How to get a mini pupillage

The ‘where’ of doing a mini-pupillage should be quite simple. Find out all you can about various chambers, especially the ones close to where you are located. (This information can be found in our ‘Chambers’ section.)

The ‘when’ may be a little more complicated – if you’re still at school, you definitely will not get a mini-pupillage; some chambers do advertise programmes for high school students, but these are few and far between.

Once you’ve begun your law degree, it becomes simpler to start looking out for chambers offering mini-pupillages. Non-law students will have to wait until they begin their CPE/GDL before they start looking.

The first thing you need to do is sample all the kinds of work available with different chambers to get an idea of where your talents and aptitudes will fit best. Once you have a rough idea of the areas you’d like to sample, you should begin applying for mini-pupillages to chambers with expertise in these areas.

It is imperative that you do at least one mini-pupillage before you apply for or complete a pupillage. Some chambers will make it a condition of the pupillage selection process that an assessed mini-pupillage at their chambers should be completed first.

The how

To apply for mini-pupillages, you normally will need to send a copy of your latest CV and a covering letter addressed specifically to the chamber you’re sending the CV to. Some chambers may have on-line applications you will need to submit instead, but all details should be available at the respective chambers’ websites.

As you would do your homework when applying for a pupillage or any other job in general, be thorough before sending out your mini-pupillage applications. Ensure the CV, covering letter or application details are carefully worded, without any spelling or grammatical errors.

Your writing should be crisp, cogent and to the point, and don’t use any fancy bells or whistles to jazz up your CV. Some other handy suggestions to remember: don’t be long-winded and use unnecessary jargon, mention relevant extracurricular and other activities you’ve participated in, subtly highlight significant achievements such as grades, prizes or medals for public speaking, etc.

Any work or projects that you have undertaken which involved some amount of people management, teamwork and communication skills are definitely worth a mention. The covering letter should provide details of your current status, why you are interested in a career at the Bar or why you want to be a barrister.

Don’t be over-elaborate in anything you do. The people reading the CV will simply want to dissect the relevant facts as easily as possible. If you make it difficult or convoluted it will reduce your chance of success. 

23-09-2009