What you missed at the Northern Pupillage Fair

Weren’t able to attend the Northern Pupillage Fair or thinking about going next year? We’ve got you covered with some info about the speakers and exhibitors, key takeaways and upcoming deadlines that aspiring barristers should know about.

Huge thank you to one of our readers, Meghana Badanapuram, for putting this together!

The Northern Pupillage Fair, sponsored by Henry Dannell and BPP, was held in Liverpool, just a short walk from Lime Street Station.

Exhibitors ranged from Chambers across the country, the Government Legal Department, law firms and Bar Training Course (BTC) providers. Various community support organisations, such as Citizens Advice, also presented.

Alongside the exhibition, the day featured a series of talks and workshops, beginning with ‘How to Land a Pupillage’ and concluding with a Q&A panel featuring John Dove, co-founder of Speed Mooting.

Understanding the profession and reflecting productively:

My first key takeaway from the Fair was the importance of reflecting on what you understand the profession of a barrister to be and why you would make a good barrister. My favourite session was Caitlin Corrigan’s ‘A Day in The Life of a Junior Barrister’ where I developed a realistic understanding of what the day-to-day role of a barrister entails, with court days being equally important to papers days in Chambers. 

Exhibiting Chambers focused on the importance of showing the initiative you’ve taken to deepen your understanding of the profession and in turn, your genuine commitment to the Bar. So, how can you do this? Read Chambers’ insights, attend law fairs and events, engage with access organisations such as Bridging The Bar and, most importantly, network. Speaking candidly with barristers, clerks, and even solicitors can provide valuable insights into the role of a barrister within a case.

Reframing non-legal work experience:

My second key takeaway from the Fair was the importance of reframing non-legal work experience. During the Q&A Panel, the panellists were asked whether having a stronger profile in non-legal work experience could weaken pupillage applications.

The panellists, alongside Nigel Jamieson in ‘How to Land a Pupillage’, emphasised that non-legal work experience can instead differentiate you from other candidates, beyond traditional mini-pupillages and marshalling.

Applications, whether it be for pupillage or other legal roles, are a form of written advocacy in themselves. Therefore, what matters more is how you frame your non-legal work experience effectively.

By demonstrating how your non-legal experiences have affirmed your commitment to a career at the Bar, and the skills they have equipped you with to succeed, you are advocating for yourself. So, whilst it remains important to prioritise your legal experiences, Nigel reminds you to ‘not overlook the skills and experience you do have to succeed at the Bar. You can show your professionalism and resilience through any experience - not just legal’.

Applying early:

The final piece of actionable advice, which was shared across my conversations with Chambers, was to submit applications well ahead of the deadline. James Leech, who delivered ‘My Journey to the Bar’, highlighted the potential value of submitting mini-pupillage and pupillage applications earlier in the application windows. James explained that barristers are likely reading through a high volume of applications and by applying early, you can ensure your application is considered from the outset and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Upcoming deadlines and events:

So, you’re all caught up on my key takeaways from the Northern Pupillage Fair - what now? 

• Those applying for pupillage this year can now set up applicant accounts on the Pupillage Gateway, ahead of vacancies being published on 23rd November. 

• The Bar Council is hosting a series of webinars surrounding Life at the Bar, from the 12th to 15th October, catered to aspiring barristers at all career stages. This includes the opportunity to hear directly from the Inns of Court about their funding opportunities, which may be useful in supporting your application for scholarship. 

• Following the webinars is the Bar Council’s Mini-Pupillage Fair, held in London on 17th October. Many of the exhibitors who you may have missed at Speed Mooting’s Northern Pupillage Fair will be present- this is your chance to connect! 

• Finally, it’s not too early to register your interest in Speed Mooting’s Pupillage Fair 2027, this will give you priority access before general registration opens. 

I hope to see you there, and good luck with your applications!

Thank you again to Meghana for putting together this piece. For many aspiring barristers outside London, events like this can make all the difference, and that's exactly why the Northern Pupillage Fair was created.

John Dove, co-founder of Speed Mooting, told the Inclusie Club: "I recognise how difficult it can be for those in the North to travel far and wide for the opportunity to meet chambers and other organisations linked to the Bar.

This is exactly the reason I set up the Northern Pupillage Fair. We are now in our third year and the event continues to grow and improve every year. I am very proud to have created this event for aspiring barristers."

Don’t forget to register for 2027!