What is a Pupillage?
Pupillage is the final stage of training to be a barrister. Although an aspirant will be a fully qualified barrister (and ‘called to the Bar’) on passing the BVC, pupillage is essential for all those who wish to practice; in the sense it’s akin to the trainee solicitor’s training contract. Without completing this year, they would not secure a tenancy (i.e., permanent place) within a set of chambers. Usually, pupillage takes a year to complete, with the year divided into two six-month periods or ‘sixes’. Each ‘six’ is spent in a set of chambers (although there are a small number of places in companies and other institutions) under the guidance and supervision of a junior barrister of at least five years’ experience – who is the pupil master or mistress. It isn’t uncommon for each ‘six’ to be spent in a different chambers and/or with a different pupil supervisor, and also, with competition for tenancies so high, even for a third ‘six’ to be undertaken.
Related Questions
- Since ‘all pupillage selection panels should contain at least one member who has received formal recruitment and equality and diversity training’ [32] where can such training be obtained?
- How do I apply for continuation of my pupillage with another pupil master?
- When should I submit my application for commencement of pupillage?
