Pupillage Applications Help
Pupillage is the final stage of training to become a barrister in England and Wales, and one of the most competitive steps in any legal career. Chambers look for outstanding written and oral advocacy, sound judgement and genuine commitment to their area of practice. Our pupillage consultants give you one to one support at every stage, in London and online, so your application and interviews show you at your very best.
Most chambers recruit pupils through the Bar Council's Pupillage Gateway, which usually opens once a year, while some chambers recruit directly through their own application process. Many candidates apply while still studying, often a year or more before their pupillage would begin, so preparation can start well before you complete the Bar course.
How we help
Choosing chambers
- Exploring practice areas such as commercial, chancery, criminal, family, public and employment law
- Researching sets and matching them to your experience
- Planning Gateway and direct applications
Written applications
- Pupillage Gateway application forms
- Applications made directly to chambers
- Chambers specific questions and written submissions
- Detailed feedback on every draft
Mini pupillages
- Mini pupillage applications
- Preparing for assessed mini pupillages
- Making the most of your time in chambers
Written tests and advocacy
- Written problem questions and opinions
- Advocacy exercises such as submissions and pleas in mitigation
- Preparing and presenting under time pressure
Interviews
- First and second round panel interviews
- Legal problems, ethical dilemmas and current affairs questions
- Realistic mock interviews with detailed feedback
Scholarships and your profile
- Inns of Court scholarship applications and interviews
- Building experience through mooting, debating, marshalling and pro bono work
- Presenting your achievements persuasively
Who we help
- Law students and graduates preparing for their first pupillage applications
- Non law graduates who have converted through the PGDL
- Bar course students and graduates on the BTC and BPC
- Candidates reapplying after previous application rounds
- Foreign qualified lawyers transferring to the Bar through the transferring qualified lawyer route
Our consultants
Our pupillage consultants include qualified barristers and Bar course specialists who understand how chambers assess applications, written work and advocacy. Browse our team to find out more.
How it works
- Tell us about your goals. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp with your target chambers and timeline.
- Meet your consultant. We match you with a consultant who suits your background and chosen area of practice.
- Work through each stage. One to one sessions online or in person, from your first draft to your final interview.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for pupillage?
Most chambers recruit through the Pupillage Gateway, which usually runs once a year, and many recruit a year or more before pupillage begins. Some chambers recruit directly at other times of year, so it is worth checking each set's timetable early.
Do I need to have finished the Bar course before I apply?
No. Many candidates apply before or during the Bar course. You will need to complete the vocational stage of training before your pupillage begins.
How important are mini pupillages?
Mini pupillages help you understand a practice area and show chambers your commitment. Some chambers run assessed mini pupillages as part of their recruitment process, so careful preparation matters.
