Your guide to Pupillage success: Top Tips for Applications and Interviews

By Kenniesha Stephens

Stay the course

Pupillage is fiercely competitive, and it is normal to face rejection – even for strong candidates. Many successful barristers didn’t secure pupillage on their first attempt. If this is your chosen path, perseverance is key. Stay committed, keep improving, and remember: resilience is a quality every barrister needs.

Learn from setbacks

Treat every rejection as a chance to grow. Ask for feedback wherever possible and take it seriously. Use the time between application rounds wisely – build your CV with relevant work experience and advocacy opportunities. Each step strengthens your case.

Reflect honestly

After each interview, take time to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? Write down the questions you were asked and how you answered them. Identify any weaknesses and actively seek out opportunities to improve in those areas.

Sharpen your interview skills

Interviewing is a learned skill, and practice makes a difference. Take part in mock interviews—through your Inn, mentoring schemes, or peer groups. Attend events, speak with pupils and barristers, and gain insight into the culture and expectations of different Chambers.

Do your homework

Generic applications stand out for the wrong reasons. Chambers want to see that you’ve done your research and understand what sets them apart. Learn about their areas of practice, recent cases, and values. Tailor every application – and if possible, complete a mini-pupillage in your preferred area of law.