Pupillage
Pupillage
The 12-month training period for those aiming to qualify as barristers
Pupillage represents the 12-month practical training period that follows completion of the Bar Course and forms the final step towards qualification as a practising barrister in England and Wales.
The majority of pupillages take place within a barristers’ chambers (a ‘set’), where pupils train under the supervision of experienced barristers, gaining hands-on exposure to real cases and professional practice.
Alternative routes also exist, with some pupillages undertaken in-house at law firms or within the government legal service, offering different pathways to completing this essential stage of training.
Key Components of Pupillage
At the outset of pupillage, each pupil is assigned a pupil supervisor, an experienced barrister who acts as mentor and guide throughout the 12-month period. Pupils work closely with their supervisor, shadowing daily practice, attending court, and often sharing a room within chambers to gain first-hand exposure to the profession.
Pupillage is divided into two consecutive six-month stages:
Non-Practising Six Months (First Six) – Pupils primarily observe and support their supervisor, assisting with legal research, drafting, and preparation of court documents. This stage provides a foundation in professional practice.
Practising Six Months (Second Six) – Pupils take on greater responsibility, often handling their own cases under supervision, developing advocacy skills, and beginning to build independent client-facing experience.
This structured approach ensures that by the end of the year, pupils transition from shadowing to practising, bridging the gap between academic training and independent practice at the Bar.
How do I apply for pupillage?
Gaining a pupillage is recognised as one of the most competitive stages on the route to qualification as a barrister. Most chambers offer only one to three placements per year, and the application processes are designed to be highly rigorous and selective.
As a result, it is common for candidates to be unsuccessful in their first attempt, with many experiencing multiple rounds of applications before securing a placement. This reflects the demanding nature of the process and the importance of persistence, preparation, and resilience in progressing towards pupillage.
The Pupillage Gateway
The Bar Standards Board (BSB), which regulates the barristers’ profession, requires all authorised chambers to advertise their pupillage opportunities through the Pupillage Gateway. This centralised application system is designed to provide equal access and transparency for all candidates.
The Gateway follows a fixed annual cycle:
January
Applications open
February
Applications close
March to early May
Chambers shortlist and conduct interviews.
May onwards
Pupillage offers are made.
This structured timetable ensures that candidates follow a clear and consistent application process, supporting fairness and accessibility in progressing to the final stage of barrister training.
Choosing the Right Chambers
Before submitting pupillage applications, it is essential to reflect on the type of chambers that align with your career goals and professional aspirations. Careful consideration at this stage will allow you to shortlist a select number of chambers best suited to your ambitions.
Key factors to evaluate include:
Taking a structured approach to chambers selection ensures your applications are both targeted and strategic, increasing the likelihood of securing a pupillage that supports your long-term career development.
When to Apply for Pupillage?
There is no single “correct” time to apply for pupillage, and the decision often depends on an individual’s readiness and career planning. Many aspiring barristers choose to apply before starting the Bar Course—typically during the final year of their law degree or law conversion course—as a way of testing the waters. Others prefer to wait until they have completed vocational training, ensuring they can demonstrate the full breadth of their skills and experience.
It is important to note that most chambers recruit one to two years in advance, meaning forward planning is essential regardless of when you decide to apply.
What do I get paid?
Pupillage remuneration, commonly referred to as an “award”, varies significantly and is largely influenced by the practice area and specialism of the chambers.
The minimum levels are set annually in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s recommendations:
- London chambers – at least £23,078 per year.
- Chambers outside London – at least £21,060 per year.
These figures are reviewed and updated each November.
It is worth noting that many chambers, particularly those specialising in commercial work, offer awards that are substantially higher than these minimum thresholds, reflecting the competitive nature and financial strength of those practice areas.