Mini Pupillage
An assessed mini-pupillage is an important part of our application process for pupillage. Whilst not a requirement, it is very strongly recommended and we are likely to offer an interview to those who have not done an assessed mini-pupillage only in exceptional cases.
An assessed mini-pupillage offers an important opportunity for us to assess your suitability for pupillage and, ultimately, tenancy by looking beyond your academic background to consider for ourselves the skills which we consider are important for successful practice within our chambers.
Equally, it offers you an opportunity to consider whether you wish to make an application to us. During the week you will meet a range of members of chambers, in both a formal and an informal context, and see some of our work. You will be able to ask us questions about practice and about chambers. We will ask you to complete a piece of work which will be considered by two members of chambers. At the end of the week you will be asked questions about the work which you have produced and offered constructive feedback on it. You will be assessed on the written work and on the oral discussion.
Places for assessed mini-pupillages are limited and are offered only to candidates who demonstrate exceptional qualities in their application. The main qualities which we think are necessary for a successful barrister are
- an analytical mind
- an ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing
- the ability to think under pressure
- a commitment to hard work
- an organised approach to practice
- a capacity to understand, and show understanding of, the needs and problems of those for whom and with whom they work
A first or higher upper second class degree (in any academic field) is required. It is for a candidate to demonstrate their abilities. If you have undertaken courses outside England and Wales, we strongly suggest that you put your results into context.
Applications for mini-pupillage should be made on the application form available here. The deadline for assessed mini-pupillage applications is 1 May in the year in which you are applying for pupillage through OLPAS. However, we strongly recommend that an application is made as early as possible in the 12 months prior to your OLPAS application as places are limited.
Unassessed Mini-Pupillages
We also offer some unassessed mini-pupillages for those who are at an earlier stage of their legal studies and who wish to consider practising as a barrister within our areas of expertise. Again places are limited and we are only able to offer unassessed mini-pupillages to applicants who demonstrate exceptional qualities.
We accept applications for unassessed mini-pupillages year round on the application form available at here.