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Securing a pupillage at the Bar is highly competitive, and many aspiring barristers face multiple rejections before finding success. This can be disheartening. I know this because I made over 20 applications for pupillage and received just as many rejections.
I wrote a blog last year in which I asked six barristers and future pupil barristers to comment on one of my unsuccessful pupillage applications (‘The Do’s and Don’ts of Pupillage Applications’). I wanted to analyse my application with a view to sharing this insight with others, but also use the information to create a strong application for a training contract.
Happily, I did obtain a training contract with a magic circle law firm, working in London, Dubai and Nairobi, and qualified as a solicitor this year. I have returned to Kenya to practise as a dispute resolution lawyer in a leading law firm in the African region and achieved my dream of setting up a charity to improve the futures of children who accompany their mothers to prison.
In this article I will suggest steps to take if you are unsuccessful in a pupillage application, and then some ideas for strengthening your pupillage application based on the lessons I have learnt.
When you invest so much time and effort into an application, coupled with the hope that this year might be the one, it is disheartening when it doesn’t happen. I understand this because I made pupillage applications for three consecutive years. What helped me during that time was to process the rejection and allow myself to feel all the emotions associated with it.
The pupillage process can be emotionally and physically draining. Continue to engage in activities you love outside of this process, maintain perspective and take some time away from it all if necessary.
Ask yourself, ‘Is this a career I genuinely want to pursue? And if so, why? Is [x] chambers truly the right fit for me, despite my initial aspirations?’ You would be surprised at how much you can learn about yourself through this process. For me, this period of rejection and reflection was transformative.
Let me share two examples of how my perspective changed. First, my initial motivation for pursuing the Bar was advocacy. However, I discovered that solicitor advocates also have a right of audience in the courts of England and Wales, and other courts including the Dubai International Financial Centre. I also realised that advocacy isn’t limited to the courtroom; I can experience the thrill of it through every pitch or presentation I work on as a solicitor.
Second, I always thought I enjoyed the idea of being self-employed at the Bar because of the flexibility it offers. However, after several mini-pupillages, I realised it can be quite lonely, and I desired more frequent collaboration with colleagues.
It took me three years to gain this perspective, but ultimately I decided to switch career routes. I felt that being a solicitor would offer me the best of both worlds, and indeed it has.
The thing about passion is that it never leaves you, regardless of how many rejections you face. So, if after all the reflection, you still feel that there is no other career for you but being a barrister, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Then...
Begin by carefully analysing your previous pupillage applications to identify any possible weaknesses or areas for improvement.
Approach individuals who can provide constructive criticism, such as mentors, legal professionals, or barristers, to gain valuable insights into your application and interview performance.
Try again. The journey to becoming a barrister requires resilience, and this process will truly test the depth of your determination.
The barristers who review pupillage applications often have limited time to evaluate each candidate. Therefore, it is essential to make a strong impression right from the beginning. I would recommend creating a list of all your accomplishments and prioritising them, placing the strongest one first.
Pupillage applications are a form of written advocacy, and the ability to present information persuasively is highly valued. Structure your answers effectively using signposting and maintaining clarity and focus. I suggest using the ‘STAR’ (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method when drafting your answers. Do read more about it, as it greatly helped me.
Use language that is simple, neutral and representative of your speaking and writing style. Avoid excessive use of loaded terms or confusing statements that may detract from your main points. Good grammar and proofreading are crucial to a professional presentation.
If you feel like you can copy and paste an answer from one pupillage application to another, it’s a sign that you need to revisit and tailor them.
Each set of chambers has its own priorities and preferences. Take the time to research and understand the chambers to which you are applying, and identify the skills and traits they highly value. Pay attention to the balance between paperwork and oral advocacy in their practice areas, and review the profiles of barrister members to get more insight. By dovetailing your application with chambers’ priorities, you can increase your chance of standing out from other candidates.
Why the Bar, rather than other legal career paths, such as solicitor roles? Highlight factors like self-employment, meritocracy, court-facing roles, or the opportunity to run your own business as a barrister. Clearly explain how your intellectual abilities, communication skills and personal experiences align with the demands of a barrister’s role.
While legal experience, advocacy and academic proficiency are essential, consider emphasising broader soft skills that demonstrate your empathy, time managemnet, adaptability and versatility etc. Remember that even non-legal experiences can be crucial in demonstrating these.
Don’t write something you wouldn’t ordinarily speak out loud. Highlighting your personality and interests outside of work can help chambers get to know you on a personal level. Showcase your hobbies, activities and achievements that reflect your diverse interests. This is an opportunity to humanise your application and remember, authenticity and being yourself are key.
*
Succeeding in pupillage applications requires a combination of strategy and individuality. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success, understanding the subjective nature of assessments and tailoring applications to chambers’ preferences are key.
I hope the above suggestions are helpful, and wish you the best of luck with your applications.
