Pupillage

The last step on the road to the Bar and often referred to as the work-based learning element of barrister training, pupillage is where you put theory into practice

What is pupillage?

Following successful completion of a Bar course, pupillage with an Authorised Education and Training Organisation (AETO) such as a chambers, is the final step to becoming a barrister.

Pupillage is where you gain practical training under the supervision of a barrister or barristers. Usually lasting 12 months, it’s split into two six-month periods of on-the-job training, known as 'sixes'. Equivalent to a solicitor's training contract, you need to successfully complete the year to be able to practice as a barrister.

Meanwhile, a mini pupillage is a short period of work experience in a set of chambers, Bar Standards Board (BSB) authorised body or another type of AETO. This type of experience can be incredibly useful, as it provides an invaluable insight into life at the Bar. What's more, the contacts you make when undertaking a mini pupillage may be able to offer advice and assist in finding pupillage opportunities.

When does pupillage start?

Pupillages usually start in September or October one year after being accepted by chambers. You should start looking at what's available at the beginning of the second year of your law degree (or the third year of a non-law degree). As a general rule, apply for pupillage at least a year in advance.

The Pupillage Gateway operates one application season, which opens around January each year and closes early February. Chambers using this system then make offers at the beginning of May, which is about 17 months before pupillage starts.

You need to register your pupillage with your Inn of court and the BSB. You usually need to complete a pupillage registration form and submit it to both parties as soon as possible.

What does pupillage involve?

The 'first six' of a pupillage forms the non-practising element, where pupils spend six months shadowing a barrister - or different barristers for two three-month periods. You'll accompany them to court, conferences and consultations, as well as providing assistance with their papers.

Pupils' work includes research and drafting opinions and arguments. Some will be assessed exercises rather than anything that's seen by a client. Later, there may be work for other members of chambers - including 'devilling', where pupils prepare opinions for barristers to use as their own. Formal training in advocacy and advice must be fitted in too.

In the second six, the practising element, a pupil will have a provisional practising certificate and will be able to provide legal services to the public, under the supervision of their pupil supervisor(s). Depending on what sort of work their chambers do, this is the time when pupils begin to appear in court. Opportunities for advocacy will be much more frequent at the criminal Bar, while those in commercial sets tend to focus more on written opinions, pleadings and other paperwork.

Pupils are also required to complete an Advocacy Training Course in their first six months and Practice Management Course in their second.

However, the most important part of pupillage is when pupils find out whether they have tenancy. This decision may be based on a supervisor's assessment of the pupil's work, or it could include some formal advocacy exercises. Some chambers take on more pupils than they have tenancies, so not all pupils can be taken on. Check what policy each chambers has.

At the end of the practising period, you need to submit a certificate from your supervisor certifying that the practising period has been completed. If the Practice Management Course has also been completed, the BSB will give you a Full Qualification Certificate.

You then need to apply for a Full Practising Certificate to start to practise as a barrister.

Am I eligible for pupillage?

Graduates must beat tough competition to make the transition from student to tenant (established barrister) in chambers or an employed barrister within a company or firm. The main stages of training that you must complete are:

• Work experience - From mini-pupillages in chambers to pro bono work, this is the first step on the way to the Bar.
• Academic stage - An undergraduate degree in law (LLB) or alternatively an undergraduate degree in any subject followed by a law conversion course.
• Vocational stage - choose a Bar course, usually one year of full-time study or two years part time.

You then do your pupillage before moving onto the final stage to obtain tenancy in a set of barristers' chambers as a self-employed barrister, or to go into practice as an employed barrister.

There is tough competition to land a pupillage, with applicants far outweighing places. You will need to be realistic about your options and gain as much experience as you can to stand out.

How much are pupil barristers paid?

The BSB advise on minimum pupillage awards. 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.

For example for pupils recruited in 2024:

• Park Square - £27,000
• 1 Hare Court - £50,000
• 5 Essex Chambers - £65,000
• Hailsham Chambers - £70,000
• Essex Court Chambers - £75,000
• Brick Court Chambers - £75,000
• Atkin Chambers - £80,000.

How do I choose chambers?

Before you apply for your pupillage you need to decide on the type of chambers you want to work in. Ask yourself do you want to work in common, criminal or commercial law? Do you want to spend lots of time in court or are you happier in chambers? Some firms will work across all three areas, while others will concentrate on just one.

It's not just about the work, you also need to make sure your lifestyle and personality are a good fit for the organisation. Look at their website and social media channels to see what they're about and what other people are saying about them.

You also need to make sure that you get the location right. It's not all about London-based chambers and with tough competition for places it's worth looking outside the capital. When looking at locations make sure you consider living costs, travel costs, the type of work they have and the clients they deal with.

To find out which type of law would suit you carry out work experience and mini-pupillages to get a feel for different chambers.

Bear in mind that it's as much about you choosing chambers as it is about chambers choosing you.

How do I apply for a pupillage?

The majority of chambers accept applications through the Pupillage Gateway. Applicants may submit up to 20 applications.

All chambers advertise on the gateway website, but some require you to apply directly to them with your CV and a cover letter. Get tips on writing a legal CV and cover letter. Those that require you to apply directly may advertise at any time of year.

Each application must show that you know the chambers' work, and have the skills, knowledge and interests that they're looking for. It's the quality of your application that'll help you get to the Bar, so crafting it should take hours rather than minutes.

Pupillages are usually advertised 18 months in advance, but it can sometimes be as little as six months or as much as two years.

What if my pupillage application is unsuccessful?

Getting a pupillage is an extremely competitive process. If you're unsuccessful the first thing to do is ask for feedback, because if you don't know where you went wrong how can you improve?

While rejections are painful you should use the year between now and when you can next apply to build your experience through mini-pupillages or shadowing a barrister to give you more of an insight into the role. Find out more about law work experience.

If work experience wasn’t the issue, maybe your application let you down? Before you next apply really make sure you've researched the chambers you're applying to and tailor each application.

Find out more

• Read up on how to become a lawyer.