S Grapes
This post will inevitably reek of sour grapes, but I feel it necessary to clarify Maitland’s recruitment procedure for the benefit of future applicants.
In the last few years, Maitland has been making an effort to seem ‘diverse’. I know this because I have attended several of their diversity events and have also spoken to the recruitment panel.
On one occasion, I was explicitly told by a member of the Pupillage panel that my profile was ‘very strong’ and that I should apply for Pupillage.
I applied and was subsequently rejected. This is absolutely fine and I accept that the market is very competitive.
However, I later discovered that almost all of the shortlisted applicants were from similar backgrounds: under 25, Oxbridge first, and privately educated. This is unusual as the bar attracts a lot of mature candidates, and applicants from other Universities.
Again, I have no issues with chambers favouring specific traits amongst candidates (even if they are interpreted by some as ageist). But I have an issue with the misrepresentation of these specific traits, perhaps for the purpose of seeming diverse.
Chambers should also not be encouraging applications from those who will inevitably be sifted out at the first stage. It is frankly a waste of time for both applicants and the recruitment panel.
Candidates should not, in general, consider applying unless they possess the characteristics listed above.... Read more
7th Mar 2021 (3 years ago)