolster their CVs. But not doing so is no bar to a successful application for candidates who meet our selection criteria based on their undergraduate performance and other experience and achievements.

No. We recognise first-class achievement regardless of the institution attended by an applicant.

Our criteria (listed here) are intended to assist us in identifying candidates who have the potential to flourish at the Commercial Bar. In addition to intellectual ability, such candidates will show potential as advocates (both in writing and orally) and, importantly, will demonstrate the personal qualities (such as determination, resilience, self-motivation) that are key to a successful practice as a commercial barrister.

No. A mini-pupillage at 7KBW is an opportunity for those who are considering applying to the Commercial Bar to experience life in Chambers and to find out more about our work. They are not assessed and form no part of the application process for Chambers. We encourage anyone interested in 7KBW to apply for a mini-pupillage because it is an excellent way to learn about the culture and work of Chambers. It is also one way in which to demonstrate an interest in the Commercial Bar. But not having undertaken a mini-pupillage with us certainly does not mean you cannot make a successful application for pupillage.

Our mini-pupillage scheme is heavily over-subscribed, such that we are unable to accommodate all applicants. This means that many very strong candidates will not be offered a mini-pupillage. The pupillage assessment process is separate from the mini-pupillage process and is conducted independently. It is frequently the case that candidates who were not successful in applying for mini-pupillage do very well in our pupillage application process. So you should not be deterred from making a pupillage application simply because you have been unable to secure a mini-pupillage with us.

We have included as much information as possible in the pupillage section of our website. However, we recognise that there are aspects of the work and atmosphere of Chambers that are better communicated in person. We therefore encourage candidates considering applying for pupillage with us to attend one of the pupillage events that we hold each year. Typically, we hold at least one in-person and one virtual event per year for potential pupillage candidates. These are opportunities to meet members of Chambers and to find out more about life at 7KBW. We also attend a number of pupillage fairs at which members of Chambers are available to answer any questions you may have about our work or pupillage with us.

All candidates are assessed by reference to the same selection criteria. We recognise, however, that candidates who have pursued other careers before applying to us may have different means of demonstrating that they meet those criteria from candidates who are still in or have recently completed academic study. For all candidates, regardless of background, our focus is on assessing their potential to be successful commercial barristers.

Successful candidates will be interested in practising commercial law and will be able to identify reasons for that interest. However, we do not require candidates to have studied commercial law or to have commercial experience. For some candidates, such a background may be part of the reason for their interest in a commercial law practice, but many successful candidates demonstrate the basis for their interest in other ways (for example, through mini-pupillages).

We are committed to the fair recruitment of the best candidates from the widest possible pool of talent. As part of that commitment, we use the contextual data provided as part of the Pupillage Gateway process in our scoring of candidates’ written applications and it is information to which we continue to have regard at the interview stages. We encourage all candidates to complete the contextual data questions through the Pupillage Gateway so as to provide us with all relevant information on the basis of which to assess their applications.

Yes. If mitigating circumstances are identified in the corresponding section of the application form this information will be taken into account in assessing the candidate’s performance in any relevant exams.
If I was unsuccessful in a previous pupillage round, can I reapply for pupillage with 7 King’s Bench Walk?
An unsuccessful application does not preclude you from applying again for pupillage with us. Given the limited number of interview places available and the very large number of applications we receive, we may take into account the fact that a candidate has previously been interviewed but has not been made an offer in considering whether to invite that candidate to interview in a subsequent application round. We recognise that candidates may have added to their CVs between applications and we will take this into account in considering whether to interview a repeat applicant.

Yes. Up to £30,000 of the £90,000 award can be drawn down on an interest-free basis in the year before the pupillage starts. Any amount advanced is deducted from the award that would otherwise be payable in the first 6 months of the pupillage.

We approach pupillage with the ambition that all our pupils will succeed. All pupils who meet the requisite standard will be offered tenancy: there is no quota. In recent years, our pupils have had a very high success rate in obtaining tenancies with us.

Chambers is a friendly and supportive place to start your career at the Bar. In addition to the informal support that is available for all members, new tenants choose one of their former pupil supervisors to be a formal mentor during the early years of practice. Our clerks are also extremely approachable and always available to provide support and guidance to new tenants as their practices develop.

All members of Chambers practise commercial law, spanning the whole spectrum of commercial disputes. Traditionally, 7KBW has a particularly strong reputation in shipping and insurance work. While such work continues to be an important part of our practice, members also practise in a wide range of other types of commercial litigation: from civil fraud to professional negligence, and from international arbitration to aviation. As a pupil, you will be able to experience much of this variety across the 4 seats undertaken during the pupillage year.