Pre-GDL mini-pupillages - same chambers you will apply for pupillage from, or not?

I have a question which I would appreciate people's comments on, notably those who are on, or have completed, the BVC. (Apologies for the lengthy preamble, too - I need to explain the reason for the question!)

Pupillages. Bearing in mind that pupillage application deadlines require candidates to apply in the year preceding the start of the pupillage, this means that students doing a three year law degree will be in their final year of university, with two years law study under their belt, whereas their contemporaries undertaking the GDL will only have been studying law for a few months. This, I seem to recall, was one of the concerns raised by The Neuberger Report about moving OLPAS application dates earlier (to allow students to wait to see if they could get a pupillage before applying to the BVC).

Mini-Pupillages. I have been looking at the websites of a number of chambers to find out about their mini-pupillage schemes, and it is apparent that many chambers run these during summer. This means that it is not possible for candidates to undertake a mini-pupillage in the same year in which they apply for a pupillage - they must instead apply for the mini-pupillage the year before, if they wish to undertake it in the same chambers to which they subsequently wish to apply for a pupillage. This, for students doing a three year law degree, is their second year, but for candidates doing a GDL is the year prior to their GDL starting - i.e. while they have no legal training.

Given that mini-pupillages are usually assessed [albeit at varying levels of formality], to what extent is worth non-law students, prior to their GDL, undertaking mini-pupillages with the chambers to which their subsequently hope to apply for pupillage? I have heard arguments both ways - some people have said to focus on getting mini-pupillages from chambers who you don't intend to apply for pupillage from (because as a non-law student you're at a disadvantage), others have disregarded the law degree/GDL difference, and said to go for it regardless in order that you and the chambers get to see each other prior to the OLPAS season.

Any feedback appreciated, please. Thanks.

Reply 1

Simon Myerson QC

The first mini-pupillage should always be at a set you aren't mad keen on, because that lets you acclimatise and make mistakes without much stress.

Then I think you should go to places you are serious about. Doing a mini-pupillage means that when you apply, you are not just a form. It ups your chances of interview providing you do well. Of course, it also screws them up if you do badly - but that may also be a useful message of sorts...

I wouldn't worry about being a non-lawyer. Most sets will allow for that. There are so many non-law degree applicants these days that it is hardly an issue. Make it clear that you are a non-lawyer. And read a couple of books. Learning the Law (Glanville-Williams) will get you sorted on basics. The English Legal History book by Baker will sort out structures for you, and is quite interesting on its merits (that may just be me being sad though). If they are out of print (and they may be) try asking lawyers you know for other recommendations or find them in a library. That they may be out of print does not render them obsolete - the law moves very slowly.

Also, read The Times Law supplement (Tuesdays) or go on-line to find out what the burning issues are. That will give you some idea of sensible things to discuss in a quiet moment. Try and have an opinion but ask your friends to tell you why it's idiotic before you try it live.

Good luck.

Reply 2

theanalyst

As its unwise to do minis at all 12 OLPAS chambers you're going to apply to, check the sets' websites. Some place more emphasis on minis than others. Some are assessed, some say they use minis as an opportunity to take a first look; some limit their places; and some are simply first come, first served, and say that doing a mini with them has no bearing on any future pupillage application.

You may disagree with the latter - as Simon says a good impression will always be useful. For you as well as them.

Getting a limited place for a mini doesn't mean you will get interviewed when you apply for pupillage, and vice versa. But if you get chosen as say, one of only 12 mini pupils that year, you have at least tested yourself in the market with that chambers. Good for confidence if nothing else.