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Circuit Leaders Forum
Unsurprisingly there was a warmth and a buzz about this event from the beginning, when Richard Atkins QC stepped in to chair it at the shortest notice possible. He could not fail to amuse and led a lively session, with good audience response. The early discussion of antecedent history of the present Circuit Leaders pleased all who also didn’t make privileged entry. Put away those silver spoons: their routes were diverse, unusual and encouraging. All part of a combined attempt to be constructive, inspiring and interactive, as Rachel Spearing, this year’s excellent Chair, explained: an app to put questions, as a sign of the times.
The chair asked those intending to come to the Bar to speak first. One had heard that you could lose money at the outset. Was there light at the end of the tunnel? Michael Hayton QC, Leader of the Northern Circuit, gave a very good detailed response, stressing the need to diversify for example, into regulatory work. Other responses were that it is hard work but you can do it. Paul Hopkins QC, Leader of the Wales and Chester, explained the Circuit perspective of the family Bar. Bill Mousley QC, Leader of the Western, stressed how important it was to keep your options open as long as possible. Kerim Fuad QC, Leader of the South Eastern, agreed that you simply do not know at the outset where practise will take you. Then evocatively he explained why he did crime: waiting for a jury’s verdict is a feeling like no other. Bill Mousley QC asked the audience what chambers were doing to help in the early years, which was a good way to pick up the mixed position. Some paid for travel, allowed a reduced rent and a reduced fee structure for new tenants. At the employed Bar, paid leave was possible. Clerks were careful to ensure that a family barrister did sufficient private work to pay for public work. Gray’s Inn, by way of example, offered some sponsorship.
The general view was that the law provider chosen did not affect your prospects of pupillage or chambers. But the degree obtained mattered. A lot now came to the Bar from the CPS. Secondment for a fixed period from chambers could be a fabulous thing. The third six route was also discussed, sometimes advertised ‘with a view to tenancy.’ There is now Bar Council protocol on managing this sometimes controversial route. But the best way to avoid an exploitative pupillage was word on the street. If you are good, you will do well. But, as Atkins said, you never stop learning.
Right at the end an eloquent intervention from Christal Smart – essentially whether our leaders were still inspired by the Bar. It gave them all the chance to pour out their affection for and commitment to our profession. Your correspondent glowed with inward approval. That does not diminish the real obstacles which exist for would-be or practising young advocates. It was ever thus.
Nigel is a former leader of the Western Circuit, practises crime from Pump Court Chambers, and is a Master of Drama in the Inner Temple. He is on the editorial board of Counsel.
Unsurprisingly there was a warmth and a buzz about this event from the beginning, when Richard Atkins QC stepped in to chair it at the shortest notice possible. He could not fail to amuse and led a lively session, with good audience response. The early discussion of antecedent history of the present Circuit Leaders pleased all who also didn’t make privileged entry. Put away those silver spoons: their routes were diverse, unusual and encouraging. All part of a combined attempt to be constructive, inspiring and interactive, as Rachel Spearing, this year’s excellent Chair, explained: an app to put questions, as a sign of the times.
The chair asked those intending to come to the Bar to speak first. One had heard that you could lose money at the outset. Was there light at the end of the tunnel? Michael Hayton QC, Leader of the Northern Circuit, gave a very good detailed response, stressing the need to diversify for example, into regulatory work. Other responses were that it is hard work but you can do it. Paul Hopkins QC, Leader of the Wales and Chester, explained the Circuit perspective of the family Bar. Bill Mousley QC, Leader of the Western, stressed how important it was to keep your options open as long as possible. Kerim Fuad QC, Leader of the South Eastern, agreed that you simply do not know at the outset where practise will take you. Then evocatively he explained why he did crime: waiting for a jury’s verdict is a feeling like no other. Bill Mousley QC asked the audience what chambers were doing to help in the early years, which was a good way to pick up the mixed position. Some paid for travel, allowed a reduced rent and a reduced fee structure for new tenants. At the employed Bar, paid leave was possible. Clerks were careful to ensure that a family barrister did sufficient private work to pay for public work. Gray’s Inn, by way of example, offered some sponsorship.
The general view was that the law provider chosen did not affect your prospects of pupillage or chambers. But the degree obtained mattered. A lot now came to the Bar from the CPS. Secondment for a fixed period from chambers could be a fabulous thing. The third six route was also discussed, sometimes advertised ‘with a view to tenancy.’ There is now Bar Council protocol on managing this sometimes controversial route. But the best way to avoid an exploitative pupillage was word on the street. If you are good, you will do well. But, as Atkins said, you never stop learning.
Right at the end an eloquent intervention from Christal Smart – essentially whether our leaders were still inspired by the Bar. It gave them all the chance to pour out their affection for and commitment to our profession. Your correspondent glowed with inward approval. That does not diminish the real obstacles which exist for would-be or practising young advocates. It was ever thus.
Circuit Leaders Forum
Chair of the Bar reflects on 2025
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q&A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
Revolt Cycling in Holborn, London’s first sustainable fitness studio, invites barristers to join the revolution – turning pedal power into clean energy
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, reflects on how the company’s Giving Back ethos continues to make a difference to communities across the UK
By Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC present their best buys for this holiday season
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Little has changed since Burns v Burns . Cohabiting couples deserve better than to be left on the blasted heath with the existing witch’s brew for another four decades, argues Christopher Stirling
Pointillism, radical politics and social conscience. Review by Stephen Cragg KC
