All applicants for pupillage are assessed on the basis of the criteria set out below. In relation to each of the five criteria, we identify relevant achievements and qualities that will be considered.
In assessing candidates for pupillage, we are looking for individuals with the potential to become highly successful commercial barristers. We place particular emphasis on intellectual ability (which will generally be reflected in first-class academic achievement), analytical ability, and advocacy.
We do not expect applicants to have any knowledge of commercial law when they apply to us and we recognise that many, in particular non-law graduates, will not have had an opportunity to study the areas of law in which we practise. Nonetheless, successful candidates are likely to have an interest in the combination of legal analysis and practical application offered by practice at the Commercial Bar.
To assist in the assessment process, 7KBW also uses contextual information provided by candidates through a questionnaire that they are asked to complete on submitting their applications. This enables us to take into account a candidate’s background and circumstances, where relevant, in the assessment of that candidate against the criteria set out below.