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High-quality work and fine training are the hallmarks of our pupillage programme at Zoe, Akyea & Co. Our primary goal is for all our pupils to succeed, and as such, we have developed a well-structured and challenging pupillage programme.
We strive to ensure that a pupillage with us is stimulating and supportive and that pupils receive the support necessary to fulfil their potential.
At the commencement of pupillage, we host a group induction for all pupils in our Firm building, which includes talks and an opportunity to meet the Head of Chambers, the Heads of the various Committees, other lawyers, and professional staff.
An introduction to life in the Firm, as well as an explanation of the Firm’s policies and procedures and the assessment process, is provided.
Feature | Details |
| Duration | 12 Months (Standard legal pupillage cycle) |
| Intake Capacity | Up to four (4) pupils per annual cycle |
| Location | On-site (Main Chambers) |
| Core Rotations | Dispute Resolution, Corporate & Commercial Law, and Advisory Services |
| Key Requirements | Qualifying Certificate in Law (QCL) / Call to the Bar, official transcripts, CV, and a legal writing sample |
Pupils at the Firm will sit with three (3) successive pupil supervisors throughout the pupillage period, spending approximately equal time with each assigned supervisor to ensure balanced exposure across practice areas.
One of our greatest strengths is the range of areas in which we practice. We structure pupillage and select our pupillage supervisors to reflect that range and provide a varied, challenging, and exciting pupillage experience.
Pupil supervisors are chosen to ensure that each pupil obtains a solid grounding in the four core areas of the Firm’s work – Dispute Resolution, Transactional, Corporate and Regulatory law. Beyond that core, pupils will experience their supervisors’ particular areas of expertise.
Nonetheless, we may also vary this structure to tailor training according to a pupil’s areas of interest, where they express a clear view of the practice area in which they expect to specialise.
Our goal is to create a hands-on learning experience. As such, pupils will shadow supervisors and assist them in the current cases in which they are instructed.
At the start of each seat, pupils will have in-depth training in their assigned practice area. We believe pupils should be involved in every aspect of their pupil supervisor’s work, which will vary significantly throughout the pupillage year. We give our pupils a rounded overview of a lawyer’s role and equip them for the legal and practical challenges they will face in practice.
Practical Work
Typically, work involves constructing first drafts of the documents your pupil supervisor is working on, e.g., pleadings, legal submissions, general advice, and legal opinions.
Aside from being involved in every step of the advisory and dispute-resolution process, pupils may attend conferences with clients and discuss the strategic, procedural, and ethical elements of cases with their supervisors.
Although we strongly emphasise the close working relationship between pupils and their supervisors, pupils may take on additional work from other members of the Firm. This exposes pupils to a range of personalities and working styles and allows pupils to become better known within the Firm, easing the transition from pupillage to associateship.
We also encourage our pupils to take on pro bono cases, and we will provide support and ensure that pupils have the time they need to dedicate to pro bono work.
Working on real cases may pose a steep learning curve; however, many of our pupils find that, at least by their second seat, they can offer meaningful assistance to their pupil supervisor.
We treat our pupils like all our other lawyers, and many of our pupils conduct cases from pupillage through to associateship. Throughout the pupillage period, pupils are carefully monitored by the Careers Committee to ensure that they are progressing appropriately and that all their training needs are being met.
Pupils learn primarily from their work for and with their supervisors. Their supervisors shall monitor their workload and proffer regular and detailed feedback, which is focused on helping pupils gain all the knowledge, skills, and attributes of a successful lawyer.
After obtaining a practising licence, pupils may take on their own cases and continue to work with their supervisors.
The Firm believes that it is essential for pupils to develop their court-based skills at the earliest possible stage. Hence, we make considerable efforts to ensure that pupils gain court and other relevant advocacy experience.
The firm ensures it arranges a number of assessed advocacy and written exercises throughout the pupillage period involving the making or defending of applications. Pupils will also undertake internal, external, and online training sessions.
There is a formal appraisal at the end of each seat, in addition to the feedback given throughout pupillage by supervisors.
Our pupillage program emphasizes rigorous hands-on training in oral and written advocacy. Pupils regularly shadow senior advocates during high-stakes litigation, attend court sessions across various jurisdictions, and actively participate in the preparation of pleadings and legal submissions. Through structured mock trials and internal advocacy exercises, we ensure our pupils develop the confidence, courtroom etiquette, and sharp legal reasoning necessary to excel as formidable practitioners at the bar.
This website uses cookies to personalize your experience. By accessing our website, you accept these terms of use and agree to be bound as described on our Terms of Services page.