Applications for our Summer 2027 work experience programme will open on Monday 30th November.
We encourage early applications, as applications will be capped at 80 for 12 places to allow for a thorough and fair shortlisting process.
Application form will be uploaded here in November.
Applications will close once we have received 80 fully completed forms. Any applications submitted after the cap has been reached will not be considered, so please apply as early as possible. We will update this page when applications have closed.
Old Square Chambers’ work experience programme introduces students to a career at the Bar through court observation and group activities. The programme is led by our Chambers Director and their Assistant.
The programme is varied and usually includes the opportunity to attend court, although arrangements may change at short notice because of the nature of the court system. Students also take part in group exercises with their peers, as placements are run in groups of three or more. These activities often provide insight into pupillage applications and support students’ wider personal development.
Our 2027 work experience weeks will take place on the following dates:
Placements last one week. Before applying, please ensure that you can attend one of the listed weeks, as we cannot offer alternative dates.
Following recent changes to the rules governing public galleries and the criminal courts, we can no longer accept applications from anyone under 16. Students must be at least 16 to attend court unescorted, and we do not have the resources to provide escorts for extended periods. As court attendance is a significant part of the programme, the scheme is limited to students aged 16 to 18. Applications from students under 16 will not be accepted, and successful applicants will be asked to provide proof of age before their placement.
Funding is available to help with students’ travel expenses. Please apply for funding only if your application is successful. Funding requests are considered separately and have no bearing on the selection process.
Once 80 applications have been received, we will anonymise them and assess them against a scoring matrix to reduce the risk of conscious or unconscious bias.
We also invite applicants to complete our equality and diversity questionnaire, available by clicking here. Participation is voluntary and will not affect your application at any stage. Responses are collected anonymously and help us assess whether the scheme is visible to people from all backgrounds. The survey introduction explains how the data is used, stored and retained.
If you need any reasonable adjustments for the application process or, if successful, your placement, please contact us in confidence.
Please direct any questions or enquiries to the Work Experience Co-ordinator, Rebecca Hunter (hunter@oldsquare.co.uk).
