Quadrant Chambers - True Picture

Chambers profile

We are a leading set of barristers specialising in commercial law. We act as advocates in court, arbitrations and inquiries, and provide specialist legal advice to clients from around the world in a wide range of industry areas. A number of us also act as arbitrators and mediators. Many of us are qualified to practise in other jurisdictions, including Australia, the BVI, California, Germany, Hong Kong, New York and South Africa. Distinguished former members of Quadrant Chambers have gone on to chair high-profile public enquiries, and to sit as judges in the High Court (QBD, Commercial, Administrative and Admiralty Courts), DIFC Courts, European General Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords, Privy Council and UK Supreme Court.

Type of work undertaken

We hold a pre-eminent position as a leading international commercial disputes set with a strong sector driven approach. We are market leaders with a reputation for excellence in our areas of focus: aviation and travel, banking and financial services, commercial disputes, commodities and international trade, energy and natural resources, insurance and reinsurance, international commercial arbitration, and shipping. 

Pupil profile

We look for candidates with a very strong academic background. Successful applicants will generally have (or be predicted) a first class degree, and they must have/be predicted at least a high 2.1 to apply. Candidates must have excellent analytical abilities, outstanding written and oral communication skills and the ability to perform under pressure. They must also be able to demonstrate that they have the commitment, energy and robustness to succeed in the competitive world of the Commercial Bar. Successful candidates often read law for their first degree, and an increasing number also have postgraduate law degrees. However, these are not pre-requisites. We welcome applications from candidates who have studied any serious academic subject at university.

Pupillage

We offer up to three pupillages of 12 months’ duration each year. We aim to develop in our pupils the skills, knowledge and sound judgment they will need to become successful commercial barristers. During their first and second six months, pupils sit with up to three pupil supervisors and are exposed to a wide range of high quality commercial work. Tenancy decisions are made at the end of June. Pupils also undertake advocacy and written assessments throughout their pupillage.

Quadrant Chambers uses the Pupillage Gateway to manage its applications. Thereafter our process involves a series of interviews and a test set. Please see our website for further details.

Mini-pupillages

Mini-pupillages are available in March/April, July, September and December of each year. Places are limited. See our website for details.

Funding and sponsorship

Pupils receive awards of £75,000, part of which may be advanced during the BPTC year. They also have the opportunity to do fee-earning work during their second six.