Mini-pupillage

Garden Court North Chambers is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at the Bar and is proud to provide a mini-pupillage scheme to assist potential applicants to the Bar to decide whether in fact they do want to pursue a career in the law, whether they want to become a barrister or a solicitor, and what area of law interests them.

Each mini-pupillage will aim to offer opportunities to attend court or other hearings, to work on legal research in Chambers, and a chance to speak about pupillage applications, work experience and the work we do.

Further information

For further information about our mini-pupillages, please email minipupillage@gcnchambers.co.uk

  • Duration and structure

    Garden Court North Chambers offers a minimum of one mini-pupillage session during each calendar year. Each ‘session’ will last two weeks, and we offer up to two placements in the first week and up to two placements in the second week, each lasting between one and three days. To make the most of the opportunity, we recommend a minimum of two days. Consecutive days are preferred but not mandatory.

    We are proud to offer an accessible and flexible mini-pupillage scheme which aims to achieve equality of opportunity to support those with disabilities, caring responsibilities and other commitments and obligations.

    Reasonable adjustment requests will be accommodated to support individuals both during the application process and the placement itself. If you would like to discuss your requirements in advance of making your application please email minipupillage@gcnchambers.co.uk and we will arrange for a member of the Pupillage Committee to contact you.

  • Requirements & considerations

    Applicants must be at least 18 years old and using the indicator of whether an applicant has received free school meals, we give weight to applicants who come from lower income backgrounds.

    Weight is also given to those applicants who demonstrate an interest in working in areas traditionally funded by legal aid or which involve civil liberties/human rights issues. We give preference to those who have not undertaken a mini-pupillage or other legal work experience before.

    Whilst formal court dress is not required, smart, professional attire is required.

    We aim to reduce the travel costs of mini-pupils during their placement and as far as is possible placements will cover local court centres. Where travel is necessary, Chambers will reimburse reasonable travel expenses.

    Lincoln’s Inn Mini-Pupillage Grant Scheme offers financial support to students wishing to undertake mini-pupillages who would otherwise not be able to do so. The grants are intended to assist with the costs of travel and accommodation as well as a clothing allowance if needed. The value of each grant is calculated based on the applicant’s anticipated expenses up to a maximum of £500. Further information on the scheme, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available here.

    Successful applicants will be required to sign a conduct and confidentiality agreement before commencement of the mini-pupillage.

  • Applications

    The dates of the application windows, and associated deadlines, are set out below. The application form requires applicants to identify their preferred window. The Pupillage Committee aim to notify successful applicants, by e-mail, within the six weeks prior to the start of their mini-pupillage, and we ask that applicants confirm their acceptance within seven days of receipt of the e-mail.

    Applications will not be carried over to the next mini-pupillage period, but there is no bar to reapplying for the next session during the appropriate application window.

    Unfortunately, we are not able to offer placements outside of the advertised windows and only applications made via the online application form can be considered. If you require the application form in a different format, please contact Chambers at minipupillage@gcnchambers.co.uk or by telephone on 0161 817 6377.

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