Pupillage

An introduction to pupillage

Pupillage is the final stage of a barrister’s training following completion of the Bar Practice Course. It comprises work-based learning which is typically split into two six month periods.

In the first six months, pupils do not practise but shadow an experienced barrister as well as undertaking monthly advocacy exercises and training sessions. In the practising period of pupillage, the second six months, pupils can expect to be on their feet as instructed advocates in court. Throughout this time, pupils at St Ives have comprehensive advice and support from members of Chambers and their nominated pupil supervisor.

At the conclusion of their pupillage, pupils apply for a tenancy in Chambers. A vote is then held on any application prior to a tenancy as a self-employed barrister. Chambers prides itself on its established history of pupils being well trained and well retained as valued members.

Pupillage at St Ives

Pupillages at St Ives are offered with a view to tenancy. Pupils are not in competition with one another for tenancy. Tenancy applications are assessed on merit alone.

Recent first year tenants at St Ives Chambers have recorded average incomes of £107,000 (individual incomes being subject to practice area and number of days worked).

Chambers regards pupils as its future and is committed to investing in their education and training.

Annual Competition

The 2026 competition will open on Monday, 5 January 2026 at 11:00 and close with offers of pupillage being made on Friday, 8 May 2026 at 09:30.

St Ives Chambers’ pupillage competition runs annually in line with the timetable prescribed by the Bar Council’s Pupillage Gateway. Typically, the pupillage timetable will be:

January Applications open
February Applications close
March First round interviews
April Second round interviews
May Offers of pupillage made

For all other information please see the prospectus (below)

Further information

For more information please see:

    • Our 2026/2027 pupillage prospectus
    • Our in-house pupillage open evening
    • Applications for pupillage for 2026/2027 are now closed.