Mini-Pupillage

Applications for 2025 mini-pupillages are now closed. Applications for 2026 will open in September 2025.

Mini-Pupillage

We are committed to promoting access to the profession and providing opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented at the Bar. In addition to supporting a number of mini-pupillage access schemes, such as 10KBI, Inner Temple Pegasus Access and Support Scheme, Disability at the Bar and Bridging the Bar, we also run:

• a general mini-pupillage scheme, open to all those over the age of 18; and
• an enhanced mini-pupillage scheme, open to those from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds at the Bar.

Please see eligibility, funding and application details for each scheme below.

General Scheme

We offer non-assessed five-day mini-pupillages to those considering a career at the Bar, particularly in the areas of law in which Chambers specialises. Mini-pupils will have the opportunity to shadow barristers, gaining insight into the nature of our work to assist them in making an informed decision about their career path.

Eligibility

Our general scheme is open to anyone over the age of 18. Priority will be given to those in their final degree year / those undertaking the GDL, LPC, BTC, who have an interest in joining the Criminal Bar and have not already completed a number of mini-pupillages at other criminal sets.

During the application process, we will be looking for evidence of:

1. academic ability;
2. reasons why you wish to undertake a mini-pupillage; and
3. interest in QEB Hollis Whiteman and our areas of practice.

Funding

General scheme mini-pupillages are unfunded, and candidates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. However, financial assistance of up to £150 is available for those meeting specific criteria*.

*Specific Criteria for standard mini-pupillage financial assistance:

A: Have attended a state school/college, and are able to demonstrate high academic achievement.

AND

B: Meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Neither of applicant’s parents attended higher education
• Applicant’s family were in receipt of income support
• Applicant has caring responsibilities for others
• Applicant brought up in the state’s care
• Applicant has a disability

Applications

Our 2025 general scheme is now full. We will accept applications for 2026 placements between 1 September and 30 November 2025. Please check this page during that period for application details.

Enhanced Mini-Pupillage

Our enhanced mini-pupillage scheme is open to applicants from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds at the Bar*. This two-week programme provides:

• Advocacy training alongside current QEB pupils. These sessions take place alongside current QEB pupils and mirror the training and exposure offered by some banks and firms in the City to interns/vac-schemes/scholars who receive training alongside contemporary trainees.
• A small stipend to assist with costs for those based outside London
• An opportunity to complete a drafting exercise with feedback
• Overall feedback at the end of the placement

Applications for the enhanced mini-pupillage require a written submission, CV, and a short video interview. Further details, including eligibility and protected characteristic criteria can be found below:

* 1) Identifies as one of the following:

• Black/Black British (i.e. Black African/Black Caribbean) or Black mixed-race; or
• Asian/Asian British or Asian mixed-race; and

AND

2) State-school educated.

Pupillage Applications

Please note that we do not require applicants for pupillage to have completed a mini-pupillage with us prior to applying. The process of selection for mini-pupillage is entirely separate from the pupillage process and acceptance/rejection of an application for mini-pupillage is not an indication of the likely outcome of any application for pupillage. Please do not, therefore, be deterred from applying for pupillage if you are unsuccessful in obtaining a mini-pupillage with us.

Equality & Inclusion

QEB Hollis Whiteman is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the profession. Our mini-pupillage programme, including the enhanced offering, aligns with this commitment. 

Confidentiality

At the start of the week each mini-pupil is asked to sign an undertaking to maintain confidentiality in respect of all the sensitive and confidential information they may hear or read about during the mini-pupillage. You should be aware that, as a criminal chambers, our work includes dealing with serious and violent crime and it is likely that you will be exposed to material pertaining to such offences.