Step 4:
The vocational stage of training to be a barrister provides essential off-the-job training. Indeed, anyone successfully completing the vocational stage is eligible to be called to the Bar (a graduation-style ceremony at their Inn), whether or not they are going on to practise. However; it is only during pupillage that barristers can use to the full the valuable lessons learned during previous stages of training.

Structure of Pupillage

Pupillage generally takes one year, although it is split into six-month periods or “sixes”. You can choose to do your first and second sixes at two different sets of chambers rather than one if you wish. Neither route guarantees that you will obtain a tenancy (a permanent place in chambers). In fact, “third sixes”, undertaken by those who fail to become tenants at the first attempt, are becoming increasingly commonplace. At present, there are a small number of pupillages at the employed Bar (that is, work as a legal adviser for an employer; rather than in independent practice).

Training and Experience

All pupils are assigned to one or more pupilmasters or pupilmistresses, experienced barristers who organise training, allocate work and assess performance. Pupillages also give chambers the opportunity to assess pupils with a view to ensuring that they become effective practitioners.

There is no doubt that pupillage is hard work. The first six generally consists of observing and assisting your pupilmaster or pupilmistress and other barristers from chambers. There will be a great deal of research, together with document writing and document-reading. At the end of a satisfactory first six, you receive a certificate enabling you to take on work of your own.

The transition to the second six is therefore significant and quite daunting. This is where you start to build your own reputation. You have cases of your own, clients of your own, court appearances on your own resulting in cases won or cases lost.

A certain amount of training takes place outside the environment of chambers. The Bar Council requires all pupils to attend two compulsory courses. The first gives further training in advocacy and the second practical help with managing a practice, including advice on financial issues. There are also voluntary, but highly recommended, courses in accountancy and EU law.

Step 5:
Pupillage provides a somewhat robust introduction to life as a barrister. However, the transition to tenancy – for those who make it – is still a difficult one to make. It is not simply a matter of getting your name on the door. Overnight you acquire a different status. It is now the real responsibility begins.

Obtaining a tenancy

As mentioned on the previous pages, although pupillage is the principal means by which chambers take on junior tenants, even a glowingly successful pupillage is no guarantee of a tenancy. Competition is intense. At the moment only about 60% of those who make it to pupillage obtain tenancies. If you really are determind to make it as a barrister in private practice you may have to consider a third six. The important thing is not to lose heart. Nowadays the Bar is open to anyone with ability, regardless of their educational background, sex, sexual orientation, race or disability. The Bar Council has a rigorous Equality Code for the Bar and has equal opportunities officers to enforce it.

Independent practice or the employed Bar?

Qualifying as a barrister does not simply offer you a career in chambers There are many exciting and lucrative career opportunities in:

* the armed forces
* local government
* Government Legal Service
* European Fast Stream (Civil Service)
* Crown Prosecution Service
* Association of Magistrates’ Courts
* a variety of organisations in commerce and industry

In most of the above, there is a wide variety of work. Usually there are considerable opportunities for early responsibility and often more careers support than at the independent Bar. At the moment, there are 2,500 barristers employed by various public and private sector organisations.