Readership Program

State Chambers Readership Program

State Chambers offers a twelve-month readership programme designed to develop emerging barristers in the specialist areas in which our members practice. As one of New South Wales’ leading chambers for Employment Law, Work Health and Safety, Common Law, Public Law and Criminal Law, our readers gain direct exposure to the complex, high‑profile and often sensitive matters that define practice on our floor.

In addition to our core practice areas, members of State Chambers also appear extensively in:

Administrative law, including judicial review and disciplinary matters
Regulatory and compliance proceedings, particularly those involving workplace, safety, and governance obligations
Inquests, inquiries and commissions, where our barristers regularly act for government agencies, corporations, and individuals
Appellate work across state and federal jurisdictions

This breadth of practice ensures readers develop strong foundations across the full spectrum of matters undertaken by chambers.

Accommodation and Licensing

Readers are accommodated within State Chambers for the duration of their readership year. At the conclusion of the readership period, readers are typically offered the opportunity to license or purchase chambers, supporting continuity of practice and integration into the floor.

All members, licensees and readers are located within State Chambers’ premises, fostering daily interaction, collegiality, and professional development. This shared environment is central to the culture of the floor and the growth of our readers.

Work and Practice Exposure

Members of State Chambers refer a substantial volume of work to readers. Applicants will benefit from having experience or demonstrated interest in our primary practice areas, particularly employment law, WHS, common law litigation, crime, administrative law, and regulatory matters.

Many of our current members commenced their careers through the State Chambers readership programme, either directly or following a period of licensing. The programme is regarded as an essential pathway into long‑term practice at the floor.

Tutors

Each reader must have a tutor who is a member of State Chambers. Tutors must be barristers of at least seven years’ standing (unless special dispensation is granted by the Bar Association) and must not be senior counsel. The Clerk can assist prospective readers in identifying an appropriate tutor, and applicants are welcome to contact members directly.

How to Apply

Reader positions at State Chambers are highly sought after, and applications are welcome at any time.

Applicants may submit their expression of interest in writing to the Clerk at any stage. There is no formal closing date, and early engagement is encouraged.

Applications should include:

A current curriculum vitae
Relevant academic transcripts
Contact details for referees

All applications will be treated confidentially.

Get in touch

Contact State Chambers

For all enquiries regarding State Chambers or for more information regarding our barristers’ experience, expertise and fees, please contact our Clerk, Kirrillee Gardiner at clerk@statechambers.net