Mini-Pupillage

We do not accept applications for mini-pupillage by e-mail or telephone.  All applications should be made in writing, enclosing an up-to-date cv and marking the envelope “Mini Pupillage Application”.

For many years now, demand for mini-pupillages at Ropewalk Chambers has far exceeded supply.  A decision as to whether to offer you a mini-pupillage will be based on your written application, having regard to the criteria set out below.  It is important therefore that you take particular care over the content and presentation of your written application.  Please consider the criteria carefully before making your application.

It is not our usual policy to offer any individual applicant a second mini-pupillage here.  You should therefore think carefully about the timing of your application.  You need to be able to demonstrate intellectual ability, legal acumen and commitment.  For this reason we prefer applicants to have completed at least one full year of a law degree or a significant part of a relevant conversion course.

Mini-pupillages form an important part of our recruitment process and we take them very seriously.  We regard them not only as an opportunity for you to gain first-hand experience of life in Chambers but also as providing you with an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and aptitude for a successful career at the Bar.

Offers of mini-pupillage are made subject to availability.  If such an offer is made the onus will be upon you to make contact as set out in the letter of offer in order to arrange a commencement date . Due to the high demand for mini-pupillages it may not be possible to accommodate you on your preferred dates.

We expect you to be able to demonstrate commitment to a career at the independent Bar of England and Wales and to be seriously considering an application to Ropewalk Chambers for a full pupillage in due course.  Detail as to the nature of Ropewalk Chambers and its work is set out elsewhere on this website and you should familiarise yourself with that before making an application for mini-pupillage.

We work hard to make mini-pupils feel welcome and included during their time in Chambers.  Further, we endeavour to ensure that mini-pupils spend time with a number of barristers and experience a cross-section of the work being done here.  You will have the opportunity to read and consider briefs and sets of instructions.  Where possible, we will arrange for you to attend Court with a barrister and/or sit in on a Conference as well as spending time in Chambers.  In return, we expect mini-pupils to present and conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner.

All mini-pupils are required to sign a confidentiality agreement before commencement of mini-pupillage.

Standard mini-pupillages at Ropewalk Chambers last for three days.  However, in the unlikely event that during a mini-pupilllage a mini-pupil's behaviour or appearance appears to fall short of the standard reasonably to be expected or it transpires that a mini-pupil fails in a material way to meet the criteria stipulated in the mini-pupillage policy then we reserve the right to terminate the mini-pupillage forthwith.

Criteria for offer of mini-pupillage at Ropewalk Chambers

These criteria are important. Only in exceptional cases will offers be made to applicants who do not meet them.

• Applicants should have an excellent academic record and should have gained, or expect to gain, at least an upper second class degree.
• Undergraduate applicants should be reading law.
• Undergraduate applicants reading law must generally be in their second or third year.
• Postgraduate applicants whose first degree was not in law should be reading or have completed a law conversion course.
• Applicants should be committed to a career at the independent Bar of England and Wales and should be prepared to demonstrate that commitment.
• Applicants should be seriously considering an application to Ropewalk Chambers for a full pupillage in due course.
• Presentation of written application must meet a standard consistent with practice at the Bar and Ropewalk Chambers.