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Just under two years ago, at a Chambers meeting, when I was not properly paying attention, I found myself voted in as the new ‘mini-pupillage officer’. I did not complain (through fear of being made librarian instead) so I grabbed a folder and happily took my Chambers headed paper, envelopes and books of stamps ready to write my replies.

I did not realise however, just how much hard work it is. I get tons of applications, some good but many awful! I find it frustrating at times  - when I ask people to write to me by post and they still insist on emailing their CVs.

When I get applications that say CVs can be provided on request...when the covering letter consists of one line…and many more horrors. So here are 5 tips from me to you, just to give you all an idea of how to impress in your application and on your mini-pupillage.

Getting started

It may sound simple, but you’d be surprised how many do not do this – CHECK THE CHAMBERS WEBSITE!!! In most cases it will give you details about mini pupillages.

In particular, you need to know when they offer them (some do set weeks for groups of applicants, others offer all year round etc), at what stage they offer them (some say anytime, others only at university or bar school stage), how to apply (they may have a set form or ask specifically for letter or email) and who to apply to. This is very important.

It looks like you have made very little effort if you don’t get the name of the barrister or clerk who is in charge of the applications. If all this information is not on the website, then call the Clerk to Chambers. Do not do this when they will be most busy (8 -10am and after 3pm!), but a polite enquiry can often open doors…

The application

Remember that it is often a junior barrister who has to go through all the applications and he or she will be very busy, so all applications must be kept short and to the point. CVs must be up to date and two pages or less.

Covering letters need to include what stage you are at, why you have applied to the particular chambers, and when you are available for the placement if they don’t have specific Chambers dates.

Applicants tend to make the worst mistakes when saying why they have chosen that Chambers. It takes five minutes to check the website to see what work the Chambers do, yet you would be surprised how often I get applications saying the person has a particular interest in Health & Safety law or Medical Negligence when my Chambers only does Crime and a small amount of Family and Personal Injury!

Remember if you put the standard “you have a great reputation”, you may get asked at interview or when you’re on your placement where you have heard about our reputation and it could be embarrassing!

Good reasons for choosing Chambers are that you are interested in their line of work, you are undecided about work so want to see different types and they cover most of them, you’ve previously been on a placement at a local solicitors and heard about Chambers, you want to experience a large/small set, you saw a member of Chambers in court recently etc. It needs to be specific to that Chambers and show that you have made the effort to do your research.

Lastly, check for spelling mistakes! Get a friend or family member to read your letter and CV through as silly spelling mistakes will look sloppy and may well lead to instant rejection.

Be patient

Please do not think that if you have not heard in a week then you have been rejected. It can often take a few weeks for someone to look at your application and consider it. If you haven’t heard anything for 6 weeks or so, then politely enquire by email or a letter.

The placement

If you’re lucky enough to get a mini-pupillage do not blow your chances once you are there. Remember that the barristers are probably storing information for when it comes to actual pupillage applications and also, whilst you are there you will come into contact with barristers from other Chambers and instructing solicitors who will all notice if you are a ‘shining star’.

Make sure you are punctual and bring your own notebook. Wear a suit at all times. Girls please don’t turn up with too much jewellery or make up on. As much as I love my make up, big earrings and nail polish, it is frowned upon in Court. So stud earrings, clear polish no colours, light make up, skirts over knee with tights and keep your hair neat and off your face.

Also, make sure your mobile is on silent. Barristers will expect your full attention even if they seem distracted so please don’t be texting or answering your mobile in front of them.

Make sure you ask questions but do this when you’re alone with the barrister or on a break. It’s not easy to answer questions in court and if they are talking to opposing Counsel about the case, they will not want to be interrupted.

Make notes about the cases you see including the type of hearing, the barristers involved, their style, what impressed you and matters which you didn’t understand so you can ask about them later. If you don’t ask questions later on the barrister will think you’ve not been listening because there will always be something you don’t understand or want to know more about.

One important matter which you need to research and adhere to is court etiquette. There are many rules in court but perhaps the most important when you’re on mini-pupillage are 1) do not walk in front of the defendant when he or she is being addressed in any way and 2) do not talk when someone is being arraigned (indictment read and plea put in) or sentenced. These rules can easily be broken, I see barristers do it too, but the Judge may well shout at you and certainly the barrister you’re with will not be impressed.

And finally

Make sure that you thank the barristers you have been following and the clerks and staff. Also, sending in a short thankyou card or letter afterwards is always impressive and helps you be remembered. We display ours in the clerks’ room for everyone to see!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Cassie Williams
Barrister at 39 Park Square Chambers
Head of mini-pupillage committee

23-09-2009