Pupillage is the final stage of training to become a barrister. It is a 12-month period divided into a non-practising six (shadowing your supervisor) and a practising six (taking on your own cases under supervision). Competition is fierce — there are approximately 1,800 applications for every 400 pupillages available.
1. Academic Requirements
Most chambers require a 2:1 degree minimum, with many top sets expecting a First. Some chambers also consider A-level grades. However, academic excellence alone is not enough — chambers look for well-rounded candidates with advocacy skills.
2. Essential Experience
- Mini-pupillages: Spend 1–5 days shadowing a barrister. Apply directly to chambers. Aim for 3–5 mini-pupillages across different practice areas
- Mooting: Competitive mooting demonstrates advocacy skills. Enter university competitions and, if possible, national competitions (e.g., OUP/BPP Moot, Essex Court Chambers National Moot)
- Debating: Shows oral communication skills and the ability to think on your feet
- Pro bono/marshalling: Volunteering at legal advice clinics or marshalling a judge provides practical insight
3. The Pupillage Gateway
Most chambers recruit through the Pupillage Gateway, an online portal managed by the Bar Council. The typical timeline:
| Stage | Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | January | Complete online form with competency questions |
| Applications close | February | Submit to up to 20 chambers |
| First-round interviews | March–April | Typically 20–30 minutes |
| Second-round interviews | April–May | Often includes advocacy exercise |
| Offers | May | Made on a single designated day |
4. The Application Form
Gateway applications typically include questions about:
- Why the Bar? — Demonstrate understanding of what barristers actually do
- Why this chambers? — Show specific knowledge of their practice areas and culture
- Analytical ability: — Often a legal problem or ethical scenario
- Achievements and experiences: — Focus on skills relevant to advocacy
5. Interview Preparation
Pupillage interviews often include a legal problem question given 30 minutes before the interview. You must analyse the problem and present your arguments orally. Practise this format repeatedly — it is the single most important skill to develop.