Pupillage Advice

The Pupillage Foundation Scheme assists members who have completed their Bar Course, in search of pupillage. The scheme helps pupillage hopefuls with intensive application workshops and mock interview sessions, pairing them up with a mentor to offer on-going support throughout the application process.

The dates for the next Pupillage Foundation Scheme will be announced later this year. Applications to the scheme normally open in August.

Please be aware that participants are expected to commit fully throughout the scheme, as such participants must attend all four sessions iin-person at the Inn. 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.

Applications for the Pupillage Foundation Scheme closed on Thursday 31 August 2023 at 5pm. 

The Inn will hold 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.

This years mock interviews will take place on:

In person: Monday 04 March 2024, Ashworth Centre Lincoln’s Inn

Online: Wednesday 13 March 2023, Zoom

The link for students to sign up for the Mock Interview Scheme will be sent out in the New Year.

The Inn is holding a Pupillage Advice Panel on Wednesday 17 January 2024 prior to the Pupillage Gateway deadline in February. The panel will discuss advice about applying for pupillage, interviews, and ways to boost your CV. Students will be able to submit questions prior to the event for the panel to answer. A booking link will be available before the end of the Michaelmas Term.

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.

If you wish to partake, please complete the this form. Students will also need to submit a pupillage applications for review to be allocated a barrister. If you have not already completed an application form, you may use our Pupillage Gateway example form. The deadline to complete the Pupillage Application Surgery Form is Monday 15 January 2024.