A mini-pupillage is a good form of work experience that students can get before qualifying as a lawyer. The experience is typically for students aspiring to become barristers but is available to all students interested in the work that goes on in a barristers chambers. The mini-pupillage can serve as a good insight for students into a barrister’s work and to get a feel for the chamber as a workplace. Many chambers also use mini-pupillages as a way for them to get a first look at potential candidates for pupillage later on.
What do You do at a Mini-Pupillage?
Mini pupillages will differ depending on which chamber you attend, however, all will involve students shadowing a barrister. Many will give you the opportunity to get involved in attending client meetings, reviewing paperwork, completing administrative tasks or carrying out legal research. You may also be given the opportunity to observe barristers in court. The structure of the mini-pupillage is different in each chamber but most will also depend largely on the barrister you’ve been allocated to shadow.
A mini-pupillage can last from one day to two weeks varying from chamber to chamber.
Some chambers require a mini-pupillage be assessed in order for you to be considered as a pupillage applicant later on. In these cases, your experience may be supervised against criteria as a whole or you may be given a short assessment at the end of the mini-pupillage.
Why Should You do a Mini-Pupillage?
For students unsure about their future career path, a mini-pupillage will give beneficial insight into a barrister’s work. For those already decided on becoming a barrister, it is a crucial form of work experience that enables you to prove your interest in a career at the Bar whilst also giving you the opportunity to leave an impression on the chambers.
For chambers that assess their mini-pupillages when considering pupillage applications, you must do well during the mini-pupillage in order to secure a position at the chambers in the future.
A mini-pupillage is also a great way to improve your skills. Though the tasks may differ based on the chamber you are at, you will be sure to encounter tasks that will test your writing, communication, and analytical skills; all skills that will benefit you in the long run.
Mini-Pupillage Application
Each chamber sets out its own set of application requirements; they are usually either:
- A CV and covering letter; or
- An application form
Where an application form is required, you should be prepared to answer questions such as:
- Why do you want a mini-pupillage
- Why you have applied to that particular chamber
- Why you want to be a barrister
- Why you would make a good barrister
Most chambers will write on their website what they require for a mini-pupillage application.
When to Apply for a Mini-Pupillage
Like the requirements, deadlines for applications depend on the individual chambers. If a chamber accepts rolling applications then you are able to apply at any point throughout the year. Many chambers will have two or three application rounds per year that in order to be eligible, you must apply within the set time window. You should find out the application deadlines for your chambers of interest as soon as possible in order to best prepare your application.
Who Can Apply for a Mini-Pupillage?
Though eligibility also varies from chamber to chamber, most opportunities will be available to those who are:
- Studying a law degree at a university
- Studying the Postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)
- Studying the Bar Course
- Postgraduates considering a legal career
Salary and Benefits
Each chamber has different offers to students. Most mini-pupillages won’t offer a monetary reward for participation, however, some chambers will be happy to reimburse you for any travel costs. There are chambers that will also reimburse accommodation costs for those travelling from further distances.
By Stephanie Heringa
