Bermudian law students have been offered a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to train at one of the UK's leading chambers.

The Dame Lois Browne Evans Pupillage Award has been organised by the Bermuda Bar Association in conjunction with Carmelite Chambers in London.

The recipient will commence a one-year training contract at the chambers in October, with the opportunity to undertake paid work during the second six months.

The student will also receive a $10,000 bursary from the Bar Association.

Carmelite Chambers is one of the largest and longest established in the UK, and its barristers are regularly instructed in high profile criminal cases nationally and internationally.

Competition for pupillages is incredibly fierce as a result, explained Delroy Duncan, honorary secretary of the Bar Council.

"If they went to Carmelite Chambers even as a British born and based student, they would have to compete with hundreds of applicants. They have in excess of 200 every year for their pupillages. This means they don't have to fight through all that — it's a great opportunity," he said.

The reason for the award being set up is that both the Bar Council and Chief Justice Richard Ground want to encourage more Bermudians into criminal law, rather than taking up popular corporate opportunities. Applicants must therefore desire to come back to the Island and work in criminal practice once they've completed their training.

The award committee, presided over by Mr. Justice Ground, will assess candidates on their academic and intellectual abilities, communication skills and understanding of criminal law.

They must have completed, or be in the process of completing, the Bar Vocational Course and submit the following documentation by the closing date of May 26:

• A covering letter indicating why the award committee should grant the pupillage to the applicant

• Copies of professional degrees, transcripts, and an up to date curriculum vitae

• One academic reference and one personal reference

• A certified copy of proof of Bermudian status

Applications should be posted to Annwen Stirling, Executive Secretary, Bermuda Bar Association, White Hall, 1 Park Road, Hamilton HM 09.

The telephone number is 295-4540 and the email address is bdabar@ibl.bm. Interviews are likely to be held when students return home in June or July.