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Embarking on the Bar training course (BTC) can be daunting. Having made the decision to invest in yourself and take the course, you quite rightly want to get good ‘VFM’ and give yourself the best chance of succeeding. But it won’t be a smooth ride – nothing in life worth having ever is! So, what happens when you feel as though you might be in over your head?
First, take a deep breath. When we feel as though we might be losing control it’s easy to panic. Don’t forget that there are always options available, and probably a lot more than you think.
Before you start the BTC modules there will be information lectures and induction sessions to attend, as well as a course handbook and probably a virtual learning environment (VLE) crammed full of stuff that you generally think you’ll get around to reading but never do. But it really is worth your while to look at all of this and attend every session offered. Why? Because we want you to succeed! And the best way for you to succeed is knowing where to get help from your university or course provider if you need it. If you have read the course handbook before starting, you will already know that there are so many people around you willing to advise, support and help you on your journey. You will also discover that you may be able to get an extension for a piece of work if you get behind, how to apply to defer an assessment and/or how to apply for a waiver (personal/exceptional circumstances) when something unexpected happens or you don’t perform as well as you know you can. All those old clichés are actually valid here – forewarned is forearmed; knowledge is power!
Cliché time again – practice makes perfect! We don’t expect perfection but actually practising advocacy outside class is the most effective way to improve. Practising oral skills is much easier when you have someone to play the judge, witness or client, so get classmates involved and help each other. Advocacy recording rooms are there for you to use, and taking the opportunity to repeat a performance is the best way to try out the feedback you were given in class. For those of you studying part-time, this is particularly important as you may not be on campus very often, so make the most of it when you are. Alternatively use Teams/Zoom to practise with people – just as easy to record and you can do it from anywhere!
Go and watch real advocates in action by going to court. Everyone has a local court, whether it be Magistrates’, Crown or even the Royal Courts of Justice if you are in London. You really shouldn’t have to be told to do this – it should be something you do on a regular basis. Ask at the court reception if there are any trials going on so that you can see counsel witness handling or addressing the judge or jury. You will see a real range of techniques and abilities, and it will give you confidence that you are on the right track in developing your personal style as an advocate. Don’t be frightened to tell the court usher you are a student and on the BTC – it might get you an introduction to counsel or the judge and the perfect opportunity to ask questions about why they chose to question in a particular way or make the submissions you heard. And remember that sometimes you will see how not to do something – even practitioners don’t always get it right!
It may sound dull and/or you might think you study better on your own, but when it comes to learning skills and applying your knowledge, talking out loud and studying with your fellow students can be the way to go. We encourage all our students to make WhatsApp groups (other group chat apps are available) and to keep in touch outside the classroom as much as possible, to support each other. If you missed a class and haven’t been able to arrange to go to an alternative one (always the best option if you can), your fellow students can give you any top tips, handouts or information you might need for the next class. Revising knowledge subjects such as criminal litigation can be tedious when you are just reading over your notes. Getting together to do practice questions and discussing why the wrong answers were wrong will help you take more in than reading alone, and it’s much more fun.
You are doing the BTC, so don’t be scared to use your voice. And the sooner the better. Too many students prefer to ignore the problem until it looms so large they have no choice – but by this point in time it could be too late for anyone to help you. If you have a personal tutor or academic adviser, make an appointment to see them. Talk through your issue with them and they can either give you some very wise advice or signpost you to the person who can. I speak to students on an almost daily basis with concerns ranging from feeling they are lagging behind, struggling with a particular module or tutor, finding the VLE or syllabus difficult to navigate, or just haven’t found their rhythm yet. These issues face students and practitioners alike, just in different ways, and talking them through is a great way to take stock.
For some, just being able to speak about it, or getting another perspective helps, and to be told they are not the only one finding it tough. Others might need connecting with student services where experts are on hand to provide the support you need. At City St George’s, for example, our student hub and student support VLE pages provide pointers to assistance with finances, housing, health and study skills, to name a few. If you are dealing with issues related to your neurodiversity, this is more common than most people realise and is absolutely not something to be embarrassed by or ashamed of. Registering with the relevant team is easy (and confidential) and they can support you with screening or assessment for specific learning differences such as dyslexia if necessary. If you had a student support plan (or equivalent) at your previous educational establishment, let the team know as soon as you confirm your offer – this way they can get the ball rolling even before you have arrived. If your mental health needs looking after, counselling can be made available surprisingly quickly or access to support communities to prove that you are not alone.
But you must speak up! Don’t suffer in silence – put yourself first and give yourself the best chance to get back on track. Admitting you need help is not a sign of weakness, but shows you that have the ability to spot, assess and deal with obstacles that fall unexpectedly into your path. These are genuinely important skills for any barrister!
Alexia Zimbler practised at the Criminal and Family Bar for over 25 years before switching to academia. She is now a Senior Lecturer at City, University of London and teaches on the Bar Vocational Studies programme.
