Welcome to Holborn Chambers Online
Formerly 3 Kings Bench Walk, Holborn Chambers was founded in 1995 in order to benefit from more modern and spacious accommodation. Conveniently located in the heart of London's legal and commercial centre's. Holborn Chambers is perfectly placed to offer a wide range of services both within and outside the capital.
Drawn from a variety of different backgrounds, Holborn Chambers offers a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to a full range of advocacy and advisory services.
An experienced and efficient clerking team will provide a helpful and effective solution to the changing needs of the profession.
Members cover many aspects of law (see individual entries), and there are specialist teams, which fall into the following categories.
Pupils
In selecting our pupils, we look for the best and brightest applicants regardless of their background. Every pupil is selected on the basis that they are potential tenants, so we look for people with whom we feel we would be happy spending the rest of our working lives.
We recruit an average of 4 twelve-month pupils per year. We also recruit a varying number of third six pupils.
Who should apply?
Criminal law is a constantly changing, intellectually challenging field in which we work. We look for candidates who will succeed in this environment, and demonstrate academic excellence, proven public-speaking ability, and a commitment to the criminal law.
Funding
Each of our twelve-month pupils receives an award of £5,000 in the first six months and guaranteed receipts of £5,000 in the second six months, our third six pupils receive substantial earnings during the practising part of their pupillages. We also consider applications from sponsored pupils.
The structure of pupillage
Pupils are assigned to one pupil supervisor for each six month period. Sometimes they remain the same throughout the 12 months, this is dependant on the dates of the intake of pupils. We ensure that, where pupils are with us for more than six months, both their pupil supervisors and other members of chambers have contrasting practices to allow for the widest possible exposure to all aspects of the criminal law.
For our twelve-month pupils we have a training programme that continues throughout for pupillage. It centres on advocacy and is taught by members of chambers. The programme involves exercises that develop the advocacy skills that are necessary in practice. A mock magistrates' court trial is held in front of the Head of Chambers. In addition the course covers ethics and case management skills. It has been consistently praised and ensures that every pupil we have is well equipped to face the challenge of his or her first months in court. As the training programme continues throughout the practising part of pupillage.
During the practising part of their pupillage, our pupils can expect to be in court every day, often covering more than one case.
Tenancy prospects
We operate a policy of careful expansion. Many of our pupils are successful in their applications for tenancy with us. Virtually all those who are not are able to obtain tenancies elsewhere.