Tenancy

We are a diverse, friendly and progressive set. We provide a supportive and flexible work environment. We do not believe that one size fits all, but instead work with our members to create and develop a career which suits them. Our forward-thinking, truly flexible working policy can be found here. We believe that we offer a great working environment and some of the best work life balance available at the Bar.

Our barristers are ambitious and hard-working, and work closely with our staff team to build the practice that they want - whether that is a common law or mixed practice; or specialising in one of our practice areas; or developing a niche practice in a related area of law. Through regular practice meetings, we agree career plans and our staff support members with marketing and profile raising.

We are keen to support members with their lives outside the Bar – for example in academia, the judiciary or family life. We offer great flexibility within tenancy and are happy to discuss a personalised tenancy arrangement which suits your particular needs. 

Chambers provides the following to all tenants:

- Access to a wide range of interesting and important work, either in one of Chambers specialist practice areas or across a range of areas if preferred;

- Regular Practice Review meetings with the Chambers Director and Practice Managers (number and duration vary depending on your experience and practice, but most tenants receive between 2 and 4 formal meetings per year as well as numerous informal reviews with the Practice Managers);

- Individual marketing coaching with the Chambers Director and support with marketing and networking initiatives;

- High quality, responsive Practice Managers;

- ICO registration (included in your rent);

- Access to electronic resources such as Westlaw (included in your rent);

- Bespoke internal training programme including, for example, training on financial management and on social media presence;

- Support with pro bono activities and the opportunity to get involved with Chambers diversity and equality initiatives;

- A collegiate and friendly team, including regular social activities including Chambers drinks, curry night for pupils going on their feet, a Book Club and board games nights for junior tenants;

- A very warm welcome!      

We are actively recruiting new members in each of our practice groups. We are particularly keen to hear from family law specialists due to a surplus of family work. 

If you would like to have a confidential discussion prior to applying, you are welcome to contact our Chambers Director by telephone or email.

We are happy to consider all requests for flexibility either in the application process itself or during tenancy. We will do everything we can to accommodate requests for flexibility in the application process. Currently we are conducting interviews by Zoom, but can meet face to face if preferred. For flexibility within tenancy, please refer to our flexible working policy. We are happy to consider any request for flexibility which suits your circumstances.

Please either contact our Chambers Director or include information in your application. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.

If you wish to apply, please send us:

• Your CV and a covering letter describing your current practice, setting out why you want to join Chambers and outlining your future business plan;
• A copy of your diary for the last 2 years, and your billings for the same period;
• Any references you would like to provide - particularly those from professional clients.

All applications are reviewed by our Tenancy Committee and we usually arrange an interview promptly. We may ask junior candidates to undertake an advocacy exercise as part of the interview process.

All applications should be sent to our Chambers Director at clarekelly@5pumpcourt.com

We have successfully managed the transition of numerous solicitors to the Bar, and are very keen to hear from solicitors who wish to make the move. You are welcome to contact our Chambers Director for an informal discussion about the process, and to be put in touch with one of our members who has been through the process.

We request that solicitors looking to transfer make an application through the Pupillage Gateway if possible. Further information about the Gateway process for abridged pupillages is available here.

If you are applying outside of the Gateway, we will require the following:

• Your CV and a covering letter describing your current practice, setting out why you want to join Chambers and outlining your future business plan;
• The confirmation letter from the Bar Standards Board setting out the terms on which your transfer will be approved;
• Any references you would like to provide.

All applications are reviewed by our Tenancy Committee and we usually arrange an interview promptly. We may ask junior candidates to undertake an advocacy exercise as part of the interview process.

All applications should be sent to our Chambers Director at clarekelly@5pumpcourt.com