Pupillage Applications

Pupillage 2020-21

In 2018 Maitland Chambers joined the Pupillage Gateway (for pupillages commencing in 2020) and the deadline for applications was 7 February 2019.

Unsuccessful applicants for pupillage may apply for a second time in a subsequent year. However, we do not accept further applications from candidates who have applied twice previously.

Our current policy is that consideration will be given, on a case by case basis, to requests to defer an offer of pupillage. If you would wish to make such a request, it would be helpful if you could indicate that fact (together with the reasons for deferral, and the length of deferral which you would seek) in your application form or, if that is not possible, as early as possible in the application process.

Third Six Pupillages

We are not seeking currently applications for Third Six Pupillages.

The application process

We receive between around 150 application forms each year from which we select on average between 20 and 30 first round interviewees and between 10 and 15 second round interviewees. We generally offer up to three places for pupillage per year.

The first round interview lasts for approximately 25 minutes and is held in front of a panel of two or three members of chambers. It involves general questions, including one designed to test legal reasoning.

The second round interview lasts for approximately 30 minutes and involves the more detailed study of a hypothetical case (which makes allowance for the fact that some applicants may not have completed law degrees). This case is then discussed with a panel of up to five barristers, including one or more of our QCs. Interviewees are asked to come to chambers in time to allow themselves 60 minutes of preparation.

From the application forms and interviews we make assessments about candidates' academic ability; their interest in and aptitude for the Bar, advocacy and commercial chancery work; their literacy; clarity of thought; reasoning ability; practice management temperament and interpersonal skills.