Mini Pupillage

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. We will reopen for applications in Autumn 2024. Please check the website for further details nearer the time.

Parklane Plowden usually offer around 10 mini-pupillages per year, with four places reserved for those applying under the Equality Scheme (please see details below). This is in addition to two mini-pupillages that we will offer via the Bridging the Bar scheme (please note that these are applied for and assessed separately from Chambers via https://bridgingthebar.org). We also partner with the 10,000 Black Interns project and take a paid intern to experience life at the bar (https://www.10000blackinterns.com/). Please do not apply outside of the application process.

The application form can be found here.

During a mini-pupillage at Parklane Plowden, candidates will spend two days in Chambers experiencing life as a barrister. Where possible, we will aim to ensure that candidates see an area of law of their choice and that candidates experience court work. Successful candidates will be asked to provide their dates of unavailability throughout the year (for example, family commitments or exam seasons) and the mini-pupillage will be scheduled to take place outside these times.

Please note that we will only consider applications from those in their second year of university or above. Candidates are not limited to apply for only one scheme and applications can be made simultaneously under each scheme, if applicable; though any successful candidate will only be offered one mini-pupillage.

Candidates will also be asked to complete our equal opportunities monitoring form (contained within the application document). The purpose of the form is for information gathering and monitoring only. The details contained within the form are not used as part of the selection process. Chambers will also consider reasonable adjustments for candidates at the application stage and throughout the mini-pupillage, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Further details of Chambers’ approach to equality and diversity generally can be found on www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/equality-diversity.

Equality Scheme

Parklane Plowden recognise the significant underrepresentation of minority groups at the bar, including those from a low socio-economic background. We therefore offer a Mini-Pupillage Equality Scheme. The ultimate aim of the scheme is to encourage and promote inclusion and diversity at the bar, and at Parklane Plowden Chambers. We recognise that mini-pupillages are a way for candidates to experience life as a barrister and consider whether the profession is one they wish to pursue, as well as being a vital way to gain real life experience which is crucial for pupillage applications. Therefore, we hope the Equality Scheme can widen access to the bar to more diverse candidates and assist them in their future careers. Candidates attending under our Equality Scheme will receive reasonable travel costs to facilitate their engagement in the scheme.

There are two different application forms within the Equality Scheme. Please read the criteria carefully.

Diversity Scheme

The Diversity Scheme is open to candidates who possess one of the following protected characteristics which is underrepresented at the bar: race, disability or gender reassignment. The application form can be found here.

Social Mobility Scheme

The Social Mobility Scheme is open to candidates who attended a state secondary school and fulfil one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Your household income is less than £25,000;
  2. Anyone in your immediate family has at any point received state benefits;
  3. You have been eligible at any point for free school meals;
  4. You have been in care and/or are a carer;
  5. You have refugee or asylum status.

Any successful candidate joining us via the social mobility application will be offered the opportunity to complete an assessment to secure a first round interview for pupillage. The highest scoring candidate under this scheme will be guaranteed a first round interview to the pupillage of their choice (civil, family or commercial and chancery). Details of the assessment will be provided to successful candidates in due course.

The application form can be found here.


In the event you need to contact the mini-pupillage team, please email minipupillage@parklaneplowden.co.uk