What support is available once we are approved as a pupillage provider?
Our website contains important and helpful information, including the Bar Qualification Manual, the Authorisation Framework and the Professional Statement.
We also encourage informal discussions with prospective pupillage providers. If this is something you are interested in, please contact us.
Why do we need to advertise pupillage when we have a number of really good solicitors and paralegals in-house?
To ensure equality of opportunity for all prospective pupils and to meet the Principle of Accessibility indicators within the Authorisation Framework. Compliance with the principles of Fair Recruitment is key to the authorisation process.
Our organisation requires roles to be advertised internally first. Can we do that?
You must meet our requirements for the advertising and recruitment of pupillages in Part 4C of the Bar Qualification Manual. Any exception may require a waiver from our advertising rules. Please contact us if you wish to discuss your specific situation with us.
How much does it cost to advertise on the Pupillage Gateway?
There is no fee to advertise on the Pupillage Gateway. If you wish to use the Gateway platform for the administration of your recruitment process, this is subject to a fee. The Gateway is administered by the Bar Council. Further information and contact details are available on the Pupillage Gateway website.
Do we have to wait for the next Gateway recruitment cycle to advertise a pupillage?
Yes, you will need to comply with the mandatory timetable for advertising and recruitment of pupillage (see Part 4C of the Bar Qualification Manual) unless you obtain a waiver of those requirements from us. Download the application form and guidelines for the waiver.
Our pupils will be on employment contracts. Do they need to have a separate pupillage agreement too?
Not necessarily. All pupils must have a written agreement in accordance with the guidance at Part 4D of the Bar Qualification Manual. The written agreement should not affect a pupil's employed status, or the employment and related law obligations of either the AETO or the pupil. If the employment contract already covers the minimum terms specified by us, a separate pupillage agreement is not needed.
How are pupils in the employed bar funded? Do we need to pay their expenses?
All pupils must be funded and have their expenses paid in accordance with the Pupillage Funding Rules in the BSB Handbook. Other types of AETOs must abide by the National Living Wage legislation. This is covered in Part 4E of the Bar Qualification Manual (updated in January each year).
Do we need to ensure that trainee solicitors are paid equally to trainee barristers?
No; however, pupillages must be funded in accordance with Part 4E of the Bar Qualification Manual (updated in January each year).
Can pupils in the employed bar ‘draw down’ on funding?
AETOs are not obligated to provide ‘draw down’ funding to pupils, although some do to meet the Accessibility Principle of the Authorisation Framework. Any arrangements for drawing down funding should be clearly set out in your Pupillage Policy and your Written Agreement for pupils.
How easy is it to use the Professional Statement if you have never trained barristers before?
We have published guidance on the use of the Professional Statement as the assessment tool for pupillages at Part 4J of the Bar Qualification Manual. This includes case studies and feedback from early adopters of the Professional Statement.
