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A person who intends to practise as a barrister is required to train as a pupil for a period of not less than twelve months, and complete such further training as may be required by us.
This must be undertaken in a continuous period of six months in England and Wales, in an Approved Training Organisation. During the first six months pupils may not accept any instructions, except for noting briefs, where they have the permission of their pupil supervisor or head of chambers.
At the end of the first six months, pupils must submit a certificate from their pupil supervisor certifying that the first six has been satisfactorily completed. We will then grant a Practising Certificate.
Unless exempted from the requirements, chambers must pay each pupil a minimum of £1000 per month during the 1st six (ie £6000 total).
The practising six must commence no later than 12 months after the completion of the non practising six months and be undertaken in a continuous period of six months or with only such intervals (each not exceeding one month) as to ensure that the practising six months is completed within an overall period of nine months. All of the practising six must be undertaken after call: this means that pupils must be called to the Bar before they can undertake their second six.
A pupil is entitled to supply legal services and exercise Rights of Audience as a barrister during the practising six months provided that he or she has the permission of his or her pupil supervisor or head of chambers.
Unless exempted from the requirements, chambers must pay each pupil a minimum of £1000 per month (ie £6000 during the 2nd six months), either by way of an award or guaranteed receipts. If chambers pay the pupil by way of guaranteed receipts, then the pupil must receive no less than £1000 each month. This means that chambers may have to make up any difference between what the pupil has billed and what chambers actually received.
At the end of the second six months, pupils must submit a certificate from their pupil supervisor certifying that the second six has been satisfactorily completed. Provided that the compulsory further training has also been completed, we will grant the pupil a Full Qualification Certificate
All or part of the practising six months of pupillage may be satisfied by the following forms of external training, provided that the prior approval of the Qualifications Committee is obtained:
a) With a solicitor, judge or other suitably qualified lawyer who is not a registered pupil supervisor; and/or
b) In an organisation which is not an Approved Training Organisation but which, in the opinion of the Board, provides suitable training and experience
