Chambers profile
7KBW is a leading commercial chambers, with a reputation for excellence, intellectual rigour and providing practical, commercial advice. Chambers’ work is highly varied. Commercial law covers everything from small-scale contractual disputes to complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. Cases are mostly London-based, typically in the Commercial Court or appellate courts, or in arbitration. But most of our work has a strong international element, involving jurisdiction disputes; clients, facts and contracts from around the world; or, often, the consideration of foreign law alongside English law principles. Members also appear regularly in other jurisdictions such as Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bermuda.
Type of work undertaken
7KBW’s practice areas are exclusively commercial, with all members being specialist commercial practitioners. Within that field, we are at the cutting edge of legal developments and cover the following: all aspects of international trade, energy, insurance, aviation, banking and financial services, professional negligence, civil fraud, sale of goods, shipbuilding, shipping and transport, international arbitration and private international law. Most of 7KBW’s work has an international dimension. Our work involves absorbing and understanding large quantities of factual and technical information; analysing and researching the complex legal and commercial issues which arise; and developing, advising on, and applying arguments and strategies in the interests of our clients.
Pupil profile
We are looking for individuals with the potential to become highly successful commercial barristers. We place particular emphasis on intellectual ability (which will generally be reflected in first-class academic achievement), analytical ability, and advocacy. 7KBW is committed to the fair recruitment of the best candidates from the widest possible pool of talent.
Pupillage
7KBW places particular emphasis during pupillage on training pupils to become effective commercial barristers. To this end, the work of a pupil is diverse. A significant component will be helping in the preparation of trials and applications and attending Court and arbitrations with your pupil supervisor. You will have the opportunity to see the preparation, in which you will have played a part, put into practice, as well as to observe live advocacy. A pupil can expect to sit with four different pupil supervisors in the course of the year, providing the opportunity to see a range of work and approaches. Each pupil supervisor is there to help you to learn and to produce your best work whilst in Chambers, through ongoing supervision and feedback.
Applications should be made via the Pupillage Gateway 2024 season for pupillages commencing in September 2025. 7KBW selects candidates by a two-round interview process. Not all candidates will be interviewed. All candidates are assessed on the basis of the same objective and fair criteria, as listed on our website.
Mini-pupillages
In person and virtual mini-pupillages are available. Mini-pupillages do not include any formal assessments and completion of a mini-pupillage is not a prerequisite for applying for pupillage, but it is strongly encouraged for those candidates interested in learning more about the work and the character of 7KBW. For information about how and when to apply, please refer to the website at
7kbw.co.uk/pupillage/mini-pupillage/.
Funding
Pupillages are fully funded, with awards of £80,000 for 12 months. 7KBW is willing to advance up to £25,000 of the award on an interest-free basis for use during the year prior to pupillage, on condition that any advance will be repaid if the pupil does not pass the BPTC exams or complete his or her pupillage.
