Pupillage Portal applications

Many chambers require aspiring barristers to apply for pupillage with them via the Pupillage Portal online pupillage application system (formerly known as OLPAS). Chambers that use the Pupillage Portal application system don’t accept applications by any other means; however, you’re free to apply to as many non-Pupillage Portal chambers as you like.

The 2012 pupillage application season opens on Thursday 29 March and will close on Thursday 26 April. The Pupillage Portal system can be accessed at pupillageportal.com. This site contains details of all available pupillages (irrespective of whether or not chambers are members of OLPAS) and is an online version of the Pupillages Handbook. This means you can browse chambers’ details online or on paper when researching.

Note: There will no longer be a clearing round for pupillage applications due to poor uptake. The Thursday 26 April deadline is final.

Making Pupillage Portal applications

In order to access the online application system you must be registered with the system. However, it is not possible to register with the system unless you have selected a pupillage provider to apply to, so although it is possible to change your selections later on you are strongly advised to do your research and identify providers at an early stage. You can tailor each individual application to the set you are applying to and you are strongly advised to make your clearing application attractive to a wide cross-section of the Bar. All communications should come via the Pupillage Portal, including interview invitations and offers.

Go to the Pupillage Portal site for detailed guidance on making your application and to see a sample form. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before you begin: remember that you can only apply to 12 chambers and a withdrawn application still counts as one of your 12. The Pupillages Handbook contains details of all pupillages.

• A quick guide to what you need to find out about chambers before applying for pupillage

When to apply via Pupillage Portal

The Pupillage Portal system consists of just one season, starting in March (see above for 2012 dates). The deadline for submissions is usually in April or very early May. Offers may be made to first round applicants from around July.