Pupillage application advice

“Focus on doing a few individually crafted, targeted applications rather than sending out vast quantities of copy and pasted applications. Whilst it may be a numbers game, you need your application to stand out from the crowd. You want the person reading it to believe that you are really interested in their chambers and be able to demonstrate a reason for why you are applying there. Even if you haven’t done a mini-pupillage at that chambers, there are other ways to show your interest, for example referring to a recent case a member of chambers has been involved in and why that interests you.”

Eleanor Lake (Pupil 2017/18)

“Your application form is, in part, an exercise in written advocacy. It is extremely important to not forget the simple things, such as formatting, spelling and grammar. For example, if there is a blank section for your legal experience think about how you want to present this, i.e. subheadings, a table etc. I would also recommend that you personalise every answer. Chambers don’t want to just know why you want to be a barrister, they want to know why you want to be a barrister at that particular chambers. Further, don’t just state your reasons, evidence them.”

Holly Hilbourne-Gollop (Pupil 2018/19)

“Think about the question you are being asked and write the answer in a concise and simple way. There is no need to give overly convoluted answers.”

George Smith (Pupil 2018/19)

 

 

 

For details on the pupillage application process at St Ives Chambers and information on how to apply, click here. Best wishes from all of us at St Ives.