Cameron Miranda
Pupillage is a key part of training to become a barrister. It is the final practical stage of training required to qualify as a barrister in England and Wales. Pupillage is a 12-month training period undertaken following the Bar Course, during which aspiring barristers are assigned a 'pupil supervisor' who acts as their mentor. Pupils shadow their supervisor, do research and paperwork, attend court with them, and share an office. Pupillage is split into two six-month training periods: non-practising and practising. During the second six months, trainee barristers receive a provisional practising certificate, allowing them to take on their own cases and appear in court. Pupillage opportunities are highly competitive, with applicants far outweighing places. Aspiring barristers can undertake mini-pupillages to gain work experience and boost their CVs for pupillage applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A key part of training to become a barrister. |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Timing | Pupillage usually starts in September or October one year after being accepted by chambers. |
| Application | The most common way to apply is through the Pupillage Gateway, which opens in January and closes in February. |
| Application Limit | 20 applications through the Pupillage Gateway. |
| Application Time | It is recommended to start preparing for the application a year in advance. |
| Application Requirements | A law degree or a degree in another subject with a law conversion course, and a bar training course. |
| Application Strengtheners | Work experience, mooting competitions, pro bono work, and mini-pupillages. |
| Application Considerations | The size and location of the chambers, the reputation of the barristers, the types of cases handled, the area of law, and the culture of the chambers. |
| Salary | As of January 2024, the minimum salary for pupil barristers in London is £23,078 per year, while those outside London should earn a minimum of £21,060. |
| Work | Shadowing a supervisor, doing research and paperwork, and going to court. |
| Supervisor | Assigned a supervisor who acts as a mentor. |
| Second Six | Officially allowed to take your own cases, depending on the type of set. |
| Certification | At the end of each six months, the supervisor must certify that the trainee has covered all the required ground satisfactorily. |
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What You'll Learn
Pupillage is a key part of training to become a barrister
Before applying for a pupillage, aspiring barristers should decide on the type of chambers they want to work in. This involves choosing the area of law they want to pursue, such as common law, commercial law, or criminal law, and considering whether they want to spend more time in the courtroom or in chambers. Some chambers cover all three areas of law, while others specialise in just one. It is also important to ensure that your personality and lifestyle are a good fit for the chambers.
The application process for pupillage is highly competitive, with rigorous selection procedures and many more applicants than available places. Aspiring barristers should start looking at what is available during the second year of their law degree or the third year of a non-law degree. The centralised Pupillage Gateway system, which most chambers use, opens for applications in January and closes a few weeks later. Through this system, candidates can submit up to 20 applications to chambers or authorised training organisations (ATOs). However, some chambers accept direct applications, for which there is no limit on the number of submissions.
To strengthen their applications, candidates can gain work experience through mini-pupillages, mooting competitions, or pro bono work. Mini-pupillages, which typically last from one day to two weeks, provide an opportunity to gain valuable insights into life at the Bar and make contacts who can offer advice and assistance in finding pupillage opportunities. Candidates should also research the chambers they are applying to, demonstrating their knowledge of the chambers' work, culture, and training approach in their applications.
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Pupillage applications are highly competitive
Pupillage is a key part of training to become a barrister. It is a year-long process where aspiring barristers put theory into practice under the guidance of a pupil supervisor. Pupillage applications are highly competitive, with applicants far outweighing available places. To stand out, candidates must showcase their skills, knowledge, and interests, as well as their commitment to the Bar.
The application process for pupillage can be challenging, and candidates should be prepared for potential rejections. It is crucial to demonstrate a strong academic record, legal work experience, and extra-curricular activities. Candidates should also showcase their non-legal experience and highlight how their personality and lifestyle align with the organisation's culture. Being candid about the challenges of the job and demonstrating resilience are key aspects of a successful application.
To increase their chances of success, applicants should start by researching and identifying the type of chambers they want to work in, including the area of law they wish to pursue and the location that suits their preferences and strengths. They should review the website, social media presence, and recent cases of the chambers they are interested in to gain insights into their work culture and values.
Additionally, gaining relevant work experience is essential. Mini-pupillages, pro bono work, and mooting competitions can provide valuable insights into life at the Bar and help build a strong CV. Networking events and Inns of Court can also offer opportunities to make connections and gain advice.
When applying, candidates should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines, as well as tailor their applications to showcase how their skills and interests align with the chambers' work. They should be prepared for problem-solving questions and interviews, demonstrating their knowledge of current affairs, especially those related to the chambers' specialism.
Overall, a successful pupillage application requires a well-crafted and personalised approach, demonstrating a strong fit between the candidate's skills, interests, and the chambers' work and culture. With perseverance and a commitment to continuous improvement, applicants can enhance their chances of securing a pupillage position despite the highly competitive nature of the process.
