Pupillage Applications & How to Stay Positive

When to start thinking about Pupillage Applications?

Pupillage applications are usually accepted 6-18 months prior to the commencement of Pupillage. The Pupillage Gateway opens around January time and applicants have around a month to submit any applications. The final year of the LLB Law Degree, or during the GDL is the first year you can apply. Some chose not to apply at this point and wait until they have started the Bar Course and have more experience. According to the Bar Council, the chances of getting a Pupillage offer is around 6.6%. You may take this as a push to apply early and get as much experience in the Pupillage process as possible, or you may take this as a reason to hold off. Pupillage applications take a lot of time so you may want to consider prioritising study. 

Pupillage Process

Most Chambers accept your pupillage application through Pupillage Gateway. However, some offer an application by way of CV, application form and covering letter. You should be able to find this information on Chambers Website. Once you have submitted your application you will receive an update via the Pupillage Gateway and/or email as to next steps. If you are lucky enough to make it to the next stage, this will most likely be a First Round Interview (FRI), although some chambers will offer an assessment or even an assessed mini pupillage. There is then usually a Second Round Interview (SRI).

Quality over Quantity

You may be tempted to apply to as many Chambers as possible to increase your chances of success, while this has some truth to it don’t let this impact the quality of your applications. On the topic of quality, make sure you read over, and spell check your applications. It may help to get a friend or family member to read over your application as they will have a fresh set of eyes.

A little tip: Try not to leave it to the last minute to submit! Pupillage Gateway has been known to crash on deadline day!

Applying with a disability – quotes from the BDABar Committee

“If you need reasonable adjustments, ask for them! It is important to ensure that you feel most supported during your pupillage interview as that’s the way that you can perform the best! Asking for the reasonable adjustments you need also demonstrates your advocacy skills; remember your first client is yourself.” – Konstantina Nouka, Chair, and Founder of Bringing [Dis]Ability to the Bar

“Don’t be afraid to use your disability as a way to demonstrate your skills. I was put off disclosing my disability for such a long time, until I heard someone else use it to describe their commitment to the Bar, resilience, and even time management skills. Now I am proud to say I have a disability and example why this makes me a strong candidate.”- Anonymous

“Use your disability to your advantage. As cynical as this may sound, some sets offer guaranteed interviews to disabled applicants – take up the offer! Don’t be afraid to use your experiences with disabilities as examples of resilience and advocacy as well. Secondly, give yourself more time. Applications are hard work. Start as soon as the questions are out and space it out over time – I did the bulk of the work during Christmas.” – Zoe Chan, Researcher at Bringing [Dis]Ability to the Bar

“Applying for pupillage is stressful enough, try to make it as easy as you possibly can for yourself. Do as much preparation as you can before the Gateway even opens! You do not want to be having a flare-up a few days before the application deadline and then end up unable to submit any.” – Anonymous

Staying Positive

The journey to the Bar can often be grueling and full of unexpected obstacles. Here are some top tips for staying positive through this:

1.     Be Proud of Yourself. You are doing it! You are on your journey to becoming a Barrister! You have more than likely already completed so many amazing milestones such as completing the LLB or the GDL, you may have even been awarded a Scholarship for the Bar Course! Each step is an amazing achievement.

2.     Comparison is the Thief of Joy. As hard as it may be, try not to compare yourself. It can be disheartening when scrolling through LinkedIn and seeing others achieve Pupillage when you have just received a rejection but in reality, they will have also received rejections at some point but just don’t share those parts. It is normal to be disappointed after receiving a rejection, try staying off social media for a couple of days, allow yourself to be disappointed… but then pick yourself back up and try again!

3.     Self-Care. Make sure you are looking after yourself and not compromising your mental health. Practicing self-care now will put you in a good position for Pupillage and practising as a Barrister. You can try going for a walk, starting a new hobby, or reaching out to a friend to meet up for a coffee. Your mental health should be a priority.

By Holly Parker, Chief Editor for Legal Updates and Blogging at Bringing [Dis]Ability to the Bar