Classified Pupils

Two Barristers sharing advice, thoughts and (maybe) jokes | Aim: Increase Accessibility + Diversity | Email: [email protected]

[Classified Pupils @ClassifiedPupil]

Mini-Pupillage List📝

We’ve made a list of upcoming mini-pupillage opportunities and details for their processes.

Remember the basics when applying - follow the correct application procedure, send before the deadline, and proofread your applications! Good luck! ✍️

[Colin Witcher @colinwitcher]

I have marked around 500 pupillage forms in the last few years. As Chambers are not recruiting in this cycle, I thought I would boldly share my top 10 pupillage form tips: I do not suggest I am an expert - but these are my thoughts - take them or leave them. Strap in....

[Basanti Mardemootoo @BMardemootoo]

In honor of pupillage gateway adverts going live today, I thought I’d share some key things that helped me secure pupillage in this thread:

1. Start early. Give yourself time to draft, redraft and redraft again. Think carefully and make sure you understand the question (1/5)

[Lisa Boocock @lisajboocock]

I’m a barrister seeking a legal assistant, to start August 2023. The position is part-time, paid, and would give those looking for pupillage experience in the Manchester criminal courts.

More application info from me at [email protected]
Closing date 15 May.

Pls RT

[Nick Leah @NicholasGLeah]

Spring has sprung! I am also one week away from completing the first six months of pupillage @3HareCourt. A lot of change is afoot.

Next stop: on my feet in courts and tribunals across England and Wales for the first time. Excited!

Any second six advice would be appreciated.

[Jamie Jenkins @JJenkinsSJB]

After my tweet last week, two great examples from @theBarMum and @CharlotteMcD, who requested adjustments for interviews and went on to secure pupillage.

I really hope this will encourage others. It’s so important that people feel able to request adjustments when they need them

[Stuart Withers @StuartWithers1]

Some pupillage interview feedback.
1. Please do a mock interview with your Inn before you do a real one. They are invaluable to obtain real time feedback. You can then avoid making common mistakes. Don’t squander a pupillage interview to test out your interview skills.

[Elizabeth Adams @lfbadams]

Three weeks until start of second six! Any tips/advice would be most welcome! #pupillage #secondsix #barrister

[CharlotteMcD @CharlotteMcD]

I've seen that pupillage interview invites are coming out so wanted to do a little preparatory thread to help out. However, I wanted to start with the fact that in my 4 years of applying, I got over 40 rejections on paper. I know it's hard but it only takes one. 1/

[Jamie Jenkins @JJenkinsSJB]

If you're unsuccessful in applying to a set for pupillage, whether in the sift or interview, should you apply again the next year?

This question gets asked a lot this time of year. The answer is, unless the set explicitly says that you shouldn't, you should. For two reasons.

[Nick Leah @NicholasGLeah]

**Pupillage written assessment advice**

I’ve been getting questions from applicants who are starting to do written assessments in their commercial/civil pupillage interview processes, so I have laid out my advice here for everyone’s benefit.

Feel free to share this advice.🧵

[Emma Fielding @FieldingAtLaw]

10 TIPS FOR YOUR SECOND SIX IN CRIME

For many first six pupils, your second six is fast approaching, I was in your shoes a year ago - mixture of nerves, excitement and the unknown. Here are all the things I wish I knew back then.

[Nick Leah @NicholasGLeah]

Interview season is upon pupillage applicants.

My top tips are:

1. Prepare a unique answer to 'Why our Chambers?'
2. Consciously slow down.
3. Be ready to discuss a change to the law and an interesting case.
4. Practise topical debate questions.
5. Learn the BSB's Core Duties.

[Jamie Jenkins @JJenkinsSJB]

Pupillage Interview Thread #3

Should you practise interview questions and topics with other applicants even though it may give them an advantage over you?

I received that question via DM yesterday. The answer is easy. Yes, you should. There are two very good reasons why. (1/6)

[ViewFromTheNorth (JHKC) 🐝 @jaimerh354]

I know pupillage apps time is a difficult time to live through. I made the over 100 apps. Got three interviews. Remember it only takes one.

[Pupillage Bot @PupillageB]

Tip 23: the interview begins before you’re in the room. The receptionist or any other members of chambers will be observing and reporting back. Conduct yourself as you would want the panel to see at all times. #pupillage #pupillagetips

[Pupillage Bot @PupillageB]

Tip 26: have a good answer ready for the classic “why do you want to be a barrister”. In my first ever interview I paused, ummed, ahhed, then gave a terrible answer which didn’t answer the question. The interview was pretty much over from that point. #Pupillage #pupillagetips

[Pupillage Bot @PupillageB]

Tip 28 - have broad structures prepared for classic advocacy exercises (bail application, plea in mitigation etc.). You can then be more comfortable if asked to do an unseen one at interview.

[Pupillage Bot @PupillageB]

Tip 30: be yourself in interview. Sets are rarely looking for “Supreme Achiever Legal Robot”. Try, through the nerves, to show your personality. Remember, if they take you on they’ll be spending more time with you so your human side will be attractive. #pupillage #pupillagetips

[Ben Meer @SystemSunday]

How to avoid burnout.

Get 7 types of rest: