Mini-pupillages are short work experiences in chambers where you sit with a barrister, analyse case papers, and learn about life in chambers. Some chambers have assessed mini-pupillages, but most don’t. Here are my top five tips to make the most out of your mini-pupillage and leave a good impression:

1. Arrive on time and dress appropriately

This goes without saying, but don’t get off to a bad start by showing up late and wearing scruffy old trainers. Make sure you get there at least five minutes early and dress like you’re going to court (because you may just end up going!). Keep it simple.

2. Ask questions

Create a good impression by asking questions about life at the Bar, what chambers is like, and what kind of work junior tenants see – but make sure you ask at the right time! Don’t ask questions when the barrister you’re shadowing is in court or is clearly busy. I usually asked questions when I’m out for lunch with barristers from chambers or at the end of the day before I leave. They’re usually very friendly and eager to help you out, so don’t be scared!

3.  Be enthusiastic about life at the Bar and chambers

Even if your mini-pupillage isn’t assessed, it’s still important to show a genuine interest in the Bar and, most importantly, in chambers. If the case you’re analysing isn’t particularly interesting to you, still try to leave a good impression by being keen.

Want to know more about becoming a barrister? Check out this LCN Says for some tips!

4.  Send a follow-up email

Make sure you send a follow-up email to the barrister you shadowed thanking them for the opportunity. Making and maintaining connections in the Bar will prove incredibly useful in your future career as a barrister!

5.  Take notes

Take notes of the cases you worked on (while still maintaining confidentiality of course) and any good points you made during your work experience. When you put mini pupillages on your CV, you want to be able to express what you learnt and did, rather than just a generic “I completed a mini pupillage at X chambers”. Additionally, it’s helpful to review your notes before pupillage interviews because you’ll probably be asked about the kind of work you observed during your mini pupillage.

Bonus tip: Be yourself!

Students tend to forget that mini pupillages are also about figuring out whether chambers is right for you. The only way you’ll do this is if you show your personality, while still being professional. Don’t fall into the trap of acting a certain way because you think it’s what chambers are looking for.

By being true to yourself, you’ll feel a lot more relaxed during your mini pupillage and may find yourself getting along with members of chambers. When pupillage applications come around, you’ll then be able to express why you think you’re a good fit for chambers.