Pupillage is a 12-month period of practical training divided into a non-practising six and a practising six.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Gateway opens | January |
| Application deadline | February |
| First-round interviews | March-May |
| Offers made | May-July |
| Pupillage starts | October (following year) |
What Chambers Look For
Academic excellence (first or strong 2:1), advocacy skills (mooting, debating), legal knowledge, impeccable written skills, and resilience.
Building Your Profile
Apply for mini-pupillages, participate in mooting, volunteer at the Free Representation Unit or law clinics, and marshal with judges.
The Numbers
Approximately 250-300 pupillages available each year for 2,000+ applicants. Persistence is essential.