Mini-Pupillage

We offer around 12 unassessed mini-pupillages each year.

Mini-pupillage is designed to give prospective pupillage applicants a broad experience of working life at the Commercial Chancery Bar, including a mix of court and paperwork, and the opportunity to talk to one or more of our junior members.

No two mini-pupillages are the same. They last, generally, two days and usually take place between November and January. However, we appreciate that you might struggle to fit mini-pupillages alongside work or study commitments and, as a result, we try to be flexible with timings.

Is mini-pupillage a requirement for pupillage?

We encourage those considering applying for pupillage at New Square Chambers to undertake a mini-pupillage with us. It is a good way for you to learn more about Chambers, as well as for us to get to know you.

Completing a mini-pupillage is not, however, a requirement for those applying for pupillage with us.

In addition, if you have not been successful in obtaining a mini-pupillage you should not be deterred from seeking pupillage with us, or at the Commercial Chancery Bar more broadly.

We encourage unsuccessful mini-pupillage applicants to try again on future occasions, and to consider making a pupillage application regardless.

What are we looking for in applicants?

First, and most importantly, we look for ability regardless of background. Mini-pupillages are offered to applicants who we consider fulfil, or will fulfil the criteria that we apply when assessing pupillage applications. These are:

  • Oral advocacy skills;
  • Written advocacy skills;
  • Good communication skills, orally and writing;
  • Analytical ability;
  • Interpersonal skills;
  • Commitment to The Bar;
  • Commitment to or interest in one or more of Chambers’ practice areas;
  • Focus and drive;
  • Ability to deal with conflict, stressful and difficult situations; and
  • Ability to work independently.

We make no distinction between applicants that have studied law and those who have not yet done so. The earliest that you can make an application is when you are in the second year of your undergraduate law degree or the third year of your non-law undergraduate degree.

In the majority of cases we would expect you to have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, a first class or upper second class degree, although we will take into account all relevant and genuine extenuating circumstances. We encourage applications from candidates with atypical educational backgrounds (e.g. homeschooling or Open University degrees).

You can find out more about this in our mini-pupillage policy.

Download our Pupillage & Mini-Pupillage policy

How can you apply?

Applications for our 2023/24 mini-pupillage programme are now closed. The application window for our 2024/25 mini-pupillage programme will re-open later this year, for mini-pupillages taking place between November 2024 and January 2025.

  • Applications should be made using Chambers’ mini-pupillage application form, and saved in MS Word format. You can download this below.
  • Applications may only be made by email, and should be sent to minipupillage@newsquarechambers.co.uk with “Mini-Pupillage Application” as the subject heading.
  • The application email should consist only of the completed application form attached as an MS Word Document. There is no need for any further text.
  • The deadline for applications for the 2024/25 mini-pupillage programme will be communicated later in the year.

More information

Additional correspondence regarding the mini-pupillage, including any requests for reasonable adjustments, should be made to Millie Rai on +44 (0)20 7419 8000 or at minipupillage@newsquarechambers.co.uk

Download our Reasonable Adjustments policy

Our Social Mobility Mini-Pupillage programme

Since starting the programme in 2020, we have welcomed 36 prospective pupillage candidates from socially mobile backgrounds to undertake assessed work experience. Mini-pupils who perform well are guaranteed a first-round pupillage interview.

You can find out more about this on our Social Mobility Mini-Pupillage page.

You can download our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity policy below.

Download our Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion policy

Join the Mini-Pupillage mailing list

Express your interest below and we will keep you updated with any pupillage related events.

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