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Pupillage Gateway is the centralised application system
The Pupillage Gateway is the centralised application system for aspiring barristers in the UK. It is an essential resource for anyone looking to pursue a career at the Bar, as it serves as the official online application system for pupillage. The Gateway is operated by the Bar Council, and all vacancies for pupillage must be advertised through this portal.
The Pupillage Gateway allows candidates to submit a maximum of 20 applications for pupillage. It is important to customise each application to fit the unique ethos and requirements of each chamber. The portal provides a user guide, which outlines the application process, including how to complete the standardised Practice Application Form. This form requires candidates to provide a detailed account of why they would make a good barrister and why chambers should choose them. It is also important to demonstrate interests and hobbies outside of work, such as charity or pro bono work.
The Pupillage Gateway has one application season, which starts in January and closes in early February. Chambers using this system then make offers at the beginning of May, about 17 months before pupillage starts. Candidates can track the progress of their applications through the portal.
To register for the Pupillage Gateway, candidates need to create an account using their email address and a password. This allows them to upload information relating to their academic background, work experience, and references, which can then be automatically copied to their applications. The Bar Council also provides a Sample Application Form that can be downloaded and practised to streamline the application process.
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Pupillage awards are financial support provided by chambers
Pupillage is a key part of training to become a barrister. Pupillage awards are financial incentives provided by chambers to pupils (or trainee barristers) for the duration of their pupillage. These awards are designed to offset the costs of training and, in some cases, living expenses. The size of the award can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the location of the chambers and the area of law they focus on. For example, London-based chambers generally offer higher awards compared to those in regional areas. The awards have been set after consulting the Living Wage Foundation's hourly rate recommendations, which are announced annually each November.
There is a stark contrast in pupillage awards across various chambers and areas of practice. Commercial chambers tend to provide more substantial awards, sometimes exceeding £75,000 per year. As of January 2022, the minimum award for 12-month pupillages in London is £19,144 per year, while it is £17,152 for pupillages outside London. As of January 2024, pupil barristers in London should receive £23,078 per year, while those outside the capital should earn a minimum of £21,060. Chambers often pay more than the minimum, but awards vary between chambers and practice areas.
The tax treatment of pupillage awards can vary depending on the source of the award and the length of your pupillage. There are two primary options for tax treatment: The first option is for the award for the first six months to be tax-free, while the award for the second six months is considered normal professional earnings. The second option is for both awards to be taxable as income. The decision between these options depends on several factors, such as the size of the award and other income sources. Given the complexity of pupillage award taxation, it is advisable to consult with experienced members of your chamber or a specialised accountant to make informed financial decisions.
The process of applying for a pupillage can be highly competitive, with applicants far outweighing places. Pupillage awards are an important consideration when choosing a chambers for your pupillage. It is advisable to target chambers that align with your areas of interest while also offering competitive financial packages. Additionally, research thoroughly to understand the full scope of what each pupillage award covers. Some chambers may offer a basic stipend but provide substantial support in other areas, such as training courses, travel allowances, or even rent subsidies.
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Pupillage is split into two six-month training periods
Pupillage is a key part of training to become a barrister. Pupillage is a 12-month training period that is split into two six-month training periods: the non-practising and practising stages. During the first six months, pupils will shadow their supervisor, do research and paperwork, and go to court with them. Pupils will also usually share an office with their supervisor.
In the second six months, pupils are officially allowed to take on their own cases and appear in court. However, whether they do so will depend on the type of set they are in. For example, at criminal and common law sets, there are often many small cases suitable for a second six pupils, while in commercial law chambers, cases tend to be too complex for pupils to handle on their own, and they will likely still spend most of their time assisting their supervisor. During the second six months, pupils will also complete further courses and training and are responsible for their own caseload.
To be eligible for pupillage, you must have completed, or be in the process of completing, your bar training course and meet the requirements of your chosen Inn. Pupillage is highly competitive, and applicants must gain as much experience as possible to stand out. This can be done through mini-pupillages, mooting competitions, or pro bono work. Pupillage applications are typically made through the Pupillage Gateway, where applicants can submit up to 20 applications. However, some chambers require applicants to apply through their own online application systems.
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Frequently asked questions
A common law pupillage is a type of pupillage where you will be working with cases relating to common law. Pupillage is a key part of training to become a barrister and is a period of work-based learning.
Pupillages usually last 12 months and are split into two six-month training periods. During the first six months, you will shadow a 'pupil supervisor', do research and paperwork, and go to court with them. In the second six months, you are allowed to take on your own cases.
The majority of chambers accept applications through the Pupillage Gateway, where you can submit up to 20 applications. You can also apply directly to chambers outside of the Pupillage Gateway, where there is no limit on the number of applications.
Pupillage applications are often made over a year in advance of their start date. The Pupillage Gateway is open during January and February each year. Chambers using this system make offers at the beginning of May, which is about 17 months before pupillage starts.
It is important to research the chambers you are applying to and tailor your application accordingly. Practical experience will also help strengthen your application. You could consider a mini-pupillage, mooting competitions, or pro bono work.
