Assessed mini-pupillages
A number of sets use assessed mini-pupillages as part of the pupil selection process. When do you do one and what will happen?
What are assessed mini-pupillages?
As well as standard mini-pupillages (see Boost your work experience before you apply), an increasing number of sets offer assessed mini-pupillages, which will judge your performance and potential more formally. On the whole your time in chambers on an assessed mini-pupillage will be similar to on an unassessed one (eg shadowing barristers, completing small research or paperwork tasks and attending court and conferences) – however, you will also be given a piece of work that will be marked and kept for reference. This is likely to be a written exercise, for example writing an opinion.
When do I have to do one?
The way in which assessed mini-pupillages are used and how they fit into the pupil selection process varies from set to set. Most sets that run assessed mini-pupillages do so as part of the recruitment process and insist that candidates take one with them. A handful offer assessed mini-pupillages but do not insist that potential pupils take one. (However, if you wish to apply to them and can possibly fit one in it is a very good idea to do so. At such sets, you may also find that those who do well on assessed mini-pupillages are eligible to skip the first stage of the recruitment process.) Most sets offer either only assessed or only unassessed mini-pupillages but a few offer both, so make sure you are clear about who offers what and what you are applying for.
Different sets will ask you to complete assessed mini-pupillages at different stages. Some will ask you to complete one before you enter the pupil selection process while others will run assessed mini-pupillages as an interim selection stage between first interviews and second interviews. Alternatively, some sets may ask any interviewees whom they like but who have not spent time in chambers to come in for a couple of days after their interview.
How to impress
Follow the same rules for success on assessed mini-pupillages as on unassessed ones. Be polite, professional and enthusiastic but reserve your questions and comments for appropriate times (ie not in front of clients or when the barrister you’re shadowing is clearly busy). Don’t feel you need to have extensive legal knowledge but do make sure you’ve brushed up on the basics before you arrive. Also keep in mind that you’re being judged on whether recruiters can imagine you fitting into chambers and getting on with clients so avoid arrogance, rudeness towards support staff or fellow mini-pupils, or any form of bitching at all costs. However, remember too that an assessed mini-pupillage is a two-way opportunity – if you’re unhappy during your time in chambers and feel uncomfortable with the way it operates you at least have the chance to reassess whether you’d actually want to work there.
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