Having completed the academic and vocational stages of your training, Pupillage is the practical stage of your training. Pupillage is split into two ‘sixes’ of six months, and there is a guaranteed minimum earning of £6,000 for each six set by the Bar Council.

 

In the first six Pupils spend the majority of their time shadowing their pupilmaster. In the second six Pupils start to take work of their own and build up a practice based on their own reputation. At the completion of both sixes, Pupils apply for tenancy at Chambers. Tenancy is not a guarantee after Pupillage, and those that do not get tenancy often have to complete a third six elsewhere.

 

Pupillage application is made through the Pupillage Portal (previously OLPAS) system online, or to the Chambers directly if they are not part of the system. The Pupillage Portal (not dissimilar to UCAS) allows you to apply to up to 12 Chambers for a Pupillage in any one season (of which there are a Summer and an Autumn seasons). About 60% of Pupillage providers work through the scheme. The remainder must advertise their Pupillage on the same site, but applications are made directly to them by CV and covering letter, or through their own Pupillage application process.