Understanding the Pupillage Gateway (as well as Pupillage Gateway Applications) is vital for those wishing to become a barrister. Nonetheless, it’s still worth understanding if you’re pursuing a different legal career! A pupillage is the final, practical stage of training to become a barrister and is undertaken under the supervision of an experienced barrister. Understandably, securing a pupillage position is often a stressful and time-consuming process, not entirely dissimilar to obtaining a training contract for those familiar with the route solicitors take. In simple terms, the Pupillage Gateway is a centralised system for applicants to apply for pupillages at barristers’ chambers.
The Pupillage Gateway was launched in March 2013 as a means by which Authorised Education and Training Organisations (AETOs) can advertise pupillages and manage applications. The Pupillage Gateway succeeded the Online Pupillage Application System (OLPAS), which was deemed unsatisfactory. From 1 November 2020 onwards, all AETOs must recruit as per the Pupillage Gateway portal’s pre-determined timetable. Whilst not all chambers accept direct applications via the Pupillage Gateway, all pupillages must be advertised through the Gateway.
It’ll be made clear in the listing whether you should apply directly to the relevant chambers, or if you’re able to apply through the Pupillage Gateway. Approximately 100 chambers permit applications through the Gateway. The Gateway also has the capability to anonymise personal information if the Chambers would prefer for short listers to review applications blind (i.e. to not to see any identifying information when reviewing applications).
When do You Apply for Pupillage Gateway?
For those looking to obtain a pupillage, it’s imperative you keep an eye on important deadlines throughout the year. Deadlines of significance can be viewed on the Pupillage Gateway website but include the publication of advertisements in late November and close in early February. Also included on the website is the date on which offers are made, and the deadline for accepting initial offers. Unlike OLPAS, who limited the number of applications to 12, the Pupillage Gateway permits up to 20 applications per candidate.
How to Register for Pupillage Gateway
To register for the Pupillage Gateway, you should visit pupillagegateway.com and click on ‘sign up’ within the menu. You will first be asked to input your email address, and then, on the next page, your personal details. Once you have filled in all fields, you click the ‘register’ button. It may take a few minutes, but you will receive an activation email in the email account you registered with. If one doesn’t arrive, check your junk/spam folder. If one still isn’t there, make sure to check you spelt your email address correctly when registering. If you still don’t have any luck, contact the Jobs Go Public Support Team (JGP assists in the running of the platform). Once you have successfully activated your account, you will be asked to set a password which will keep your account secure. Then you are free to begin searching for pupillage vacancies! The system lets you refine your search through Advanced Search, as well as bookmark any vacancies of interest and create saved searches.
About Pupillage Gateway Application
When applying to the Pupillage Gateway, it is important to manage your expectations. You may be an outstanding candidate and still not manage to secure a pupillage. Whilst the Bar Standards Board’s statistics show that for the 2019/2020 year 1,685 students were enrolled, with fewer than 400 pupillages available. As of 31 March 2021, only 10% of UK/EU enrolled BPTC graduates had commenced a pupillage. It is therefore common that people go through the process more than once; try not to be disheartened if this is your case!
The Pupillage Gateway system requires you to complete a standard application form for each set you apply to. These forms include your personal information, education and results, plus any relevant awards, work experience and scholarships you may have received. Like a CV, you should tailor each application to the chambers you are applying to, for a better chance of succeeding. The Gateway also includes a Practice Application Form which allows you to prepare your information online prior to the opening of the application period. Contained on the same page as the Practice Application Form is the sample application form pdf which can be downloaded to provide further insight.
Most Commonly Asked Pupillage Application Questions and Answers
What is a pupillage?
- A pupillage is the final and practical element of a barrister’s training. All UK Barrister qualification routes end in a pupillage.
Is it difficult to secure a pupillage?
- Yes, but not impossible by any means. It is extremely important that you ‘sell’ yourself in your application. Make sure you highlight on your Gateway Application all your achievements, be they academic, extra-curricular, or personal. Chambers don’t just look for good grades, but also for evidence of resilience, leadership skills and the ability to work as part of a team, amongst a plethora of other factors. You will likely be asked about what you have written in your application at interview so make sure you keep a note of what it is you have included.
I trained as a solicitor, but now I want to be a barrister. Can this be done without a pupillage?
- If you are a qualified solicitor wanting to transition to the Bar, you should apply to the Bar Standards Board. They will then make the decision on whether to call you to the Bar based on your previous legal experience and qualifications. They may exempt you from some, or all, requirements for training for the Bar. If you are exempted from only some aspects of training, you will only have them granted once you have passed the Bar Transfer Test. You will not be exempted from a pupillage. As a transferring professional, you will also be able to use the Pupillage Gateway.
Is the pupillage gateway free to use?
- Yes!
Are all pupillage vacancy adverts the same?
- However, all AETOs are required by the Bar Standard Board’s Bar Qualification Manual to provide sufficient information. The information provided will normally include: the application process and deadlines, and the criteria the AETO uses to assess applicants, prospects at the end of the pupillage and the process for applying for tenancy. AETOs will tailor their vacancy advertisements, so don’t expect them to be identical per inns.
How do I choose which type of pupillage/practice area to apply for?
- Not everyone will know which practice area they wish to specialise in at the beginning of the application process, and many still don’t by the end. That’s nothing to worry about, as many sets offer pupillages which allow you to view many different practice areas. Just make it clear in your application that you are interested in various areas of the law. Equally, if you know which area you’d like to specialise in, there will be inns looking for candidates interested in a specific area.
How will I know if a set will be a good fit for me?
- The short answer is research! A number of sets will have a have a healthy online presence. Follow them on Twitter, look at their website and at all the information they provide about themselves. Have a look at the profiles of their most recent pupils and junior tenants and see how you compare. If their information online is limited, look at their LinkedIn profiles and consider reaching out. They will be able to provide an insight as to their route to that chamber, plus it’s generally helpful to get information from those who have been successful in the process as you go through it.
I know I can make up to 20 applications, should I?
- In theory by applying for 20 sets, you are increasing the odds of being accepted, right? Not necessarily. If you are doing 20 rushed, generic applications you are unlikely to get very far. You are better off prioritising a small number of well-researched, well-written applications to sets you would genuinely like to undertake your pupillage at. However, if you do have the time to write excellent applications to all 20, then go ahead!
By Tara Williams-Ryan
