Applying For Tenancy

We aim to recruit each year from our existing pupils. We have a good record over a long period of time of making offers of tenancy to many, and in some years all, of our pupils.

Applications for tenancy are invited about a month before the end of pupillage. The application takes the form of a portfolio of anonymised work (including written feedback) from the pupillage year – both work for supervisors and work undertaken on a pupil’s own account – with a covering letter explaining the pupil’s reasons for wishing to become a tenant at Deka Chambers. The outcome of each application is determined by a vote of members of chambers, informed by a recommendation from the Pupillage Committee.

Pupils are not in competition for tenancy with their contemporaries. We believe strongly that each candidate should be judged on merit, rather than by comparison to others.

New tenants who join Deka Chambers from pupillage are expected to continue to take work in all of our main practice areas (including in civil, criminal and family law) for at least three years. We consider that the mix of work broadens junior barristers’ skills and knowledge, and managing a busy paperwork practice alongside routine court appointments serves as a positive basis for a long career. Many of our former pupils have gone on to specialise as their careers have progressed; and many have retained a varied practice.

We are aware that many newly-qualified barristers join chambers burdened by financial obligations arising from debt and/or career changes. Tenants within the first three years of practice are financially supported by a generous scheme of reduced rent (chambers contributions).