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Dear advocate,

I hope you are well.

I wanted to outline the plan for our upcoming pupillage interview practice session, which will focus specifically on the theoretical advocacy questions that chambers often ask at interview.

Objective of the session include:

  • To practise responding to the types of legal and policy-based advocacy questions that commonly arise in pupillage interviews.

  • The focus will be on developing clear arguments, structuring answers persuasively, and responding to follow-up questions from a panel.

Format

  1. Theoretical advocacy questions

We will work through a number of questions similar to those asked by chambers.

These may involve discussing a legal principle, arguing both sides of an issue, or addressing a policy question.

  1. Structured responses

You will practise presenting a short, structured answer as if responding to a panel at interview.

  1. Panel-style follow-up questions

I will ask probing questions to test your reasoning, ability to defend your position, and flexibility in argument.

  1. Feedback and discussion

  • Structure and clarity of your answers (including any peer feedback)

  • How effectively you develop and support arguments

  • Techniques for handling difficult follow-up questions.

Preparation guidance
You do not need to prepare any specific materials in advance. The emphasis will be on thinking through the issues clearly and articulating your reasoning in real time, as would be expected in an interview setting.

Please do let me know if there are any particular areas you would like to focus on.

Advocacy Practice Club

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