Pupillage application guide
Read the pupillage application guide for expert tips on becoming a barrister, including advice and insights from BPP alumni and pupil barrister Kieron Spoors.
If you want to become a barrister, you’ll need to undertake a period of training known as pupillage. Once you’ve completed the Barrister Training Course (BTC), you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in on-the-job training supervised by experienced barristers.
Everything you need to know about pupillage.
If you’ve previously completed a mini-pupillage, you’ll have an idea of what to expect. Pupillage is usually completed in chambers, but it can be undertaken at an employed bar organisation like a law firm, the Government Legal Department, or the Crown Prosecution Service.
Attaining pupillage is very competitive. If you’re wondering how to get pupillage, we’ve created this guide to help you make your application stand out.
We’ve also included some top tips and advice from BPP alumni and future 5 Essex Chambers pupil Kieron Spoors.
We’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
How to choose which barristers’ chambers to apply for
How to create your pupillage application CV and cover letter
How to create a pupillage application
How to prepare for a pupillage interview
Read on for a step-by-step guide that will get you ready to apply for pupillage.
Aspiring solicitor? Read our law firm application guide.
How to research barristers’ chambers
You should thoroughly research the chambers you’re applying to.
While researching, aim to:
Be familiar with the types of law they practise
Profile the barristers that work there and their background
Read any recent news about the chambers to round out your contextual knowledge
Using sites such as Legal Cheek, Legal 500, and Chambers Student will help you carry out your initial research. For more in-depth and interactive research, you should:
Look through the chamber’s website
Attend pupillage fairs
Use LinkedIn to follow the chambers and connect with practising barristers
Watch the video to find out what it’s like to attend an online pupillage fair.
Book an upcoming pupillage fair
“A piece of advice about research: record it. I created a Word document that tracked the websites I visited and the notes I took during pupillage events. Doing this will make it easier for you when you’re completing the application form and preparing for interviews.”
Which chambers is right for you?
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to deciding which chambers is for you, then begin by thinking about two factors:
Location: where would you like to begin your law career? While many barristers’ chambers are in London, you’ll find regional sets across the country.
Law practice area: think about what field of law you would like to practise in, and see which chambers specialise in this field. If you need some help deciding on a practice area, read our guide.
Creating your CV and cover letter for a pupillage application
When deciding on what to put on your CV, prioritise what will help you demonstrate why you’re going to make a great barrister.
You can start by breaking down the skills you need to become a barrister, including:
Oral advocacy
Written advocacy
Attention to detail
Problem solving and creativity
Read our barrister vs solicitor guide to see more skills you’ll need.
Next, think about experiences you’ve had, and how they have helped you develop and demonstrate each skill. Make sure you know your CV back to front and be prepared to speak about your experience and skills in the pupillage interview.
Not sure what to write about? Undertaking pro bono, work experience and mini-pupillages are all great ways of building your CV with evidence of your potential as a future barrister.
Pupillage application cover letter
If you’re submitting your application outside of the pupillage gateway, you will also need to write a cover letter.
You can follow this formula for constructing a great cover letter:
Begin with a short introduction, including your purpose for writing (100 words).
Next, a paragraph about why you want to practise law, and why you want to become a barrister (200 words).
Follow this with your reasons for applying to the chambers, this is where your detailed research can come into play (200 words).
Finish with what you can bring to the chambers, what makes you stand out, and your skills (200 words).
How to write a pupillage application
Once you know what area you’re looking to practise in, have a shortlist of chambers, and have crafted your CV, you’re ready to begin your application.
When writing your application, make sure you take an evidence-based approach.
“The application is a piece of written advocacy and your first opportunity to showcase who you are and explain why chambers should consider you. It is not just what you say and how you say it. For each question, like any case, you need evidence and structure.”
Answering questions on a pupillage application
Many applicants struggle with open-ended questions on their application.
You may be asked questions such as:
What makes a good advocate?
Why this chambers?
