Qualifying as a barrister and making successful pupillage applications

This is an in-person session, open to students and graduates, of all subjects.

This session will be hosted by Christopher Kessling, Vice-Dean of the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA). Christopher is himself not only a barrister but vastly experienced in training students to become barristers.

The route to qualifying as a barrister in England and Wales can be lengthy, complicated, costly, and risky. Yet many Cambridge students and alumni navigate it successfully. This briefing will provide the framework through which you take your next steps and highlight what you can do to make a successful difference at each.

By the end of the session, you should be comfortable in understanding the steps to qualifying, the timelines typically encountered and have some tips on how to progress successfully. As you then develop your readiness, the session will remain an essential touchstone.

Booking for Careers Service events should be completed through the Handshake platform.