Arooj Sheikh was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2018 with the support of an Inner Temple scholarship. She qualified as a solicitor in 2023, after completing her training at Clifford Chance LLP. Arooj is a dispute resolution lawyer based in Kenya at Anjarwalla & Khanna (ALN Kenya). She is founder of the charity beyondkenyanbars.org which helps children aged 0-4 growing up in Kenyan prisons.
Securing a pupillage at the Bar is highly competitive, and many aspiring barristers face multiple rejections before finding success. This can be disheartening. I know this because I made over 20 applications for pupillage and received just as many rejections.
I wrote a blog last year in which I asked six barristers and future pupil barristers to comment on one of my unsuccessful pupillage applications (‘The Do’s and Don’ts of Pupillage Applications’). I wanted to analyse my application with a view to sharing this insight with others, but also use the information to create a strong application for a training contract.
Happily, I did obtain a training contract with a magic circle law firm, working in London, Dubai and Nairobi, and qualified as a solicitor this year. I have returned to Kenya to practise as a dispute resolution lawyer in a leading law firm in the African region and achieved my dream of setting up a charity to improve the futures of children who accompany their mothers to prison.
In this article I will suggest steps to take if you are unsuccessful in a pupillage application, and then some ideas for strengthening your pupillage application based on the lessons I have learnt.
When you invest so much time and effort into an application, coupled with the hope that this year might be the one, it is disheartening when it doesn’t happen. I understand this because I made pupillage applications for three consecutive years. What helped me during that time was to process the rejection and allow myself to feel all the emotions associated with it.
The pupillage process can be emotionally and physically draining. Continue to engage in activities you love outside of this process, maintain perspective and take some time away from it all if necessary.
Ask yourself, ‘Is this a career I genuinely want to pursue? And if so, why? Is [x] chambers truly the right fit for me, despite my initial aspirations?’ You would be surprised at how much you can learn about yourself through this process. For me, this period of rejection and reflection was transformative.
Let me share two examples of how my perspective changed. First, my initial motivation for pursuing the Bar was advocacy. However, I discovered that solicitor advocates also have a right of audience in the courts of England and Wales, and other courts including the Dubai International Financial Centre. I also realised that advocacy isn’t limited to the courtroom; I can experience the thrill of it through every pitch or presentation I work on as a solicitor.
Second, I always thought I enjoyed the idea of being self-employed at the Bar because of the flexibility it offers. However, after several mini-pupillages, I realised it can be quite lonely, and I desired more frequent collaboration with colleagues.
It took me three years to gain this perspective, but ultimately I decided to switch career routes. I felt that being a solicitor would offer me the best of both worlds, and indeed it has.
The thing about passion is that it never leaves you, regardless of how many rejections you face. So, if after all the reflection, you still feel that there is no other career for you but being a barrister, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Then...
Begin by carefully analysing your previous pupillage applications to identify any possible weaknesses or areas for improvement.
Approach individuals who can provide constructive criticism, such as mentors, legal professionals, or barristers, to gain valuable insights into your application and interview performance.
Try again. The journey to becoming a barrister requires resilience, and this process will truly test the depth of your determination.
The barristers who review pupillage applications often have limited time to evaluate each candidate. Therefore, it is essential to make a strong impression right from the beginning. I would recommend creating a list of all your accomplishments and prioritising them, placing the strongest one first.
Pupillage applications are a form of written advocacy, and the ability to present information persuasively is highly valued. Structure your answers effectively using signposting and maintaining clarity and focus. I suggest using the ‘STAR’ (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method when drafting your answers. Do read more about it, as it greatly helped me.
Use language that is simple, neutral and representative of your speaking and writing style. Avoid excessive use of loaded terms or confusing statements that may detract from your main points. Good grammar and proofreading are crucial to a professional presentation.
If you feel like you can copy and paste an answer from one pupillage application to another, it’s a sign that you need to revisit and tailor them.
Each set of chambers has its own priorities and preferences. Take the time to research and understand the chambers to which you are applying, and identify the skills and traits they highly value. Pay attention to the balance between paperwork and oral advocacy in their practice areas, and review the profiles of barrister members to get more insight. By dovetailing your application with chambers’ priorities, you can increase your chance of standing out from other candidates.
Why the Bar, rather than other legal career paths, such as solicitor roles? Highlight factors like self-employment, meritocracy, court-facing roles, or the opportunity to run your own business as a barrister. Clearly explain how your intellectual abilities, communication skills and personal experiences align with the demands of a barrister’s role.
While legal experience, advocacy and academic proficiency are essential, consider emphasising broader soft skills that demonstrate your empathy, time managemnet, adaptability and versatility etc. Remember that even non-legal experiences can be crucial in demonstrating these.
Don’t write something you wouldn’t ordinarily speak out loud. Highlighting your personality and interests outside of work can help chambers get to know you on a personal level. Showcase your hobbies, activities and achievements that reflect your diverse interests. This is an opportunity to humanise your application and remember, authenticity and being yourself are key.
*
Succeeding in pupillage applications requires a combination of strategy and individuality. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success, understanding the subjective nature of assessments and tailoring applications to chambers’ preferences are key.
I hope the above suggestions are helpful, and wish you the best of luck with your applications.
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