The DWF Chambers Pupillage Programme is a structured and challenging experience, where the Pupil receives all the support necessary to fulfil their potential and enhance their future employment opportunities en-route to full qualification as a Barrister. DWF Chambers operates much like an in-house set of chambers, where our barristers and advocates offer specialist advocacy and advisory services to colleagues within the DWF group as well as external clients.
Two new pupil barristers have been selected to get the opportunity to commence pupillage this year, with the core practice areas being Personal Injury, Occupational Health, Costs and general insurance litigation.
Calum McNicholas, a former advocate within DWF Chambers speaks of the value this period of experience added to his learning and career progression:
"I worked as an Advocate at DWF Chambers in the period between finishing the Bar Course and commencing pupillage - from October 2021 to September 2022. In my view, there are three main reasons why DWF Chambers provides one of the best pre-pupillage employment opportunities available.
Training
My training was provided by experienced barristers within the team, and was focussed upon the specific hearings in which Advocates are instructed. Principally, this took the form of training sessions, an informative Handbook, and mock hearings judged by a sitting DDJ. This was an excellent learning opportunity, and prepared me well for the instructions that I received thereafter.
Quality of Work
The instructions received by DWF Advocates include a range of small claims, civil applications, and costs hearings. The vast majority of my hearings are the same as those likely to be undertaken in pupillage. These experiences therefore provided a real opportunity to hone my advocacy and case preparation skills.
Ethos
The Advocacy team has inculcated a friendly and supportive ethos, which further increases the opportunity to learn and develop. There is always someone in the team available to offer advice and support if required. Advocates' diaries are managed by an experienced team of barristers' clerks, which allowed me to focus more of my attention on the cases at hand.
Many of the Advocates at DWF have gone on to secure pupillages, either with DWF or externally. I have no doubt that the excellent training and experiences provided by DWF Chambers contributed to that career progression.
Overall, I would highly recommend DWF Chambers to any aspiring/future pupil barristers."