Mini-Pupillage policy
1 Overview
Alongside the firm’s other work experience opportunities, we offer a number of funded mini-pupillages to give you the experience of working as an employed barrister in a national law firm.
We offer mini-pupillages in the firm’s regional UK offices – Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester and Nottingham.
Barristers at Browne Jacobson specialise in regulatory and public law, in the fields of health, education and social work, as well as on behalf of major insurers. We are instructed to prosecute on behalf of national regulators and briefed to conduct high profile inquests for health organisations and government bodies.
The mini-pupillage programme is designed to give you a taste of the life of the employed barrister. It does not form part of the assessment process for either pupillage or trainee solicitor pathway and whilst you will undertake some assessed advocacy tasks and receive some informal feedback it is not an assessed mini-pupillage.
For 2023 we aim to offer mini-pupillages in the weeks commencing 3rd, 10th, 17th and 23rd July 2023.
2 Eligibility
Due to the sensitive nature of the work which we do, we cannot accept applications for mini-pupillage from anybody under the age of 18. The firm offers work experience to those below this age, however, the requirements of courts and tribunals in some cases limit who can observe hearings and we do not wish to have mini-pupils unable to fully engage in the scheme for this reason.
3 Applications
The closing date for the 2023 mini-pupillage scheme is 9 June 2023.
To apply send your CV and covering letter indicating your preferred office to recruitment@brownejacobson.com.
Your application will be considered in accordance with the below criteria. Each application is marked ‘blind’ (with references to name, age, gender and university (if applicable) removed).
You will be notified in writing whether or not your application has been successful. If you have not been successful, you are welcome to apply again for another date. We will not automatically roll your application onto the next period but may contact you if further work experience opportunities arise.
The mini-pupillage is open to external candidates only. Expressions of interest from internal candidates can be made by approaching the clerking team.
4 What we look for
When we consider your application we will be looking for a range of attributes which typically include:
- commitment, ambition and enthusiasm for the law and a career at the employed Bar
- knowledge of our team and an interest in our key areas of work
- initiative and the ability to work in a team
- drive and resilience, particularly the ability to adapt to setbacks
5 What we offer
As outlined above, if you are successful in your application, you will be allocated to the next work experience period as a mini-pupil. We will link you with one of our barristers who will be able to provide a more detailed idea of what your week will look like.
Mini-pupils will be allocated to one, or a small number, of our junior barristers with the aim of giving you a clear cross section of the work which we undertake. This is likely to include time in court (either in person or virtually); working side-by-side in one of our offices and an opportunity to review and discuss papers.
You will attend your allocated office (Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester or Nottingham) and work alongside your mini-pupillage supervisor. You may also visit other offices or attend remote hearings from within one of our offices as business need dictates. This will be discussed with you and any additional travel costs over and above attending your allocated office will be met by the firm.
In addition, as part of the firm’s commitment to social mobility, you will be provided with financial assistance (£250 per week) to help with travel and/or accommodation costs.
6 Review & Contact
This policy will be reviewed annually. Any queries should be directed to our recruitment team.
You may be interested in...
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson wins Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award for Small Employers at the Personnel Today Awards 2023
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson recognised in O Shaped’s inaugural O List showcasing legal profession trailblazers
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson win Social Mobility Initiative of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2023
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson launches dedicated team to advance Socioeconomic Diversity
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson ranked as leading specialists across an impressive 38 practice areas in Chambers & Partners UK guide
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson wins Equality and Diversity Award at the National BCC Business Awards
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson hits the top tier across 27 practice areas for the first time in Legal 500 UK guide
Published Article - Firm news
O with the flow
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson solicitor becomes first in private practice to be awarded Plain Numbers accreditation
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Planning for our future: working on protecting the natural environment
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Building our future town centres: advising local authorities on landmark acquisitions
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Our new office in the heart of Cardiff city centre
Press Release - Firm news
Dublin firm Browne Jacobson strengthens growing TMT practice with promotion of dispute resolution specialist
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson cements its offering in the Welsh market with launch of its seventh office, in Cardiff
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Enabling, authentic and rewarding: how Browne Jacobson’s culture fostered a leading education practice
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Embracing space to thrive in the South West – the exciting opportunities our new Exeter home offers
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson relocates Exeter office to prime city location to accommodate further growth
Press Release - Firm news
Record financial results for Browne Jacobson as turnover hits £105m
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson becomes first law firm to partner with Plain Numbers to improve understanding of numbers
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson wins brace of legal industry awards for social mobility programme
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Balancing elite sport with a career in corporate law
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
The Solicitor Apprentice: exploring alternative routes into careers in law
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Building a law firm fit for the future: A CFO’s to-do list
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Becoming O Shaped: Championing positive change
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson first law firm to join Ladder for Greater Birmingham campaign
Published Article - Firm news
Neurodiversity in law firms: Thinking outside the box
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Placing inclusion at the heart of strategy: an interview with Caroline Green, Senior Partner
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Breaking through barriers to reach the bar
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Hints and tips to help you apply for a Solicitor Apprenticeship
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
A day in the life of our Solicitor Apprentice Laura Morland
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Putting values into action: creating an ethical supply chain
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Why consider an apprenticeship over going to university?
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson health lawyer wins major accolade at Made in Manchester Awards
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
From the lab to the law: Natasha’s journey to becoming a future lawyer with Browne Jacobson
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
Driving positive change through investment: a corporate associate advising in the energy sector
Press Release - #BeingBrowneJacobson
From associate to partner in an investment lifecycle - Ryan's story
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson maintains top spot in Social Mobility Employer Index 2022
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson appointed to first Social Mobility Commission Employer Advisory Group
Press Release - Firm news
Law firm wins Franco-British Business Award for Diversity and Inclusion
UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has won the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 23rd Franco-British Business Awards 2022.