Readership

Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers generally offers readership positions to two readers each year, with intakes from the Bar Practice Course in May and September.

The floor Readership Committee, made up of members of varying seniority, generally review applications at least one year prior to each intake. The Committee looks for strong academic results, experience in a commercial practice and strong professional references. Applicants may be offered an interview with the Committee and offers are usually made shortly after interviews have been conducted.

The choice of a tutor is very important and can enrich a reader’s first years at the Bar and help develop their practice. All applicants are encouraged to have two tutors, one must be from the floor and the second ideally from another chambers. The floor has a number of members who have experience acting as tutors and we can assist in matching successful applicants with suitable tutors, if required. Applicants are welcome to contact the Clerk for assistance in identifying suitable tutors.

Accommodation is provided to readers on the main floor of chambers for their first six months. This space includes a desk, handset, chair, cupboard space and use of the conference room facilities. The first six months of the readership will incur no accommodation costs. If space permits, readers are then encouraged to take a room in our annexe, which is located in Lockhart Chambers. The rent of this room will be offered at much lower price for the remainder of your readership year. The floor has adopted the NSW Bar Association’s Best Practice Guidelines, which may be found here.

Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers is welcoming and supportive of its readers and junior members of the Bar. Both the Clerk and members offer continuous support in finding work, establishing strong relationships with solicitors and mentoring. Historically, most readers have progressed to become active members of the floor.

To apply for a readership, please email a covering letter, curriculum vitae and academic transcripts to the Clerk along with any other information you wish to have considered. Please include the names of at least two referees who have extensive knowledge of your professional experience. All applications will be treated with confidence.