Pupillage: What to expect
Pupillage is a 12-18 month practical training period following the Bar course.
It is split into two ‘sixes’ (periods of six months), and sometimes a ‘third six’, which takes the total pupillage period to 18 months. Pupils are assigned to a pupil-supervisor, who is a more senior colleague in your set of chambers. Your pupil-supervisor is subject to training and ethical standards, and is a key part of a pupil’s trajectory toward becoming an independent, practising barrister.
The first six is always non-practising and will involve you attending court and conferences with your supervisor. You will also conduct research and draft documents for them and other members of your chambers.
During your first six you will complete additional advocacy training both in chambers and at your Inn of Court.
The second six is your practising period of pupillage in which you will attend court in your own right. Some chambers offer an 18-month pupillage which simply means you will complete a second and third set of six months before completing your pupillage.
You will be given a pupillage supervisor, a senior member of chambers with whom you spend most of your time. They will be the primary person to give you feedback and guidance. At some sets you will remain with the same supervisor throughout your pupillage, whereas at other sets you will rotate between 2 or 3 supervisors.
