Securing pupillage as a barrister
Pupillage is the final stage of training to become a barrister, carried out after successful completion of the BPTC (formally the BVC, the Bar Vocational Course), usually comprising one year of hands-on training in chambers.
Because the Bar is a small profession, success rates for BPTC graduates applying for pupillage are likely to be less rosy than for would-be solicitors. Statistical information from the Bar Council about students applying for the BVC and seeking pupillage shows:
- 1,749 were enrolled on the BVC in 2008-09
- 561 students commenced the 1st six stage of pupillage between 1 October 2007 and 30 September 2008.*
*The pass rates and percentages of BVC/BPTC students securing pupillage vary from year to year. For up-to-date information, visit the Bar Council website.
The result is a shortfall in the number of pupillages available compared to the potential number of students seeking pupillage.
Start applying
In order to give yourself the best chance of success you need to start planning for pupillage as soon as possible. Applications should be your focus from your second year at university if you are a law student and from your final year if you are a non-law student.
If you are not successful at this stage, however, you can still apply for pupillages after the BPTC.
Do you have what it takes?
The entry requirements for pupillage vary between chambers, but as a general rule they include:
- high academic achievement
- a commitment to the Bar and its workings, including relevant work experience (such as mini-pupillages), interest in or knowledge of the chambers’ relevant practice areas and public speaking experience (debating and mooting).
You must also be able to demonstrate you have the interpersonal skills to become a successful barrister:
- the ability to develop a rapport with a wide range of people
- excellent written and oral communication skills
- common sense and confidence
- the capacity to absorb and process large amounts of information.
What’s the recruitment process?
Some pupillage providers have signed up to the new Pupillage Portal application scheme (formerly OLPAS) which allows you to complete a standardised online application form that will be sent to your chosen pupillage providers. Through this system you can apply to up to 12 chambers and enter clearing for pupillage. Alternatively you can apply directly to recruiters that are not participating in this scheme. However, all pupillage vacancies will be advertised on the Pupillage Portal website (www.pupillages.com).
