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A mini pupillage is a short work experience placement that involves shadowing a barrister, possibly with the option of attending hearings in court. The length of a mini pupillage can vary from one day to two weeks. Typically, they run for three to four days.
These experiences can be particularly beneficial for aspiring barristers seeking to gain firsthand exposure to the legal profession before pursuing formal training such as the Bar Practice Course (BPC) offered by institutions like the University of Law, which provides comprehensive training for individuals aiming to become barristers.
Not only does a pupillage give you an insight into the profession, it also gives you the opportunity to leave a positive impression on the chambers. This is crucial if you are considering applying for a pupillage. If the chambers see your potential as a productive and motivated mini pupil they’re likely to look favourably on your pupillage application afterwards.
Mini pupillages are also advantageous in that that they enable you to:
Typical duties whilst undertaking a mini pupillage may include:
The exact structure of any mini pupillage is difficult to predict and, to a large extent, will be dictated by the caseload of the barrister you are shadowing. For example, if they are particularly busy, your tasks may be quite varied and exciting, but if they are less busy, it may be more challenging to find tasks you can get involved with.
Some mini pupillages may expect you to take a short assessment at the end, possibly as a summary test of what you have learned over your experience at the chambers, whereas others may simply expect feedback.
Applications for mini pupillage are usually made by way of either:
Either way, it is important to visit the websites of your target chambers for exact application details. If it is not clear from the website, you could give the chambers a call to find out more.
If you are required to complete an application form, you may be required to explain to the chambers:
Take a look at our Mini Pupillage Applications guide for more information on applying for mini pupillages
Opportunities to complete mini pupillages before university are rare. Chambers are generally more interested in taking on mini pupils who are:
Once you have submitted your mini pupillage application, you might be required to attend an interview. Some chambers make interviews compulsory in their selection process, however, others base their decision solely on your application.
If the post you are applying for is assessed and has the possibility of leading to pupillage, then an interview is likely.
Attending a mini pupillage interview is, in many respects, similar to attending an interview for pupillage. We therefore suggest that you take a look at our Pupillage Interview page for insight.
In short, yes. When applying for pupillage, you will be expected to demonstrate at least one relevant mini pupillage. Some chambers will be looking to see as many as three or four on your CV to demonstrate commitment to the profession and a strong desire to pursue a career at the Bar.
There’s no strict rule for how many mini pupillages you should complete. Emer Murphy, an experienced barrister at Wilberforce Chambers told The Lawyer Portal, ‘there is no magic number [of mini pupillages] to do, but I did 4-5 in my current practice area.
By all means, do more in other practice areas if you wish, but there is no need to put those down on your application.’
You can read Emer’s full case study on Barrister Case Study: Wilberforce Chambers.
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