**Update 11/09/20: We are hoping to resume mini-pupillages from 9 November 2020 and are accepting applications (deadlines below). Mini-pupillages will be in Chambers if possible but, in light of the ongoing coronavirus situation, may have to be virtual. In any event, the precise format remains under review. Please check this page for updates.**
Mini-pupils will sit with members of Chambers and will experience a broad range of work. Mini-pupillages are generally of two or three days’ duration (at the mini-pupil’s option) and are not assessed.
Applications for mini-pupillages are considered three times a year:
- applications for mini-pupillage within the period 9 November 2020 to 22 January 2021 inclusive (excluding the period 21 December 2020 to 10 January 2021) should be made by 9 October 2020 (GDL students are particularly encouraged to apply in this round);
- applications for mini-pupillage within the period 1 March to 30 April 2021 inclusive (excluding the period 29 March to 11 April 2021) should be made by 29 January 2021; and
- applications for mini-pupillage within the period 7 June to 1 October 2021 inclusive (excluding the period 26 July to 5 September 2021) should be made by 7 May 2021.
Mini-pupillages are funded and all mini-pupils receive an allowance of £50 per day. 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 should be made to the Mini-Pupillage Secretary by email to pupils@pumptax.com by means of a full CV, which should include university examination results to date, and covering letter. The covering letter should, as well as explaining why the applicant is interested in undertaking a mini-pupillage in Chambers, indicate preferred length of mini-pupillage and dates. In the case of two-day mini-pupillages it should usually be possible, if this makes it easier to fit around work or study commitments, for the mini-pupillage to take place on non-consecutive days.
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. We therefore give priority to such applicants when mini-pupillage rounds are over-subscribed.
All enquiries relating to pupillages and mini-pupillages should, where possible, be made by email to pupils@pumptax.com.