How to apply for Pupillage
All pupillage providers must advertise all pupillage vacancies on the designated website www.pupillages.com. The vacancies are divided into two types: OLPAS and non-OLPAS. All planned vacancies are advertised on the Pupillage Handbook. As the Handbook is compiled from information gathered between November and January of each year, any amended OLPAS vacancies will be advertised on the Newsflash section. New non-OLPAS vacancies will appear on the website within the A-Z database of listings.
OLPAS
OLPAS (OnLine Pupillage Application System) allows applicants to search and apply for pupillage using an on-line form, and for pupillage providers to communicate with applicants using email/on-line messages. This has the advantage of allowing direct communication between applicants and chambers in a controlled and fair manner. The aim is to create a level playing field for all applicants, as the same application form is completed by all applicants and distributed in the same way to the providers.
A particular advantage of OLPAS is that applicants can search for pupillage on the website, using a number of search criteria (eg location, areas of specialisation). Any changes to the originally advertised pupillage vacancies are posted on the site, so all information is current. Pupillage providers not participating in tOLPAS also display details of how to apply in the non-OLPAS version of the online Handbook, accessible through the www.pupillages.com website. The Pupillage and Awards Handbook will continue to be published by GTI, and will remain the companion to the pupillage website. This has the advantage of allowing applicants to browse the pupillage vacancies off-line.
There is no charge to applicants using OLPAS. The scheme is split into two seasons, Summer and Autumn, and 12 applications will be allowed per person per season. Summer Season commences each March, with recruitment taking place in early August. The Autumn Season takes place from September to November. Pupillage Providers must state whether they wish to participate in the Summer or Autumn season, or both. Applicants have up to 24 choices, 12 through each Season. In addition, there is of course no limit to the number of applications allowed through non-OLPAS providers.
OLPAS 2009 timetable
The timetable for 2009 will be announced shortly.
