Welcome to OLPAS

Using OLPAS you will be able to apply to up to 24 pupillage providers each year using just one application form. OLPAS allows you to personalise your application to each of your target pupillage providers.

All applicants must register with the system before accessing the online application form.

Before completing the application form we would advise you to browse through the Online Pupillage Listings to choose your target providers. You can search the database of pupillage providers and pupillages against a range of search criteria such as name of chambers, location, specialisation. Please note that you must apply to a pupillage provider through the provider's recruitment procedure. All chambers must have advertised their vacancy in the Online Pupillage Listings. Providers recruiting outside these listings are likely to be in breach of the Bar Council's Code of Conduct and Equality Code.

OLPAS allows you to update your contact details and qualifications after you have submitted your application form. If this is required simply log in using your e-mail and password and select the appropriate section from the menu. Your selected providers will then be able to view your updated information.

There is a text-only version of this site available for those with visual impairment or non-graphical browsers. It allows you to change the text size and colour, and background colour, and is compatible with most screen readers. Click the 'Text version' link in the top left corner. If you are still unable to use OLPAS because you are affected by a disability, the Bar Council's equal opportunities officers will be able to assist you in completing the application and in all subsequent communications with pupillage providers. To contact the equal opportunities officers please either telephone 020 7242 0082 or e-mail equalopps@barcouncil.org.uk. They will be able to provide an appropriate solution dependent upon your needs. In addition we have produced a plain text page with information on all pupillages currently available from OLPAS and non-OLPAS providers.

If you wish to view a text file with the questions asked on the form, a text file is available for download. Please note that the actual online form contains a mixture of pull-down menus and free-text boxes. Download olpasform.txt. It is recommended that you study the questions first and prepare your form offline.

Before applying to any pupillage providers please take a few moments to read the notes below. OLPAS is simple to use.

Chambers are under a statutory duty to make chambers and their services accessible to disabled persons. They must also have regard to the Equality and Diversity Code (paragraphs 1.3, 1.96-1.30, annexes D and L. This advises on reasonable adjustments that can be made to the recruitment process and working environment. You can contact Chambers direct to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you may need. The Bar Council's Equality and Diversity advisers are available to advise you and chambers on reasonable adjustments as is the panel of specialist disability advisers. Simply e-mail equalopps@barcouncil.org.uk

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you well in your pupillage applications.
The Bar Council.

Important information for applying through OLPAS:

All applicants must register with the system before accessing the online application form.

Mandatory fields are in bold. You will not be able to submit your application until all mandatory fields are complete.

Students who submit an application form in the Summer season will be able to re-access their application form for editing and resubmission for Autumn season applications from 28 August 2007.

Once registered you will be able to:

• Browse through the online application form and print out a blank form to help you prepare.
• Once you have completed the schools section you have four choices for higher education: Qualifying Law Degree, Degree/Post Degree, CPE/PgDL and BVC. You will need to fill in some or all of these sections, depending on your further education history.
  • The Qualifying Law Degree section allows you to select your course from a list of all universities/colleges providing law degrees recognised by the Bar Council.
  • The Degree/Post Degree section allows non-law students to detail their higher education achievements and all students to detail further academic qualifications.
  • The Conversion Course and BVC section also allows you to select your course from a list of all universities/colleges offering recognised courses.
• The application form is split into two:
  • The first, and largest part is the common online application form which you complete once. This contains information about you such as your education, work experience etc. The common online application form can be completed over multiple sessions. You can save each page to the OLPAS system to ensure that information is not lost.
  • The second part of the application form is displayed once you select the pupillage providers to which you wish to apply. OLPAS generates a free flow text box where you can explain why you are specifically interested in that provider. This final piece of information goes only to the provider to which you are applying.
• Once your application form is complete you can select up to 12 chambers (per season) and submit your application individually through OLPAS to each provider. Remember you must complete the common online application form before you can apply to a specific provider.
• Remember to check your application carefully prior to submission for typographical or other errors and make sure you print off a copy of your application for your records if you are invited to interview. OLPAS will not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions on application forms.
• After submission of the application you are only permitted to update your correspondence address and any exam results pertinent to your application.
• OLPAS has an online application tracking facility. This allows you to log in with your email address and password to keep track of the progress of each application to your target pupillage providers. If you change your email address after submitting your common application form, you can log in using your old e-mail address and password and then update your details online.
• Through OLPAS you will also receive correspondence from the providers you have applied to. You will be able to reply through OLPAS.

If you are ready to begin your application you should now register.

OLPAS wants to hear how the system can be improved.

Let us know how you find OLPAS and how we can improve it. Simply e-mail pupillages@gtios.com. Your feedback is key to making the system better year on year. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you experience any technical problems relating to your application email the OLPAS team on pupillages@gtios.com. Please ensure that you have read the OLPAS instructions and rules before contacting us. Please note that the technical support email address can only assist with technical queries, and that emails are only responded to on working days.

Any careers-related queries or advice on answering questions should be sought from the Bar Council - 020 7242 0082 and/or pupillage@barcouncil.org.uk - or your careers adviser.