In order to appear in court as an advocate, all barristers must pass the Bar Exam and then undertake twelve months of training known as a readership.
This training includes completing the Bar Practice Course, which is run twice each year by the New South Wales Bar Association, and then working under the guidance and supervision of one or two tutors. A tutor must usually be a barrister of at least seven years’ standing, but not a senior counsel. Our Clerk, Emma Hoolahan, can provide the names of potential tutors on enquiry. A list of potential tutors is also kept by the New South Wales Bar Association.
Tenth Floor Chambers usually offers two readership positions each year, one for the May intake and one for the September intake. Competition for those places is fierce, and only candidates of exceptional ability and ambition are likely to be made an offer.
Tenth Floor Chambers awards the David Officer QC Scholarship to the successful applicants for readership on the floor each year. The scholarship is named in honour of David Officer, who was a member of the floor widely known for assisting junior members of the Bar and for possessing in abundance all the qualities required of a barrister.
Tenth Floor Chambers has adopted the NSW Bar Association (Updated) Best Practice Guidelines.
Applications should include; cover letter, CV, copies of academic transcript and referee contact details. References are optional. Enquiries and applications for readership should be sent to the Clerk, Emma Hoolahan at hoolahan@tenthfloor.org.
Tenth Floor Chambers will host an information session on Wednesday 10 September 2025 from 5.15pm for interested readership candidates. Information and discussion will revolve around:
* The readership application process for Tenth Floor Chambers;
* Benefits of the David Officer Scholarship;
* Floor culture and social engagement information;
* Floor commitment to Best Practice Guidelines and other general floor policy and support information; and
* Meeting current floor members: silks and juniors, including members of the Readership committee.
For catering purposes please send your rsvp to the Clerk, Emma Hoolahan: hoolahan@tenthfloor.org. Spaces are limited so early registration is recommended.
If you wish to apply for readership outside of these timeframes then please contact our clerk Emma directly.