Choosing Your Pupillage I: Life On Circuit

The Pupillage Podcast

When deciding where to apply for pupillage, you need to consider not just which chambers to join, but where in the country you want to work. Barristers and chambers can be found not just in central London but throughout England and Wales. Such chambers are often mixed common law sets which can be an ideal place to start your career and which can offer some amazing opportunities. The English and Welsh Bar is divided into six regions, known as ‘circuits’: Midland; Northern; North Eastern; South Eastern; Wales and Chester and Western. In this episode, we hear from two circuiteers about the many benefits of life on circuit. Guests in order of appearance Lord Judge: retired Court of Appeal judge, Middle Temple bencher, former Lord Chief Justice, President of the Queen’s Bench Division, Master Treasurer of Middle Temple and passionate circuiteer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_Judge,_Baron_Judge Christian Howells: barrister at 30 Park Place, Cardiff and door tenant at 1COR http://www.30parkplace.co.uk/barristers/profile/christian-j-howells and https://www.1cor.com/london/barristers/christian-howells/ https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/about-the-bar/what-is-the-bar/circuits/ Useful Links For more information on the circuits: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/about-the- bar/what-is-the-bar/circuits/ The Midland Circuit website is coming soon, register here for updates: http://www.midlandcircuit.co.uk/ The Northern Circuit: https://www.northerncircuit.org.uk/ The South Eastern Circuit: http://southeastcircuit.org.uk/ Wales and Chester Circuit: http://www.walesandchestercircuit.org.uk/ Western Circuit: https://westerncircuit.co.uk/ European Circuit: http://www.europeancircuit.com/ Glossary Circuit: The English and Welsh Bar is divided into six regions, known as ‘circuits’. Each circuit provides barristers with a range of services and liaise with the local courts. There is even a European Circuit bringing together barristers working in Europe. Circuiteer: a barrister practising on circuit. Common law set: a set of chambers generally covering a range of civil, public, crime and family law. Door tenant: a barrister who is affiliated to, and predominately practises out of, another chambers or has another employer.