Our Policy

We aim to recruit at least one new junior member every year. Often, this will be one of our pupils, although we also consider applications from outstanding candidates who have done pupillage in other sets. A first or good upper second class degree is normally required together with aptitude for written and oral advocacy.

Our wide range of work enables us to provide pupils and new junior tenants with a broad experience, including a substantial amount of their own advocacy from the second six months pupillage onwards. Although members normally come to specialise in a particular area of the law, we consider this early general experience to be of great benefit in subsequent career development.
Stone Chambers has a policy of expanding organically at all levels. As part of this policy, we are also interested in recruiting established practitioners with experience in any field of commercial litigation and welcome applications from such practitioners.

Further details about twelve month and second/third six pupillages (including how to apply) are set out below, as are details about how established practitioners should apply to join us and how to apply for a mini-pupillage.

Please note that all applications for mini-pupillage, pupillage and tenancy are assessed strictly on the basis of merit, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or age. Stone Chambers is committed to compliance with t he Equality and Diversity Code of the Bar. We also operate a flexible maternity and paternity policy for members, including rest from rent and expenses for appropriate periods, assessed on a case by case basis.

Twelve-month pupillages

We offer one twelve-month pupillage. Applications should be made through the OLPAS scheme (summer season).

In the first six months, pupils usually spend three months with each of two pupil supervisors.

Under the supervision of his or her pupil supervisor, a pupil may be assigned temporarily to other barristers so as to take advantage of cases of particular interest. This ensures exposure to a broad range of advocacy and advisory work in the major fields of practice at Stone Chambers. It also gives pupils an opportunity to impress a wide cross-section of members and for their work to be assessed fully.

Second/Third six months pupillages

Second/third six pupillages are not awarded through OLPAS, but by written application (with a C.V.) made directly to Stone Chambers marked for the attention of James Shirley.

Candidates for second sixes should try to ensure that their applications are received by the end of February for a pupillage commencing in the April of the same year. We understand, however, that it will not always be possible to meet this deadline, and will consider later applicants where appropriate.

Established practitioners

Any established practitioner interested in joining us should write (enclosing a C.V. and the names of any referees) to Stone Chambers marked for the attention of either Elizabeth Blackburn QC or Steven Gee QC. Naturally, any such correspondence will be treated in confidence.

Mini-pupillages

Applications for a mini-pupillages should be sent (with a C.V.) to Stone Chambers marked for the attention of Tom Whitehead.