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• Matrix

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  A relatively new set in chambers established in 2000, Matrix Chambers can be defined as the new generation chambers, focussing on a fresh, modern and innovative approach to law. The initial founders were barristers who broke away from other chambers to kick-start the ‘Matrix Experience’.
  
  Currently staffed by around 85 personnel including full members, associate members, trainees and general office staff, the chamber aims to create a seamless work system without boundaries and differentiation in designations, practice areas or jurisdictions.Voted Chambers of the Year at The Lawyer Awards in 2005 is just an indication of how far this set has come in such a short span of time.
  
  Filled with barristers who are leading legal luminaries in the UK and overseas, the chamber undertakes instructions where the issues are complex, have a wide impact on the progress of law in the modern age and causes which are popular, with widespread consequences and reams of publicity.

  Matrix prides itself on being the ‘new face of law’ in the new millennium, guaranteeing quality service, a flexible and friendly work atmosphere, an egalitarian ethos and a workplace free of the cobwebs of tradition, conservative attitudes and out-of-date terminology.
  
  The selection process is tough and rigorous, though the chamber is very upfront and transparent about the criteria it employs, the training programme is equally challenging and stimulating in the variety it provides.Working hours stick to a reasonable 8 – 9 hours on weekdays, there is no burning of the midnight oil at obscene hours and you will almost never be at work during the weekend.
  
  However, the time spent at work is very intensive and consuming; you will be constantly on the go. To offset the rigours of hectic lawyering, on-site recreational facilities are available where you can relax, making it a reasonably good deal.
  
  Taking up a ‘traineeship’ at Matrix is probably one of the best and smartest decisions you will take, should you be inclined to having a profitable and rewarding career at the Bar.

  The Matrix set practices law in a diverse range of areas, within and outside of the UK. Its clients are individuals and public entities, companies, governments, local bodies and organisations across commercial law, competition/EU law, crime, employment, public health and welfare, education, environment, immigration & asylum, human rights, fraud, media, sports, entertainment and regulatory and administrative law among other things.

  Continuing with the motto of change central to the chambers’ work philosophy, pupillages are referred to as traineeships at Matrix. The training brochure sets out a detailed set of requirements for candidates aspiring to join Matrix and even includes the various ratings for each requirement.
  
  As with all other chambers, Matrix demands a strong academic performance from all its candidates. Nothing less than a 2.1 will suffice unless there are exceptional circumstances. Post graduate degrees and any other educational qualification will definitely provide additional weight to your CV.
  
  Experience seems to be taken very seriously by Matrix, with volunteer work, participation in legal campaigns or internships being strongly favoured. They also expect you to be a well-rounded individual with interests outside law.
  
  One thing that many candidates tend to lose out on is the presentation of their application. Your writing style, use of grammar and clarity of expression will be thoroughly assessed, so put the hours in when applying.

  Matrix offers two year-long pupil contracts each year, comprised of three-month assignments with four different supervisors. The supervisor and area of practice in the first three months are usually assigned by the chamber, but subsequent terms in the remaining nine months could be assigned based on trainee preferences.
  
  All work done by pupils is tracked and reviewed; additionally trainees will need to complete various written assessments and advocacy sessions, one of which is a full-fledged ‘hearing’.
  
  A formal review is conducted at the end of the first six by the two pupil supervisors and performance reports are submitted to the membership selection committee. The second six sees trainees take up small cases on their own, appearing before employment tribunals or county or magistrates courts.

  The annual grant provided to trainees is £35,000, of this £7,500 is disbursed in the BVC year and the balance is paid during the traineeship.

  Application forms must be completed and submitted through OLPAS, the forms are available at http://www.pupillages.com. The chamber participates in the summer round of recruitment in OLPAS and the last date for submission of completed applications is at the end of April for pupillages staring in October.
  
  Those exempted from applying through OLPAS will follow the same timetable but the application form can be downloaded from the chambers’ website at http://www.matrixlaw.co.uk/.
  
  The recruitment process is spread over three stages – forty candidates are selected from applications; they attend a first general round of interviews, then ten attend a second round of interviews and final assessment prior to the offer of a pupillage.
  
  The first round of interviews is conducted in the third week of June, the shortlisted candidates will be notified by 10 June, and the second round will be conducted in the first week of July. The chamber currently does not provide any mini-pupillages.

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