We are committed to training the next generation of barristers. Mini-pupillage with us gives an opportunity to understand the work we do, to meet members of chambers, and get a feel for our working environment and ethos.
We offer at least 20 mini-pupillages each year in addition to placement opportunities through a number of outreach schemes.
Every year we consider applications on 15 September (for mini-pupillages from October to February) and 15 March (for mini-pupillages from April to July). Please note that we struggle to offer mini-pupillages in August due to decreased workload. Mini-pupillages are up to 5 days long but you can request to be with us for 3 days instead if you will struggle to balance 5 days with studying, working or caring commitments.
Applications for future visits should be emailed to minipupillage@coramchambers.co.uk and must include a CV and covering letter setting out the reasons for applying to Coram Chambers. We also invite candidates to submit with their application a diversity monitoring form which you can find here.
We are committed to improving diversity at the bar. For this reason, we ensure that no less than 50% of our mini-pupillage opportunities are given to those from minority ethnic and/or state school backgrounds. It is not compulsory to submit a diversity monitoring form with your application but this helps us to make our scheme as inclusive as possible.
In addition to our mini-pupillage scheme, we also offer six placements each year through the following outreach organisations:
Please be aware that whilst we will endeavour to find you an in-person court hearing to attend with a barrister, since the Covid-19 pandemic, many court hearings are being heard remotely and it may be that you are asked to join a remote hearing from a quiet space in chambers or at home on some days.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Our work is sensitive and most court proceedings in family law are confidential so mini-pupils are required to sign a Confidentiality Undertaking which they will receive and must return at least 7 days prior to their visit.
Applicants for pupillage at our chambers do not need to have completed a mini-pupillage here (although a mini-pupillage is a helpful way for you to learn more about us).
You can find a lot of information about life as a family barrister at Coram on our YouTube channel and updates about mini-pupillage and pupillage on our social media channels.
Katy Rensten Opportunity Fund
In summer 2025, we launched the Katy Rensten Opportunity Fund. This provides a financial ‘opportunity stipend’ of £50 per day to candidates who have been offered a mini-pupillage with us but may struggle to afford the travel fare and loss of part-time work earnings.
We offer approximately eight candidates this award each year. If you would like to apply for this financial support for your mini-pupillage, please complete the short application form, which you will be sent alongside the email informing you that you have been awarded a mini-pupillage with chambers. We will endeavour to consider this as promptly as possible and before you start with us. As a prerequisite to applying, we require fund applicants to have exclusively attended a state school between the ages of 11 and 18, unless there is a compelling other reason why the fund’s assistance is needed.
About this fund
The Katy Rensten Opportunity Fund is supplied by donations from members of chambers in memory of our late colleague, Katy Rensten. Katy was a fearless courtroom advocate who gave her remarkable energy, warmth and commitment to each of her clients. She was quietly and deeply committed to the principles of justice and equality. Katy believed in widening access to the profession, and that the bar would be stronger if it more closely reflected the diversity of those we represent and the communities we serve.
Enquiries should be emailed to minipupillage@coramchambers.co.uk