Pupillage at Unit Chambers

At Unit, we’re dedicated to nurturing the next generation of exceptional family law barristers. Our pupillage programme offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience within a supportive and collaborative environment, preparing you to navigate the complexities of family law with skill, compassion, and confidence.

Here, you’ll work alongside experienced practitioners, engage with a diverse range of cases, and gain invaluable insights that will shape your practice. We believe in a tailored, high-quality training approach that equips you not just to succeed but to make a real difference in the lives of families and individuals.

Pupillage Application

Applications have now closed for the 2027 stream

Pupillage Application Timeline

5th January - Applicants can apply

22nd January 11:59PM - Applicants must complete their applications. No further applications or amendments to applications are allowed.

26th January - We will begin shortlisting applications

February / March - Interviews will commence (2 rounds)

8th May - We will make offers to applicants after a successful interview period.

15th May - Applicants’ deadline for accepting initial offers

Pupils benefit from personalised training, ensuring they develop the skills needed to excel in family law while addressing individual learning needs.

Tailored Pupillage Experience

Guided by experienced barristers like Head of Chambers Lisa Edmunds, pupils receive mentorship, feedback and encouragement throughout their journey.

Supportive Environment

Diverse Case Exposure

Pupils gain hands-on experience across a wide range of family law cases, including financial remedies, children law, and non-molestation orders.

Flexible diary management empowers pupils to maintain a sustainable balance, preparing them for long-term success in practice.

Work-Life Balance

Mini Pupillage at Unit Chambers

At Unit Chambers, we offer a structured and accessible mini pupillage programme designed to provide a meaningful introduction to family law practice. We run two cycles per year (spring and autumn), each accommodating 5–10 mini pupils, depending on barrister capacity.

Application Process
Candidates aged 18+ can apply by completing our questionnaire. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups by partnering with colleges, universities, and diversity organisations.

Programme Structure
Mini pupils follow a tailored schedule with defined shadowing days, offering insight into a barrister's day-to-day practice. Expectations and guidance are shared in advance to ensure a valuable experience for both pupils and barristers.

Diversity Initiatives
We also participate in separate schemes such as the Bar Placement Scheme, Bringing (Dis)Ability to the Bar, and the 10,000 Black Interns Programme, extending our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Our applications for our May cycle are now open. Applications will close on the 31st of March.

Pupillage Panel

FAQs

  • Our pupillage consists of two six-month periods (first six and second six), where you will observe, assist, and eventually take on your own cases under supervision.

  • You’ll gain experience in a diverse range of family law areas, including children law (public and private), financial remedies, and protective orders.

  • You’ll have close mentorship from your Pupil Supervisor and other experienced barristers, guidance from our clerking team, and access to a collaborative, supportive environment.

  • Pupils are assessed through regular feedback on their written work, advocacy, and overall professional development, ensuring transparency and growth throughout the year.

  • We combine high-quality training, exposure to varied cases, and flexible diary management to ensure you are prepared for a successful career while maintaining a work-life balance.

  • Yes, during your second six you will take on your own cases with full support from chambers, gaining valuable courtroom experience.

  • Advertisements with all the necessary application details and instructions will be available on the Pupillage Gateway. Applications should be submitted directly to chambers, specific requirements for candidates are outlined on the Pupillage Gateway advertisement.

  • Absolutely. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups.

  • Former pupils have highlighted our tailored training, supportive environment, and valuable case exposure as key benefits of training with Unit Chambers.

  • We actively consider offering tenancy to successful pupils, supporting them in building their careers within chambers.

“Pupillage at Unit Chambers has been a fulfilling and supportive experience from the start. At Unit, you are instantly reassured by everyone in Chambers, everyone is routing for you to succeed.

Being Lisa’s Pupil has completely transformed and built my knowledge of family law from the ground up. I came to pupillage with no prior experience in family law, so my understanding of both the practice and the law itself has developed entirely through Lisa’s teaching and the exposure to her practice.”
— Lara Webber, Pupil Barrister
“Pupillage at Unit has been nothing short of exceptional. From the very start I have felt included, supported and valued. I was able to very quickly establish an excellent relationship with my pupillage supervisor, Claire Jones, who very much allowed me to find my feet and at no point pressurised me into completing tasks I was not comfortable with. Owing to this, I felt able to quickly assert my opinion on her cases and this is something that continued throughout my first 6 months of pupillage. This has meant that I have approached my second 6 with much confidence in my own ability. The flexible, tailored and cooperative approach to pupillage at Unit has exceeded my expectations and I could not have wished for a better time as a pupil. ”
— James Woods, Pupil Barrister

Podcast Episodes

Featured Articles