1 GC Family Law is one of the foremost Family Law Chambers in the country, recognised both nationally and internationally for providing expert advice and representation, and for acting in the most high-profile, sensitive and important cases arising from family breakdown.

Our pupils are our future. For this reason, we place great emphasis on providing a friendly, supportive environment in which pupils are able to develop the skills they require for a successful career at the Family Bar. We are committed to the continuing education of pupils, and ensure ongoing support and assessment throughout pupillage.

Once a tenant, our members go on to develop successful practices and to appear in some of the most significant cases in Family Law. Former members have been recruited to be High Court Judges, Circuit Judges and District Judges. Many of our current members sit as Deputy Judges at all levels.

We offer up to two 12-month pupillages each year, starting in September.

Chambers anticipates offering two pupillages starting in September 2022, with applications opening in early 2021.

Our pupillages come with an award of £32,500 for each pupil, paid in monthly instalments. At Chambers’ discretion, a proportion of the award might be available for early drawdown during the BPTC year.

Pupils can also expect to be in court regularly during their second six and, although we cannot guarantee any particular figure, recent experience suggests that our pupils can expect to earn a good additional income during these six months. Our pupils are entitled to retain all of their earnings during their second six and are not expected to pay Chambers rent.

The candidates have the opportunity to attend a 1GC Pupillage Open evening with Q&A on Wednesday 20 January 2021 – to register please go to https://1gc.com/news/view/pupillage-open-evening-2021

Chambers is committed to equal opportunities for all and to promoting and improving diversity at the Bar. To this effect, we recruit our pupils through the Pupillage Gateway, and our application process follows the timetable and fair recruitment recommendations set down by the Bar Council.

1. BC1: Why do you believe you will make a good barrister? In your answer, please identify any relevant experiences or skills that you believe may help you in your career (200 words)
2. BC2: Why do you want to join our chambers? In your answer, please give reasons for your choice of chambers and explain why you are interested in our areas of practice (200 words)
3. Some commentators have argued that the fact that the Family Court generally sits in private means that decisions are made by judges without public scrutiny. Should journalists have unrestricted freedom to report what happens in proceedings before the Family Court? When answering this question, please keep in mind we are not looking at whether you can tell us what the law currently is. We are interested in your ability to make an argument about what you think the law should be and why. (350 words)

To apply, please click on the Apply Online link below and then complete the online application form.