While these may appear to be simple questions, they are not easy to answer. Be prepared to write multiple drafts before you find an answer you’re happy with.
Make sure you answer honestly and concisely. You should aim not to use long sentences when you can get the point across with fewer words.
If you’re struggling, use the rule of three technique:
“When answering open-ended questions, you can adopt the ‘power of three’, where you give three reasons and explain each but don’t feel bound by needing three points. Whichever way you structure your answer, back up everything you say with evidence.”
How to prepare for a pupillage interview
To help get you ready for your interview, we’ll run through some key tips to keep in mind when preparing. We’ve also included some pupillage interview example questions.
“The natural temptation is to think you need to rush out an answer straight away. Don’t! Just remember these three steps: Listen, Think, Respond.”
Know your application
You should make sure that you memorise your application and CV back to front. Interviewers will often start with questions based around your skills and experience. They may also want to discuss your academic history, as well as any extra-curricular activities you’ve taken part in.
Example questions:
Talk through your relevant experience
Were you in any societies at university?
What modules did you enjoy studying at university?
Advocate your opinions
The panel will want to test your advocacy skills by seeing if you can articulate an argument under pressure. Think about each question carefully and take time before responding to present a considered argument.
If it helps, make notes on a pad as the interviewer says the question.
“Firstly, listen carefully to the question. It might be worth writing it down. If you need the question clarified, don’t hesitate to ask. Next, take some time to think about your answers. Don’t be worried about asking the panel for a moment to gather your thoughts. The panel will understand that you are nervous, and they want you to do well in the interview. Use it to jot down and structure your thoughts on paper.”
During your interview, expect the panel to challenge you on your points, and be prepared to defend your arguments. Stay calm and use reasoned, well-balanced arguments to avoid being caught out.
Example questions:
What current law cases have caught your attention, and why?
What area of law interests you the most?
Do you agree with the death penalty?
Read our advocacy skills guide.
Prepare to prove your enthusiasm
The pupillage interview is an opportunity for you to prove why you want a career in law.
Prove your motivation by demonstrating your personal experience and aspirations. You can stand out by discussing how pro bono or mini-pupillage has developed you as an aspiring barrister, and any practising barristers that have inspired you.
Demonstrate what sparked your enthusiasm for the profession, and link this with the culture of the chambers you are applying for, as well as any relevant skills and attributes you have.
Reach out for help
There are resources and people out there ready to help you through the process.
Firstly, there will be many aspiring barristers who will be in the same position as you. Working together to practise interview techniques and crafting applications is a productive way to keep yourself motivated.
Careers services are also available to give expert advice on your application and CV, and to prepare you with mock interviews. Our Careers team are available to you from the moment you accept your offer and pay your deposit.
“You can talk to pupils and tenants, the people who have been through the process. I went to several of my friends who were barristers or had pupillage coming up for advice or their thoughts about drafts of my application form. I even reach out, via LinkedIn, to pupils and junior tenants at chambers to ask about the kind of work they do. It takes confidence to reach out, but many will be delighted to help if you ask.”
Look after yourself
Your health comes first. Applying for pupillage is a process, and throughout there will be rejections and moments where you have to pick yourself back up and try again.
Make sure you find time for hobbies, exercise, and relaxation. By looking after yourself, you will make your application better too.
“Look after yourself and your mental health. The application process can be long and, at times, tedious. Look after yourself by taking breaks and doing something fun (for me, that was learning Scottish dancing). Be there for your friends who are also applying for pupillage. When you do apply for pupillage, go into it with a healthy mindset. Be determined to give yourself the best chance of success while also trying to enjoy the process and learn lessons should you need to apply again.”
Final thoughts
Remember, don’t take rejections personally. Pupillages are extremely competitive, and you should prepare to move on to the next opportunity with a positive mindset if you’re unsuccessful at first.
“Many barristers got pupillage after multiple attempts. Mary Prior KC pointed out that at the Bar, no one will ask you how many times it took. You will become a barrister, and you will deserve to be one. Your best is yet to come.”
