Back to probationary tenancy vacancies
Name of chambers: 39 Essex Chambers
Chambers address: 81 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1DD
Number of vacancies: 2
Area(s) of practice the role holder will focus on: Public Law, Commercial / Construction, Property / Environmental, Planning, and Personal Injury / Clinical Negligence.
Level of guarantee: £35,000
Role start date: 28 September 2026
Length of tenancy: 6 months
Closing date for application: 31/07/2026 at 11:59pm
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please email [email protected] with a copy of your CV.
Please also provide the names and contact details of three referees who can provide references within the timescale of the application process.
We will hold one round of interviews.
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.
About your chambers:
39 Essex Chambers has a vacancy for up to two probationary tenancies for barristers intending to develop a practice in one or more of Chambers’ specialist areas, namely Public Law, Commercial/Construction, Property/ Environmental /Planning, and Personal Injury/Clinical Negligence.39 Essex Chambers is a leading set based in London, Dubai, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. We have 175 members – 62 of whom are KCs. We are one of the country’s largest civil sets with members who are experts in a wide range of specialist sectors and practice areas.
About the candidate:
https://www.39essex.com/careers/
Chambers intends to offer up to two tenancies upon conclusion of the probationary tenancies, subject to the probationary tenant(s) meeting the required standard against Chambers’ recruitment criteria. The probationary tenancies will run from Monday 28 September 2026 to Friday 26 March 2027. The ideal candidate for a probationary tenancy will:
(1) score highly in all of Chambers’ recruitment criteria, namely: (a) intellectual ability; (b) expressive ability; (c) interpersonal skills; (d) commitment, resilience
and efficiency; and have a strong interest in one or more areas of law in which Chambers specialises;
(2) intend to develop a practice focusing on one or more of Chambers' areas of practice; and
(3) accept instructions and practise across all of Chambers’ core practice areas (commercial and 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 each probationary tenant and the pupillage committee will actively monitor their progress. The pupillage committee will meet to decide whether to recommend a probationary tenant is offered full tenancy in the final month of the probationary tenancy, judged against Chambers’ recruitment criteria.
Each 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.