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If you’re a law student considering a career at the Bar or you’re already studying the Bar course, chances are that you’re applying for pupillage in January 2023. For many of you, this might be the first time you’ll be applying for pupillage, and I thought it would be helpful to write some advice on how to approach the applications. Read on for my top tips!

Make your answers easily digestible

The people marking your applications don’t want to read complicated answers, as they’re often going through hundreds of similar forms. Try not to make your answers overly complicated or smart – the simpler, the better. 

Remember the rule of three; for any question, give just three reasons why. For example, if the question is "why do you want to become a barrister", list out three reasons why. 

If you’re considering studying the Bar, check out my previous blog post or this Oracle on, ‘How do I know whether the Bar is right for me?’

Use the STAR technique – Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method will push you to simplify your answers and only put in the relevant points, making your answers as digestible as possible.

Keep your writing concise by avoiding long sentences. As a rule of thumb, think of George Orwell’s five rules of writing:

1. Never use a simile, metaphor, or other figures of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3. If it’s possible to cut a word out, always cut it.
4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
5. Never use a scientific phrase where you can use a simple one.

A final word of advice: don’t write like you think a lawyer would, instead be natural in your answers.

Remember the marking criteria

While every chambers has its own set of published criteria, they all follow the same underlying thread:

1. Intellectual ability – this is marked according to your academic performance and there’s no getting around that. Remember to put your best grades first so as to bring it to the reviewer’s attention.
2. Written ability – this is tested on the basis of your application as a whole so make sure you don’t have any spelling or grammatical errors!
3. Advocacy – the best way to demonstrate oral advocacy is through mooting. For those of you who don’t have mooting experience, think of a time you had to speak persuasively. It could be during a presentation or a debate, but make sure it demonstrates your ability as an advocate.
4. Why chambers – the only way to answer this is to research the chambers you’re applying to. Maybe you did a mini-pupillage in the set or spoke to a member of chambers and can tie that into the answer. If you’re unable to do that, instead identify a case the chambers has been involved in or explain why you want to practice the area of law they specialise in.

For more about mooting opportunities, read this LCN Feature.

Finish the form early

Not only does technology tend to play up around deadlines, which you don’t want to be caught up in, but finishing the form early also gives you a chance to refine your application. After completing the application, let it marinate for a few days before going over it again. You’ll be shocked at how much you can cut out or rephrase. Doing this will ensure that your answers are clear and concise, which is incredibly important.