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

Our pupillage vacancies will be advertised on the Pupillage Gateway but applications must be sent directly to us, not through the Gateway.

All applicants must send a covering letter and a CV and all applications must be sent to lisaedmunds@unit.law with the subject line ‘Pupillage Application – [Your Name] – [Proposed Year of Pupillage]’.

Please see our Pupillage Policy here

Application details and timetable for the next 12-month Pupillage are as follows:

    • 25th November 2024
      Applicants may access the Pupillage Gateway to browse vacancies.

    • 2nd January 2025
      Applications open: the submissions window for applications opens and applicants can start, edit, and submit their applications.

    • 6th February 2025
      Applications close: the submissions window for applications closes and no further applications or amendments to applications are allowed.

    • 7th February 2025
      Shortlisting of applications made outside of the Gateway.

    • 11th February 2025
      Publication of Gateway applications to Authorised and Education Training Organisations.

    • 9th May 2025
      Offers made.

    • 16th May 2025
      Deadline for accepting 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

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 Panel

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.

Join us for a hands-on experience that provides a true window into life as a family law barrister.

Our applications for our May 2025 cycle are open! Please submit your application using the form below. This application cycle will close on the 3rd of March 2025.

Mini Pupillage Application

“As a pupil, I felt valued from day one. Our Head of Chambers, Lisa Edmunds, is both an amazing barrister but also a fantastic teacher. She is there when you need her and really valued my opinion on cases which made me feel more confident when I went on my feet. Unit has excellent support from the clerking team and, early on, I felt as though I could craft out my own diary and take as much prep (or long weekends!) as I needed to manage the workload. There is no question, pupillage is difficult, but I really feel like my time as a pupil was framed with support, encouragement and understanding from everyone in chambers.”
— Bella Tait, Previous Pupil Barrister
“During my first six I felt fully supported and encouraged to ask questions and for my thoughts and input on the cases. During my second six I was instructed in a wide variety of cases including financial remedies, public and private children and non-molestation orders. I felt fully supported and was grateful for the experience I had in my first six of drafting orders and case summaries.”
— Claudia Saxton, Previous Pupil Barrister

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