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Temple Church

Tenancy

Internal recruitment

No pupillage at Furnival Chambers is offered with a guarantee of (or with a view to) further pupillage or tenancy at its conclusion. All pupils must apply for such further pupillages and/or tenancies as may be available.

12-month pupillages

Within 1 month prior to the conclusion of their 12 month pupillage, pupils will ordinarily be invited to apply to the Tenancy Committee for a tenancy in accordance with the tenancy policy.

Third Six pupils

Prior to the conclusions of the 6 month term, the third six pupil may be invited to apply to the Tenancy Committee for a tenancy in accordance with the tenancy policy. Invitations are not automatically extended.

External recruitment

For confidential enquiries please call Steve Ball, Senior Clerk, in the first instance (020 7035 2880).

 

 

Tenancy application policy: external

[1] Competencies

All applications for a first tenancy at Furnival Chambers, either internal or external, will be assessed in accordance with the following required criteria.

Criterion Indicators
Excellent Advocacy Skills

 

  

  • Presents arguments with appropriate language and style and delivers with confidence, impact and clarity.
  • Demonstrates excellent examination-in-chief and cross-examination skills
  • Can build a strong logical, rational argument based on relevant facts and a good understanding of the law.
  • Predicts objections and has arguments in place to combat them if they are raised.
  • Has a good understanding of influencing tactics and is willing to use them.
  • Can influence on an emotional level as well as on a rational one.
Effective communication

 

  

Communicates readily and clearly both verbally and in writing.

 

  • Communicates clearly, giving sufficient background information to aid understanding without overloading the audience.
  • Structures communication to aid understanding.
  • Adapts style and language of communication to the needs of the audience.
  • Presents complex legal points simply and accurately.
  • Listens to others and builds on their points.
  • Builds effective working relationships.
  • Treats others with courtesy, empathy and respect.
  • Has a genuine interest in others and works to understand their points of view.
Analytical thinking  

The ability to absorb and process a large amount of complex and detailed information both quickly and accurately.

 

  • Can deal effectively with written, numerical and spoken information.
  • Can quickly distinguish between relevant facts and irrelevant information.
  • Relates facts to key aspects of the law.
  • Is able to unpick complex arguments.
 Hard Work
  • Has demonstrated the desire and ability to work in order to succeed.
  • Ensures that deadlines are met and that promises are kept.
 Tenacity

 

  

  • Can cope with working in a highly competitive environment and demonstrates a desire to succeed.
  • Demonstrates an ability to overcome set-backs and not be discouraged.
Business Conscious

 

  

Is committed to a career as a Barrister with Furnival Chambers.

 

  • Has demonstrated that they can build a good working relationship with Solicitors and the CPS.
  • Has a good understanding of what a career in chambers entails, the negative as well as the positive aspects, and is energised by the realities of the role.
  • Has a good understanding of the wider impact of changes to the Criminal Justice System to their work as a barrister
  • Is willing and able to undertake the less glamorous aspects.
  • Is financially organised.

 

[2] Tenancy application

All external candidates who wish to apply for a tenancy with Furnival Chambers should apply to the Heads of Chambers or a member of the Tenancy Committee nominated by the Heads of Chambers. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We understand that the decision to move chambers can be a sensitive one and prospective applicants may wish to discuss any application informally with the Senior Clerk, Steve Ball, or a member of the Tenancy Committee before submitting a formal application. Any such informal discussions are also treated in strictest confidence.

All applicants should submit a letter and CV demonstrating how they meet the required competencies in paragraph 1 above.

The application process is in four stages,

  1. The letter and CV will be considered by the Tenancy Committee against the written criteria.
  2. Candidates who pass this initial sift will be invited for an interview with members of the committee/ Heads of Chambers.
  3. The committee will consider recommendations from the Senior Clerk and/or First Junior Clerk/ Senior Prosecution Clerk.
  4. A final decision will be made by the committee.

Candidates may be asked to supply proof of earnings and copies of their diaries. References will also be considered but will only be contacted with the prior consent of the candidate.

 

[3] Offer of tenancy

The applicants will be informed of the results of their application immediately after the meeting of the Tenancy Committee by the Head/s of Chambers or the Senior member of the Tenancy Committee in their absence.

Chambers does not provide written feedback in relation to unsuccessful applications. However, by application from the candidate, in certain circumstances oral feedback may be provided.

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