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WHAT IS THE PRIMARY DUTY OF A PUPIL MASTER ?
The most important duty of a pupil master is to guide, help and advise
his Pupil in the traditions of the legal profession and to supervise the
training of the Pupil in the practice of an advocate and solicitor so
that the Pupil may obtain the maximum benefit from his period of pupillage.
HOW MANY PUPIL SHOULD A MASTER ACCEPT ?
Not more than the Master is able to effectively guide and train. The
general rule, a master should not accept more than 2 Pupils at any one
time.
WHAT A MASTER SHOULD DO BEFORE ACCEPTING A PUPIL ?
Naturally, a Master should be satisfied that he is qualified to accept
a Pupil similar to that the Master should satisfy himself that the Pupil
is a qualified person.
The prescribed period of pupillage should be completed by the Pupil.
A record on the date of commencement of pupillage and any leave of absence
should be noted and recorded. Any period of absence will be count towards
satisfying the prescribed period of pupillage.
WHAT A MASTER HAS TO DO IN SUPPORT OF THE PUPIL'S PETITION FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR ?
The Master has to sign a Certificate of Diligence in support of the Pupil's
petition for admission to the Bar. It is a representation to the Court
that the Pupil has devoted his full-time and attention throughout the
period of the pupillage to the acquisition of experience in professional
practice.
WHAT A MASTER SHOULD DO TO ENSURE THAT HIS PUPIL RECEIVES EXPOSURE TO AS WIDE A VARIETY OF WORK AS POSSIBLE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF WORK ?
The Master should ensure that
- be it in the practice or etiquette of the Bar in professional ethics,
the Pupil is well-grounded.
- the Pupil reads in advance his papers and draft pleadings or other
documents relevant to the Master's practice including agreements, opinions,
leases, conveyances and other documents which in advocate and solicitor
would be expected to consider, draft or settle in his practice.
- the Pupil has the opportunity to attend Court with him. If the Master
has no trials fixed for the period of the Pupil's pupillage, the Master
should make arrangements for the Pupil to attend at trials and appeals
to be conducted or argued by senior members of the master's firm or
senior advocates of other firms.
- the Pupil to attend conference (both with clients and with other parties
in the presence of their solicitors) and negotiations to enable the
pupil to obtain sufficient experience in these matters.
- all work done by his Pupil is being monitored and take a direct interest
in their work done.
- the Pupil is well briefed before the Pupil attends Court, when the
Master has obtained leave for restricted audience for his Pupil under
section 36 of the Legal Profession Act 1976. The Master should take
the opportunity of discussing with his Pupil the appearance in Court,
after the Pupil has attended Court on behalf of his Master.
- a relationship of mutual trust and confidence between himself and
the Pupil is established.
- attention should be drawn to Pupil as soon as possible, if mistakes
are made by the Pupil and by showing the Pupil how the matter should
be done correctly.
- it is made clear to the Pupil and his colleagues in his firm that
the Pupil is responsible to him alone.
- no work or assignment should be given to a Pupil without the consent
of the Master - as a matter of courtesy. Advice should be given to their
colleagues as a Pupil may find it difficult to refuse week or assignment
from another member of the firm.
- consider the desirability of arranging for the Pupil to spend time
working with some other member of the Master's firm in order to give
the Pupil broader exposure if the Master's area of practice is a specialized
one.
- the Pupil does not take instructions from clients or give advice or
sign letters of documents on behalf of the Master or his firms.
- impress on his Pupil the necessity for the strictest observance of
confidentiality in relation to all matters relating to his clients.
