It’s pupillage season with the Gateway opening. I’m not on the pupillage committee at @5SAHLaw but I do deal with mini-pupillages. This is a thread for aspiring barristers applying for both pupillages and mini-pupillages. I hope it helps some of you through a difficult process.

1/ What makes a good application is to an extent subjective. I hope I’ve pulled out some key features which are universally accepted as being important, and will hopefully improve your application and your chances of an interview. Disclaimer: these are all my opinions of course.

2/ PROOF READ. Seriously, proof read it again, and again. Take a break for a day and proof it again. Print it off and read it out loud. Get rid of any typos, spelling or grammatical errors. Your application represents you it should not be sloppy.

3/ Please use the correct name of the chambers you apply to. You wouldn’t believe it but I receive mini applications for other chambers. Given the number of applications received for pupillage received don’t let a mistake like this damage your chances.

4/ Be succinct. Don’t use 10 words when 4 will do. The word limit is a limit not a target. Don’t use flowery adjectives. Bullet points can work. Your audience is a lawyer, make the language direct and driven. Being succinct takes time, strip out non-essential words & information.