Embarking on the Bar training course (BTC) can be daunting. Having made the decision to invest in yourself and take the course, you quite rightly want to get good ‘VFM’ and give yourself the best chance of succeeding. But it won’t be a smooth ride – nothing in life worth having ever is! So, what happens when you feel as though you might be in over your head?
First, take a deep breath. When we feel as though we might be losing control it’s easy to panic. Don’t forget that there are always options available, and probably a lot more than you think.
Before you start the BTC modules there will be information lectures and induction sessions to attend, as well as a course handbook and probably a virtual learning environment (VLE) crammed full of stuff that you generally think you’ll get around to reading but never do. But it really is worth your while to look at all of this and attend every session offered. Why? Because we want you to succeed! And the best way for you to succeed is knowing where to get help from your university or course provider if you need it. If you have read the course handbook before starting, you will already know that there are so many people around you willing to advise, support and help you on your journey. You will also discover that you may be able to get an extension for a piece of work if you get behind, how to apply to defer an assessment and/or how to apply for a waiver (personal/exceptional circumstances) when something unexpected happens or you don’t perform as well as you know you can. All those old clichés are actually valid here – forewarned is forearmed; knowledge is power!
Cliché time again – practice makes perfect! We don’t expect perfection but actually practising advocacy outside class is the most effective way to improve. Practising oral skills is much easier when you have someone to play the judge, witness or client, so get classmates involved and help each other. Advocacy recording rooms are there for you to use, and taking the opportunity to repeat a performance is the best way to try out the feedback you were given in class. For those of you studying part-time, this is particularly important as you may not be on campus very often, so make the most of it when you are. Alternatively use Teams/Zoom to practise with people – just as easy to record and you can do it from anywhere!
Go and watch real advocates in action by going to court. Everyone has a local court, whether it be Magistrates’, Crown or even the Royal Courts of Justice if you are in London. You really shouldn’t have to be told to do this – it should be something you do on a regular basis. Ask at the court reception if there are any trials going on so that you can see counsel witness handling or addressing the judge or jury. You will see a real range of techniques and abilities, and it will give you confidence that you are on the right track in developing your personal style as an advocate. Don’t be frightened to tell the court usher you are a student and on the BTC – it might get you an introduction to counsel or the judge and the perfect opportunity to ask questions about why they chose to question in a particular way or make the submissions you heard. And remember that sometimes you will see how not to do something – even practitioners don’t always get it right!
It may sound dull and/or you might think you study better on your own, but when it comes to learning skills and applying your knowledge, talking out loud and studying with your fellow students can be the way to go. We encourage all our students to make WhatsApp groups (other group chat apps are available) and to keep in touch outside the classroom as much as possible, to support each other. If you missed a class and haven’t been able to arrange to go to an alternative one (always the best option if you can), your fellow students can give you any top tips, handouts or information you might need for the next class. Revising knowledge subjects such as criminal litigation can be tedious when you are just reading over your notes. Getting together to do practice questions and discussing why the wrong answers were wrong will help you take more in than reading alone, and it’s much more fun.
You are doing the BTC, so don’t be scared to use your voice. And the sooner the better. Too many students prefer to ignore the problem until it looms so large they have no choice – but by this point in time it could be too late for anyone to help you. If you have a personal tutor or academic adviser, make an appointment to see them. Talk through your issue with them and they can either give you some very wise advice or signpost you to the person who can. I speak to students on an almost daily basis with concerns ranging from feeling they are lagging behind, struggling with a particular module or tutor, finding the VLE or syllabus difficult to navigate, or just haven’t found their rhythm yet. These issues face students and practitioners alike, just in different ways, and talking them through is a great way to take stock.
For some, just being able to speak about it, or getting another perspective helps, and to be told they are not the only one finding it tough. Others might need connecting with student services where experts are on hand to provide the support you need. At City St George’s, for example, our student hub and student support VLE pages provide pointers to assistance with finances, housing, health and study skills, to name a few. If you are dealing with issues related to your neurodiversity, this is more common than most people realise and is absolutely not something to be embarrassed by or ashamed of. Registering with the relevant team is easy (and confidential) and they can support you with screening or assessment for specific learning differences such as dyslexia if necessary. If you had a student support plan (or equivalent) at your previous educational establishment, let the team know as soon as you confirm your offer – this way they can get the ball rolling even before you have arrived. If your mental health needs looking after, counselling can be made available surprisingly quickly or access to support communities to prove that you are not alone.
But you must speak up! Don’t suffer in silence – put yourself first and give yourself the best chance to get back on track. Admitting you need help is not a sign of weakness, but shows you that have the ability to spot, assess and deal with obstacles that fall unexpectedly into your path. These are genuinely important skills for any barrister!
The Chair of the Bar reports back
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Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
