Mini-Pupillage
We offer mini-pupillages during three periods each year:
1st February – 31st March
1st May – 30th June
1st October – 30th November
Regrettably, we are unable to offer mini-pupillages outside of these defined periods except in exceptional circumstances such as where a person is unable to undertake a mini-pupillage during these times due to, for example, unavoidable work or caring commitments.
Please note that applicant must be over 18 and we would usually expect those applying to have commenced their LLB or GDL.
What can you expect from a mini-pupillage at 4KBW?
The purpose of mini-pupillages at 4KBW is to provide individuals with an interest in pursuing a career at the Bar with some first-hand experience of the job of a barrister and an insight into life in Chambers and its practice areas. Please note that our mini-pupillages are not assessed.
In terms of the structure of mini-pupillages, this will very much depend on the preferences that you have expressed in your application, the supervisor(s) whom you are allocated, and the work that is available at the time.
You are likely to spend most of your time at court or in client conferences but supervisors may also give you files to read and/or paperwork to try, or research to complete.
How long are mini-pupillages at 4KBW?
The standard length of a mini-pupillage at 4KBW is two days. This is so that we can accommodate as many applicants as possible. We are able to offer some flexibility in terms of how long mini-pupillages will last, in order to accommodate the circumstances of individual applicants, however the expectation is that applicants will be available for two days.
When to Apply:
The deadline for applicants wishing to apply for a mini-pupillage in 2027 will be 4pm on 18 December 2026. Only in exceptional circumstances will applicants be considered for a mini-pupillage in 2027 beyond this deadline.
How to Apply:
In order to apply for a mini-pupillage at 4KBW, please send a curriculum vitae and a cover letter, neither of which should be longer than two pages of A4, to abm@4kbw.co.uk and addressed to Mr. Alex Maunders.
Please ensure that you provide answers to the following questions within your cover letter:
- Why are you interested in a career as a barrister?
- Why do you want to undertake a mini-pupillage at 4KBW?
- What area(s) of law are you particularly interested in and why?
- How many mini-pupillages have you undertaken to date?
- What period are you applying for and are there any dates within those periods that you are not available?
What are the Selection Criteria?
In determining who is selected for a mini-pupillage, the following selection criteria only are applied:
- intellectual ability;
- a genuine and demonstrable interest in pursuing a career at the Bar;
- a genuine and demonstrable interest in 4KBW and its core practice areas;
- relevant previous experience (not necessarily legal experience);
- interpersonal skills; and
- presentational ability.
Those applicants with the least first-hand experience of the Bar or who demonstrate a genuine interest in and the potential to succeed in applying for a pupillage at 4KBW will be prioritised in the selection process if we are oversubscribed.
Equality and Diversity
4KBW is committed to equality and diversity, including at all stages of the recruitment process, and to promoting access to the Bar to those who are typically underrepresented. We therefore particularly encourage and welcome applications from individuals that fall within groups that are underrepresented at the Bar.
We will make reasonable adjustments in order to enable persons to undertake a mini-pupillage with us such as making adjustments for those with caring or other responsibilities to complete a mini-pupillage with us.
Others Matters
Funding
All of our mini-pupillages are unfunded. Regrettably, at the present time, 4KBW is unable to financially support those who wish to undertake a mini-pupillage with us. We will therefore try to ensure that our mini-pupils will not have to travel too far.
Hours
The typical hours of a mini-pupillage will be 09:00 to 17:00 but that may vary depending on your supervisor and the nature of their work at the time. You should also anticipate there being travel time on top of these hours.
Dress
You will be expected to dress in a style that is appropriate for court which means smart, dark business attire.
Confidentiality
In order to undertake a mini-pupillage with us, you will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement that will be sent to you before you start. As a consequence, you must not disclose to others any information that you receive during the course of your mini-pupillage with us.
Questions
Should you have any questions about mini-pupillages at 4KBW or the application process, you should not hesitate to contact Mr. Alex Maunders, the mini-pupillage coordinator, at abm@4kbw.co.uk who will be happy to answer your queries.
We look forward to receiving your application.