A pupillage, in England and Wales, Northern Ireland, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan and Hong Kong, is the final, vocational stage of training for those wishing to become practising barristers.
At the end of the second six months, the pupil's supervisor must certify another document for satisfactory completion and send it to the Bar Standards Board pupillage records office.
The "first six" involves observing the pupil's supervisor at court and in conference, and assisting with related paperwork.
Generally, most second-six pupils handle minor proceedings such as case management conferences, plea and directions hearings, infant settlements or small claims cases, such as possession hearings, debt recovery proceedings or road traffic claims.
In most leading criminal and civil sets, pupils receive a frequent supply of work.
This has led to a situation where pupils struggle to make ends meet, especially in criminal sets.
For example, pupils can train to become a barrister with the Crown Prosecution Service or HM Revenue & Customs.
Formally, under the directive, pupils may work a maximum of 48 hours per week, unless an opt-out has been signed.
[8] A candidate needs to demonstrate strong academic qualifications (preferably First Class Honours degree from a leading university, but normally an Upper Second at the very least) and excellent extracurricular activities.
At the interview stage, candidates may be asked to perform advocacy exercises (such as mock court applications), and are tested on their ability to debate and think and answer questions on their feet.