Pupillage Advice
The Inn offers various opportunities for members in their search for pupillage, for both student members and Called members.
Pupillage Foundation Scheme - Applications Open
The Pupillage Foundation Scheme assists members who have completed their Bar Course and are in search of pupillage. The scheme offers an intensive pupillage application workshop and mock interview sessions, and a one to one mentor to offer on-going support throughout the pupillage application process.
Applications for the Pupillage Foundation Scheme are now open. Please apply via this form.
Please be aware that participants are expected to commit fully throughout the scheme, as such participants must attend all four sessions in-person at the Inn. Participants travelling from outside of London may request re-imbursement for reasonable travel costs. After the Scheme’s past success and popularity, we have seen how much it can benefit individuals who are willing to participate fully.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must:
- Be a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.
- Have completed the Bar Training Course or Bar Transfer Test.
- Have applied for pupillage, and been unsuccessful at least once.
- Have received a Very Competent/Merit/70% or above in the Bar Training Course or a Pass in the Bar Transfer Test (unless you have extenuating circumstances).
- Intend to practice at the Bar of England and Wales.
Please contact the Member Engagement Team with queries.
The dates for the 2026/2027 scheme are below. Participants must be able to attend all sessions in-person to be eligible to apply. The Inn will cover any reasonable travel expenses.
- Introductory Evening ~ Monday 16 November 2026
- Application Review Session ~ Wednesday 9 December 2026
- First Round Interview Practice ~ Monday 15 February 2027
- Second Round Interview Practice ~ Thursday 11 March 2027
If you are a practising member and would like to volunteer for the scheme in 2026/27, please complete this form.
Mock Interview Scheme
The Inn holds Mock Interview events after the close of the Pupillage Gateway every year. The scheme is open to student members who have secured a pupillage interview. Due to high demand we will only be allowing students to attend one event per year and places will be given on a first come first served basis.
The events for 2025/26 will be held on the following dates:
In-person: Monday 02 March 2026.
Virtual: Wednesday 11 March 2026.
Due to high demand, applications for the Mock Interview scheme are now Closed. Dates for 2027 will be announced nearer the time.
Pupillage Advice Evening
Ahead of the Pupillage Gateway opening, we host a Pupillage Advice Evening for all members, including Called members, who are applying for pupillage. The evening involves talks from our members on tips for pupillage applications and pupillage interviews. There is also a chance to ask any questions on getting pupillage to our expert panel. After the talks, there is a networking drinks reception which will allow prospective pupils to network with members from various practice areas and ask informal questions about attaining pupillage.
Details of the 2026 event will be released during Michaelmas Term 2026.
Pupillage Application Review
The Inn will organise Pupillage Application Review Surgeries prior to the Pupillage Gateway deadline every year. Students will be paired with a member of the Bar who will review their application and provide feedback and advice. The aim is to assign you a barrister or judge with knowledge of the area of law or practice in which you have an interest but, inevitably, this will depend on demand.
Applications for the Pupillage Application Review Surgery for the 2026 Pupillage Gateway are now closed. Details of the surgery for the 2027 Pupillage Gateway will be communicated closer to the time.
