minipupillage

Minipupillage is a short work-experience placement with barristers or barristers’ chambers, designed to provide a realistic introduction to the life and work at the Bar. It is a form of early exposure for aspiring barristers and is most common in England and Wales, though similar programmes exist in other jurisdictions. The placement allows participants to observe the day-to-day work of practicing barristers, attend court where possible, and undertake tasks such as legal research, drafting memos, and attending conferences with clients. It does not count as pupillage itself but is often used to strengthen applications for pupillage and to help individuals make informed career choices.

Format and duration typically last from one to five days, sometimes longer at a chamber or set. Some minipupillages include a combination of shadowing, attending hearings, and short drafting exercises or summaries. Many chambers offer multiple slots during the year and may require an application with a CV, covering letter, and references. They may be paid or unpaid; the majority have no remuneration, though some sets offer expenses or stipends.

Eligibility and outcomes: spaces are competitive, with applicants ranging from undergraduate law students to recent graduates. Participation is often used to gain practical exposure, build professional networks, and obtain feedback that may strengthen later pupillage applications. A minipupillage does not guarantee a pupillage and does not count toward formal training, but successful placements can be influential in recruitment decisions.

See also: Pupillage; Bar training; Chambers.