Probationary Tenancy

Probationary tenancy

Chambers intends to offer a full tenancy upon conclusion of the probationary tenancy, subject to the probationary tenant meeting the required standard against Chambers’ recruitment criteria. The probationary tenancy will run from Monday, 8 September 2025 to Friday, 6 March 2026.

The ideal candidate for the probationary tenancy will:

1. score highly in Chambers’ recruitment criteria, namely: (a) intellectual ability; (b) expressive ability; (c) interpersonal skills; (d) commitment, resilience and efficiency; and (e) interest in one or more areas of law in which Chambers specialises;
2. intend to develop a practice focusing on CLG work; and
3. accept instructions and practise across all of Chambers’ core practice areas (commercial and / or construction; property, environment and planning; public law; and civil liability) for the duration of their probationary tenancy and, if successful, the following 18 months. Chambers will provide CPD to the probationary tenant as required to ensure they are competent to practise.

Chambers will provide a mentor to the probationary tenant and the Pupillage Committee will actively monitor their progress. The Pupillage Committee will meet to decide whether to recommend that the probationary tenant is offered full tenancy in the final month of the probationary tenancy, judged against Chambers’ recruitment criteria.

The probationary tenancy will be set out in a written agreement to be entered into between Chambers and the probationary tenant.

The probationary tenant will:

• make no financial contributions to Chambers during their probationary tenancy;
• not have any Chambers voting rights during the probationary period;
• be fairly allocated work in the same manner as for any other member of Chambers;
• be involved in the same career development and social events as other members of Chambers; and
• be provided with full and transparent feedback in the event they are unsuccessful in converting to full tenancy.

If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please email recruitment@39essex.com for a copy of our application form to complete and return. CVs will not be considered.  Please be sure to include the wording “Probationary Tenancy” in the subject line.

We will hold one round of interviews. We will contact candidates to inform them whether they are to be interviewed by 10:00am on 8 August 2025.  Interviews will take place in the week commencing 11 August 2025.

Chambers is committed to broadening access and opportunities both at the Bar and within Chambers, and for both barristers and staff. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in the legal profession. We will offer reasonable adjustments to any candidates who require them.