City law firms expand in-house pupillage as alternative to chambers
updated on 28 May 2025
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A growing number of City law firms are now offering in-house pupillages, providing aspiring barristers with an alternative to chambers-based training.
While the Government Legal Department and the Crown Prosecution Service are the main providers of in-house pupillage, in-house barrister training is now being embraced by nearly 40 law firms as well as regulators and banks. Some of these organisations also have internal advocacy units that are said to mirror the chambers model. Browne Jacobson LLP and DWF Group Limited are some of the firms at the forefront of pupil recruitment.
Browne Jacobson was one of the first law firms to train pupils. It runs an “in-house chambers” with a growing team of 14 advocates, including nine trained pupil supervisors and two pupil barristers. The firm’s pupillage programme spans 24 months, which is double the standard duration, aligning with its solicitor training contracts and offering pupils exposure across its practice areas. Pupils at the firm receive a £30,000 starting salary, which is “reviewed upwards” in the second year.
Former tech professional and latest pupil at the firm’s Cardiff office, David Drew, highlighted that the opportunity “gives me the security my family and I need while allowing me to pursue an interesting, exciting and varied role”.
Samantha Paxman, partner at Browne Jacobson, joined the firm in 2013 as the second in-house pupil: “In my third year of applying for pupillage, I saw an advert for pupillage at Browne Jacobson and was drawn to the idea of trying something a little different.”
Paxman explained that training and working in-house “has provided me with stability, more control over my work-life balance – something which is incredibly important to me currently as a mum to two young children – a real team ethos, support and a good benefits package”.
Unlike traditional chambers, employed barristers at firms like Browne Jacobson benefit from pensions, private medical and life insurance, and paid sick, holiday and parental leave – perks that are increasingly attractive to those seeking a sustainable legal career.
Applications for Browne Jacobson’s mini-pupillage scheme, which offers a week-long shadowing opportunity, are open until May 31.
