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Mini-Pupillage

We believe that a mini-pupillage is a good way to familiarise yourself with us and our work, and recognise the importance it plays in the decisions you take about the direction of your career. We therefore offer c50 unassessed mini-pupillages each year to high calibre applicants, likely to be strong candidates for pupillage in Chambers. Please note, we only accept applications for mini pupillages from candidates who are in the final year of a law degree, or are undertaking the GDL.

Usually, mini-pupillages will be 1-day in person placements between November and January or July and September. You will be allocated a supervisor who will contact you 1-week in advance of your placement to set you a piece of work, which you will then submit before attending Chambers and discuss with your supervisor upon arrival. Once in Chambers, your supervisor will arrange a varied and stimulating introduction to life in Chambers. Mini-pupils will be introduced to other members of Chambers whom you may observe either at court hearings, in arbitrations or in conference with clients. These members will be available to answer any questions you may have.

If required, we can offer virtual mini-pupillages, which will be undertaken in groups and comprise: a morning Q and A with a junior barrister on life at the Construction Bar, a set piece of work that is then discussed in the afternoon, and a talk on careers by a KC. The day will run from 10.00-16.00.

Mini-pupillage in Keating Chambers is not a pre-requisite to an application for a pupillage. Applications for mini-pupillage are very competitive and you should not be dissuaded from applying for pupillage with us if your application for a mini-pupillage is unsuccessful.

We are involved in a number of mentoring and outreach schemes regarding mini-pupillages. Details of these can be found on our Diversity and Inclusion page.

Funding of Mini-Pupillages

We will reimburse reasonable expenses supported by receipts.  Wherever possible reimbursement will be made before you complete your mini-pupillage.

As well as the above support from chambers, The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn has launched a Mini Pupillage Grant Scheme offering financial support to students wishing to undertake mini-pupillages who would otherwise not be able to do so. Grants are intended to assist with the costs of travel and accommodation as well as a clothing allowance if needed. The value of each grant is calculated based on the applicant’s anticipated expenses up to a maximum of £500. Full details of eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found here.

Application for Mini-Pupillages

Applications for mini-pupillage should be made via our Application Form. Ordinarily, these will be 1-day in-person placements, as we have found that a shorter mini is more accessible to candidates from all backgrounds and at all stages of their studies or careers. However, if you require a virtual mini-pupillage, then please record this on the form and we will endeavour to arrange a group virtual session for you in due course.

There are two rounds of applications in each calendar year: applications for a placement between July and September must be received by 31st March (Round 1), and applications for a placement between November and January must be received by 1st September (Round 2). Therefore the next application deadline is 31 March 2025.

Our mini-pupillage application form can be downloaded here.

We respond to every application we receive but this may take some time. This application form must be filled in and returned by email to Elaine Browne (ebrowne@keatingchambers.com).

Our Equal Opportunities Policy applies to mini-pupillage applications.