Established practitioners

Applications from potential cross recruits are considered by the Committee on Cross Recruits and Associates. All applications are considered by reference to objective criteria which can be found below.  In general terms, successful candidates will be required to satisfy the Committee that they are outstanding candidates by reference to this criteria.

By way of guidance:

  • Solicitors having three years’ PQE or less are required by Chambers to undertake 12 months’ pupillage (regardless as to their pupillage requirement as mandated by the BSB) and such applicants must apply for pupillage via the Pupillage Gateway. Their application for pupillage will be considered by the Pupillage Committee, together with all other applications for pupillage. Please see the How to apply for pupillage section of the website.
  • Solicitors having more than three years’ PQE will only be considered by the Committee on Cross Recruits and Associates where they can demonstrate relevant experience (including advocacy experience) such that they would not be required to undertake a period of pupillage. Solicitors having more than three years’ PQE may of course choose to apply for pupillage via the Pupillage Gateway, and have their application for pupillage considered by the Pupillage Committee, together with all other applications for pupillage.
  • Exceptionally, Chambers may make an offer of tenancy to (i) an individual currently in private practice at the Bar of England and Wales as a full member of another set of chambers or (ii) an individual who is not required by the Bar Council to complete any period of pupillage.
  • Chambers may also exceptionally make an offer of pupillage with a view to tenancy to an individual whom the BSB has ruled is required to complete a period of pupillage of less than 12 months. Applicants who fall into this category may submit their application to the Committee on Cross Recruits and Associates.

All applications via the Committee on Cross Recruits and Associates for reduced pupillage, tenancy or associate status should be directed to: 

The Secretary to the Committee on Cross Recruits and Associates
Essex Court Chambers
24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
London WC2A 3EG
Email: pupillage@essexcourt.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7813 8000

Applicants are encouraged to read Chambers’ objective criteria before making such an application.

Chambers continues to review its need to supplement the membership of Chambers by active cross recruitment.