MINI-PUPILLAGE
Mini-pupillages are an opportunity for those considering a career as a barrister to learn more about the profession and about life in a specialist tax set of chambers.
Format
In 2024-25, Chambers will be offering applicants the opportunity either to attend Chambers for a two-day mini-pupillage or to attend a one-day virtual mini-pupillage. Subject to Government guidance, successful applicants will be offered their choice of format.
During their mini-pupillage, applicants will be supervised by a junior member of Chambers and will be set tasks intended to give them an insight into the work of a junior tax barrister. Mini-pupils may also be offered the opportunity to attend court with a member of Chambers and to ask any questions that they may have about Chambers and the professional life of a barrister.
All mini-pupillages are funded (including virtual mini-pupillages): mini-pupils receive an allowance of £50 per day (this allowance is available whether or not any expenses are incurred). In addition, where a mini-pupil’s reasonable costs of attending a mini-pupillage exceed that amount, a further needs-based allowance is available. We ask that successful applicants who wish to apply for the further allowance inform us as soon as possible after accepting an offer of mini-pupillage.
Applications
Applications for mini-pupillages are considered four times a year:
- Applications for mini-pupillage within the period 5 May to 14 July 2025 inclusive should be made by 4pm on 18 April 2025
- Applications for mini-pupillage within the period 1 September to 27 October 2025 inclusive should be made by 4pm on 4 August 2025. Students entering their final year of a law degree are particularly encouraged to apply in this round;
- Applications for mini-pupillage within the period 3 November 2025 to 2 February 2026 inclusive (excluding the period 15 December 2025 to 5 January 2026) should be made by 4pm on 27 October 2025. GDL students are particularly encouraged to apply in this round.
Applications should be made to the Mini-Pupillage Secretary by email to minipupils@pumptax.com in the following format:
Please attach a full CV and cover letter. Since applications are considered on an anonymous basis, we kindly ask that you do not state your name in either document (please simply sign them ‘Applicant’).
- In the cover letter the applicant should explain why they are interested in undertaking a mini-pupillage in Chambers.
- In either their CV or cover letter, applicants must include full university examination results to date (including for first-year examinations).
- Applicants should indicate their available dates for a mini-pupillage.
If your application does not provide the above information then we may not be able to consider it.
Experience suggests that mini-pupils get most out of their time in Chambers if they are in their second or later year of a law degree or have started the GDL (or are undertaking the BTC). We therefore give priority to such applicants when mini-pupillage rounds are over-subscribed.
In addition to the general mini-pupillages outlined above, we are pleased to say that Chambers is offering places on Bridging The Bar’s flagship Academy / mini-pupillage scheme. See further information, including how to apply. These applications are considered separately to the application process set out above.
All enquiries relating to pupillages and mini-pupillages should, where possible, be made by email to minipupils@pumptax.com.