All interviews will be in person unless previously agreed and special requirements will try to be accommodated.
Stage 1: Application
- Opens: Monday 5th January 2026 at 11:00am.
- Deadline: Thursday 22nd January 2026 by 11.59pm.
- Shortlisting: Anonymised basis: selection criteria published online.
- Shortlisting Outcome: Notification by Late February/Early March 2026.
Stage 2: Interview
- Invitations: Sent by email (via Gateway or Chambers admin).
- Interview: In person, Late February-Early March 2026, over a weekend.
- Format: Two parts—(1) legal problem (30 min, provided 30 min before), and (2) competency-based interview (30 min, includes situational, biographical, and ethical questions).
- Criteria: Analytical thinking, communication, advocacy, resilience, interpersonal skills, motivation
- Average Invited: Approximately 20 candidates (past 5 years).
- Notification of outcome: Late March/Early April 2026.
If you are successful at the Stage 2 interview, you will be invited to a Final Assessment as well as being invited to a social event in Chambers to meet non-Pupillage Committee members.
Stage 3: Final Assessment
- Invitations: Sent by email via gateway or Chambers admin Early April 2026.
- Assessment: Mid-April carried out remotely consisting of producing a written opinion, instructions given morning of assessment, to be completed by end of business day.
- Support: Online access to Chambers’ library if needed.
- Average Progressing: Approximately 8 candidates (past 5 years).
Stage 4: Final Interview – for all those that completed the Final Assessment
- Invitations: sent by email (via Gateway or Chambers admin) by Mid/Late April.
- Interview (remote): Short (c.20-30 minutes), structured interview based on discussing the Final Assessment the following week (mid/late April 2026).
- Offer Notification: Friday 8th May 2026 at 09.30am; acceptance deadline Friday 15th May 2026 at 09.30am.
Timetable
The following timetable shall apply to applications in 2026 for pupillage commencing in September 2026:
| Stage | Event | Date/deadline |
| Stage 1 | Applications Open | From Monday 5th January 2026 at 11.00am. |
| Deadline for submitting application form to Gateway | Thursday 22nd January 2026 by 11.59pm | |
| Stage 2 | Notification of successful and unsuccessful candidates | Early/Mid March 2026 |
| Interviews | Mid March 2026 | |
| Stage 3 | Notification of successful and unsuccessful candidates | Early April 2026 |
| Final assessments | Mid/late April 2026 | |
| Offers | Notification of successful candidates | Friday 8th May 2026 at 09.30am |
Pupillage Committee
October 2025
