the directive, pupils may work a maximum of 48 hours per week, unless an opt-out has been signed. Gaining pupillage Prospective pupils can apply in advance for pupillages offered through Pupillage Gateway (a web-based application centre) usually about one year ahead of the proposed starting date. Non-Gateway chambers have their own application procedures, and details of how to contact all chambers with pupillages are advertised on the Pupillage Gateway website. Gaining a pupillage is not easy. There is some evidence to suggest that every year around only 5–10% of applicants are successful. A candidate needs to demonstrate strong academic qualifications (preferably First Class Honours degree from a leading university, but normally an Upper Second at the very least) and excellent extracurricular activities. At the interview stage, candidates may be asked to perform advocacy exercises (such as mock court applications), and are tested on their ability to debate and think and answer questions on their feet. Hong Kong Pupillage in Hong Kong generally lasts 12 months. The period may be shortened for those with advocacy experience in other jurisdictions or as a solicitor. A pupil barrister may be admitted after 6 months pupillage and then obtain a limited practising certificate that allows them to practise under the supervision of their pupil master. There is no contractual relationship between pupil master and pupil in Hong Kong, and pupils are not as a general rule paid. However, the Hong Kong Bar Association encourages pupil masters to remunerate their pupils where the pupil has done work of value to them at any stage of their pupillage. Starting from 1 September 2019, pupil masters are required to pay an honorarium of HK$6,000 per month to their pupils. There is no central system for obtaining pupils and prospective pupils must apply directly to chambers or to barristers. See also OLPAS Devilling, the Irish and Scottish systems Articling, the Canadian system References Anna Williams (ed), Chambers Student Guide to Careers in the Law 2010 Bar of England and Wales Law enforcement in Wales