BDABar Mini-Pupillage Scheme 2025-2026

Mini-Pupillage Scheme

Bringing (Dis)Ability to the Bar runs an annual mini-pupillage scheme, providing aspiring disabled barristers with work experience opportunities at various chambers and organisations at the Employed Bar. 

Mini-pupillages are crucial for various reasons, including assisting aspiring barristers in gaining insight into life at the Bar, helping them decide whether they wish to become barristers, breaking down prejudice and misinformation about the Bar, and respecting the Bar's tradition of encouraging the next generation. Disabled aspiring barristers will have the opportunity to see the work barristers undertake, observe court hearings, and start building their own network with Bar professionals. 

Through this scheme, BDABar also seeks to enable Chambers to reconsider their accessibility and, in collaboration with BDABar, take positive steps to become more accessible and inclusive for their mini-pupils, pupils, barristers, members of staff and clients. 

  • Thank you for providing me with this opportunity. I appreciate your effort in promoting diversity and equal opportunity within the legal profession.

    Mini-pupil in our 2023/24 scheme

  • Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m glad it exists.

    Mini-pupil in our 2023/24 scheme

  • It help boost my confidence and since then I feel like I belong in the profession.

    Mini-pupil in our 2022/23 scheme


BDABar is now accepting applications for the Mini-Pupillage Scheme 2026 - 2027:

We are pleased to announce that BDABar is officially accepting applications for the Mini-Pupillage Scheme 2026/2027.

Timetable

  • 3 May 2026: Applications open

  • 30 May 2026: Applications close

  • Mid June 2026: Successful candidates will be notified of whether they’ve been successful with the BDABar scheme

Instructions:

Please read the Mini-Pupillage Application Guidance carefully and consider it when you are writing your responses.

  • If you require an alternative format or a reasonable adjustment for the written application, please email schemes@bdabar.org

  • Feel free to use bullet points, lists, or headings where appropriate.

  • Please keep to the word limit. Any questions longer than the word limit will not be considered.

  • If you need an extension of time, please contact schemes@bdabar.org as soon as possible.

Guidance on the definition of Disability at BDABar

At BDABar we consider a ‘disability’ to be either a physical and/or mental impairment which has a substantial and persistent negative effect on an individual’s life.

Wide categories of disabilities may include physical disabilities, chronic pain, or mental health difficulties such as depression or anxiety.

There is no requirement for a formal diagnosis. We seek to help those for whom this definition rings true

Application form
Application form

If you are interested in our other initiatives, please contact the Schemes Team at schemes@bdabar.org to discuss.