Mini Pupillage 2026 (Autumn Round)
Mini-pupillage at Serle Court is designed to be an enjoyable and useful experience. Our mini-pupils experience various aspects of life as a practising barrister and gain first-hand experience of our informal and friendly atmosphere. Mini-pupillages last for one day and are unfunded, but we will reimburse your expenses in attending. Mini-pupillages are not formally assessed, and are not a requirement for an application for pupillage, though prospective pupils are of course welcome to apply.
We offer mini-pupillages in two rounds (in autumn and spring) each year to individuals who have completed the first year of a law degree or at least one term of the GDL or equivalent. Please note that they are heavily oversubscribed.
Those who are intending to apply in the 2026 pupillage cycle for a pupillage starting in October 2027, should apply by 30 September 2025.
If you are applying for pupillage starting later than October 2027, please apply in the 2026 spring round when the application window opens.
Three of our mini-pupillages in the autumn round are reserved for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at the bar. You are eligible to apply for a reserved mini-pupillage if the majority of your secondary (post 11) education was not at a fee-paying school and:
- You are black, or of mixed black heritage; or
- Neither of your parents went to university; or
- You are currently in receipt of state benefits other than child benefit, or the income in your household for at least 3 years of your secondary education came from or was materially supplemented by state benefits other than child benefit; or
- You are currently classified as having no recourse to public funds, or your household for at least 3 years of your secondary education was classified as having no recourse to public funds (with ‘no recourse to public funds’ bearing the meaning set out in s.115 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999); or
- You were ever eligible for free school meals; or
- You have been in care; or
- You have caring responsibilities or had caring responsibilities at any time during your secondary education or while you were at university; or
- You have refugee status.
You must indicate in your application form that your application is for a reserved mini-pupillage.
If you need further assistance, do email us at pupillage@serlecourt.co.uk
Application deadline:
Friday 29 August 2025 at 22:59 (UTC)
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