Finding pupillage | Becoming a barrister

It is not guaranteed that you will find a pupillage immediately on completing your BPTC. You may have applied to several chambers, but you’ve either not heard from them at all, or you have been called to participate in the selection process but do not get an offer from the chamber.  

This is not a problem endemic only to you, several hundred hopefuls apply for a pupillage each year and most chambers have an intake of only 2-3 pupils.

The solution to this dilemma is to continue applying, maybe widen your horizons and preferences and not limit yourself to a handful of chambers or practice areas. Be flexible and look at other options and avenues you have not considered in the first round or considered but rejected them.

Fixing the Problems

If you’ve been making the rounds of several chambers and have still not secured a pupillage after all the time and effort expended, it makes sense to take a break and analyze what could be wrong with your approach or the impression you’re leaving behind.  There may even be issues with the way your CV or application is tailored. 

One thing that will definitely help is to take a step back and spend some time refining your approach and strategy. Most chambers are aware that they cannot take all candidates that apply, no matter how good those candidates are; and chambers are always open to providing second and third chances. 

It is important to revisit your CV and application as many times as required, to make changes or improvements, update the latest relevant details and tailor your documents individually to match the requirements of the chamber they’re bound for.

It also helps to call up the recruitment teams where you have not made the grade and ask for feedback on what you did wrong, or what was missing in your CV or your responses to questions asked.

Most chambers will be more than willing to share such information with you, as they’re acutely aware of just how difficult it is for potential barristers out there. Most importantly though, act on the suggestions and advice you get from them. It doesn’t pay to be proud in this situation.

It may be worth looking for alternate avenues, such as applying to chambers situated in different locations, if you’ve not looked at other regions before. Or change your preferred practice areas; it is sensible to take up what is available rather than what you’ve set your heart on. You can always change streams later, when you’ve garnered some experience and have a better understanding of your aptitudes.

Consult your seniors and peers who have gone through the process already. Your Inn will most likely have a counselling unit where you can get guidance, take up law-related work, such as mini-pupillages, marshalling or any other jobs where you can garner more experience. Be active in participating in various activities at your Inn, make use of contacts who will be able to help you out, and build your network of contacts. The Deputy Undertreasurers and Heads of Education of the Inns are particularly helpful in these matters.

It is also worth taking up volunteer work at the Free Representation Unit or legal aid clinics, etc, or paid work as a clerk or paralegal in solicitor firms or any other place which will add bonus points to your existing CV. 

Enrolling for additional education and training programmes could make a difference also, but don’t simply rush into it as it is a very expensive decision. However, if your CV is not strong enough then further education may not be the answer. Keep trying: there are so many ways to boost your application!

22-09-2009