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1. Ask for reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments enable candidates to receive the support they need to perform to the best of their abilities during an interview. What support you seek depends entirely on what your needs are; there is no right or wrong answer. However, some common examples of adjustments include extra time, wheelchair access, rest breaks and using a computer to take notes instead of paper. Crucially, when requesting reasonable adjustments, do not be apologetic about asking for them; you are entitled to them. Consequently, if you require reasonable adjustments, ask for them.
2. Find your unique selling point (USP)
During pupillage interviews, candidates have a very short window to persuade the interview panel that they are the right person for the job. When persuading the panel, candidates must identify their USP and effectively pitch it to the panel. You only have a few minutes to win them over, so be concise and make the most of it.
3. Reflect on your disability
While being disabled carries a number of challenges, for many people being disabled has enabled them to think out of the box, develop extraordinary organisational skills and enhance their resilience. Thus, when you draft your pupillage applications, take some time to reflect on the skills and experiences that your disability has allowed you to develop because they can make you a better barrister.
4. Practice
Securing pupillage requires a significant amount of practising your interview skills well in advance of your interview. Therefore, find a mentor to assist you with mock interviews and allow sufficient time to implement the constructive feedback you receive.
5. Don’t let your disability define you during the interviews
While it is beneficial to highlight how your disability impacts you so you can ask for sufficient support, you don’t need to share more information than a) what is needed, and most importantly, b) what you want. Your disability is one part of yourself, but it does not have to be what the interview panel solely focuses on.
6. Research
Before submitting your pupillage application, research the set to which you are applying. Consider the ethos of the set, their practice areas and whether they are offering any support that you might find beneficial.
Konstantina Nouka is Chair and Founder of Bringing [Dis]Ability to the Bar. She joined Nexus Chambers as a tenant following the successful completion of her pupillage and practises in criminal defence and family law. Prior to her pupillage at Nexus, Konstantina worked as a COVID-19 Public Inquiry Paralegal.
1. Ask for reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments enable candidates to receive the support they need to perform to the best of their abilities during an interview. What support you seek depends entirely on what your needs are; there is no right or wrong answer. However, some common examples of adjustments include extra time, wheelchair access, rest breaks and using a computer to take notes instead of paper. Crucially, when requesting reasonable adjustments, do not be apologetic about asking for them; you are entitled to them. Consequently, if you require reasonable adjustments, ask for them.
2. Find your unique selling point (USP)
During pupillage interviews, candidates have a very short window to persuade the interview panel that they are the right person for the job. When persuading the panel, candidates must identify their USP and effectively pitch it to the panel. You only have a few minutes to win them over, so be concise and make the most of it.
3. Reflect on your disability
While being disabled carries a number of challenges, for many people being disabled has enabled them to think out of the box, develop extraordinary organisational skills and enhance their resilience. Thus, when you draft your pupillage applications, take some time to reflect on the skills and experiences that your disability has allowed you to develop because they can make you a better barrister.
4. Practice
Securing pupillage requires a significant amount of practising your interview skills well in advance of your interview. Therefore, find a mentor to assist you with mock interviews and allow sufficient time to implement the constructive feedback you receive.
5. Don’t let your disability define you during the interviews
While it is beneficial to highlight how your disability impacts you so you can ask for sufficient support, you don’t need to share more information than a) what is needed, and most importantly, b) what you want. Your disability is one part of yourself, but it does not have to be what the interview panel solely focuses on.
6. Research
Before submitting your pupillage application, research the set to which you are applying. Consider the ethos of the set, their practice areas and whether they are offering any support that you might find beneficial.
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