{"id":1609,"date":"2021-09-03T09:47:53","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T08:47:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/klsemployability\/?page_id=1609"},"modified":"2022-09-26T12:39:04","modified_gmt":"2022-09-26T11:39:04","slug":"mini-pupillage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/how-to-2\/becoming-a-barrister\/mini-pupillage\/","title":{"rendered":"– Mini-pupillage"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a mini-pupillage?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

In short, it’s\u00a0work experience\u00a0in a set of chambers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Normally you will\u00a0shadow a barrister so that you can see the nature of his\/her work.\u00a0 This shadowing will, hopefully, involve attending court (although note, in some areas of law barristers are more involved with written advice and attend court very infrequently).\u00a0 You may also get to sit in on a meeting with a client or a case conference.\u00a0 If you are in Chambers for any part of the Mini-Pupillages (MPs) expect to be set a research task or asked to familiarise yourself with a case file.<\/p>\n

What is an ‘assessed Mini-pupillage?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Some chambers offer Assessed mini-pupillages which will require you to undertake some kind of\u00a0task (usually research)\u00a0and present you findings\u00a0by way of a written document and\/or a presentation.\u00a0 This ‘Assessment’ is used as part of the recruitment process for pupillage much like solicitors use the Vacation Scheme.\u00a0 They are essentially testing you to see if you have the right skills and approach for their Chambers.<\/p>\n

The majority of MPs are not assessed and\u00a0form no part of their selection process.<\/p>\n

How long does a mini-pupillage last?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Most\u00a0MPs will last for 1 day, 3 days or 5 days.\u00a0 It is highly unusual for them to last more than 1 week although KLS has one QC offering 3 x 2 week MPs.<\/p>\n

Why do a mini-pupillage?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Firstly, it gives you the opportunity to road test the job.\u00a0 Could you really see yourself doing this type of work and, importantly, would the way of working suit you.\u00a0\u00a0 So, you’ll get a great insight into the career and hopefully, also some contacts which may be of use to you as you complete your legal educations and move onto finding work.<\/p>\n

How many mini-pupillages are required?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

There is no compulsory requirement that you do x number of MPs but…you will not be taken seriously as an aspiring barrister if you have not given time to this important career activity.\u00a0\u00a0 You must do at least one MP but I would advise that you aim for at least 3.\u00a0\u00a0 Some students like to ‘collect’ MPs but be aware that too many on a CV can be viewed negatively – the reader may think that you do not know what area of law interests you!\u00a0\u00a0 I would advise that if you have more than 6 you should seek advice about whether to include them all.<\/p>\n

How to find a mini-pupillage<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

As always, there are multiple ways of finding an MP:<\/p>\n