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Ben Rowe’s practical tips for hitting the ground running and going the distance
In my very first conversation, with my first ever pupil supervisor I learnt three things. First, that he was intimidatingly bright; second, that he truly cared about pupillage and the future of the Bar; and third, he told me (with a quite charming grin) that if I spoiled the upcoming finale of Breaking Bad (he was a couple of weeks behind) it would spell disaster for my future in Chambers.
Many nascent pupils terrify themselves with the idea that they are about to undertake a ‘year-long job interview’. It is true that at the end of 12 or 18 months there will be important decisions to be made (by both your set, and by you) about your future; but do not let that dominate your every waking moment. Instead, see pupillage for what it really is: your opportunity to become the very best barrister that you can.
But how to make the best of those opportunities? While this article is written from the perspective of a court-based practitioner, much of the advice is of broader application and will, I hope, be of use to pupils in all areas of practice.
No two pupillages are the same. There is no ‘perfect’ way to be a pupil. Even before you walk through the door, Chambers has spent considerable time, effort and resources to recruit you. Keep that in mind throughout the entire year: they chose you because they see you as a future tenant.
It is very likely that your supervisor will set aside time soon after you start pupillage to talk you through their expectations. If they fail to do so, find an appropriate moment to ask them to schedule it.
Every supervisor – and I am as guilty of this as anyone – will say that they are ‘relatively relaxed’ about a whole host of things. You will soon learn that they do, in fact, have very firm ideas about all sorts of tediously minor issues, and those key issues will vary wildly from one supervisor to the next.
Think about some of the following topics:
Every supervisor, in every set, will answer these questions slightly differently. Above all, if you are ever unsure about what to do, or how to behave: ask.
Importantly, this expectation management continues throughout your career. Whenever I am led in a multi-counsel case, I always make sure to set aside time to talk to my leader at the beginning of our professional relationship to find out how I can best support them. It is a good habit to develop early.
The Roman philosopher Seneca said: ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.’ Make sure that every day you are ready for whatever is thrown your way. Pupillage moves at a rapid pace and half of the task is learning to keep up. You can, however, give yourself a headstart by carrying out some very boring tasks ahead of pupillage, and at the start of each week.
Find yourself a decent accountant. There are a few well known firms who specialise in advising barristers, some even offer the first year or so for free. They will guide you around the potholes of the transition from first to second six, and through the Sisyphean task of registering for VAT.
Here, in the wonders of the 21st century, most courts do not have decent catering facilities. Assume that, at best, you might find a vending machine with stale crisps. You need to keep your brain fuelled throughout the day. Consider batch cooking at weekends or setting aside time every morning to make a packed lunch.
If travelling to court by public transport work out which train gets you to court 15 minutes earlier than you need to be there and then book the train before that one. It is far better to sit in the robing room or corridor outside court looking over papers or (treat yourself!) reading a book than to run the risk of being late and starting off your entire day on the wrong foot.
Set up a digital filing system. Think about how you will name your files to help yourself find them more easily. Do whatever works for you but stay consistent. You will thank yourself for your self-discipline in three years’ time when the Court of Appeal asks you for a copy of an attendance note and client endorsement that has suddenly become important, and you are able to find it in a minute or two.
Look at the Professional Statement for Barristers, including the required competencies, at the start of your pupillage. At the end of your pupillage, you and your supervisor will need to sign a document for the Bar Standards Board confirming you meet all of the stated requirements. The competencies document is therefore part of your roadmap through pupillage – know what you are aiming for.
Prepare for some difficult conversations. It is not easy to get a pupillage. Many pupils will have quite limited experience of failure or negative feedback before they start pupillage. It is very easy to get used to success. Pupillage will teach you, quickly, that you are not perfect. This is no reflection on you, your potential or your intellectual capacity. Mistakes happen; learn from them.
There is a temptation to try to work every minute of every day throughout pupillage – an admirable endeavour but quite, quite ludicrous. No one can survive without proper rest and real downtime.
It is undeniable that both pupillage and practice can include some very long days, and weeks that feel as if they will never, ever end; but they should not be your constant state of existence. If your workload is getting too much, speak to your supervisor. It is their job to manage your commitments during first six and to guide you through difficulties. They will be able to give you realistic, direct feedback about whether your experiences are out of the norm or if they are simply a (hopefully temporary) part of the job.
As a pupil you are entitled to time off. You should talk to your supervisors and clerks about when it would be best to take a break.
Make friends with the other pupils in your cohort and take every opportunity you can to see your existing friends. Over the years you will build up a strong network of friends and colleagues within Chambers and across your practice area. The Bar is an amazing place to spend your career, but it can also be quite lonely at times. Go looking for help when you need it. Chat about some brilliant book you have read. Gossip about some recent public scandal. Moan with your opponent about your complete inability to buy a cup of tea at court. Watch the latest nonsense on TV, but remember: don’t ruin the ending for your pupil supervisor.
In my very first conversation, with my first ever pupil supervisor I learnt three things. First, that he was intimidatingly bright; second, that he truly cared about pupillage and the future of the Bar; and third, he told me (with a quite charming grin) that if I spoiled the upcoming finale of Breaking Bad (he was a couple of weeks behind) it would spell disaster for my future in Chambers.
Many nascent pupils terrify themselves with the idea that they are about to undertake a ‘year-long job interview’. It is true that at the end of 12 or 18 months there will be important decisions to be made (by both your set, and by you) about your future; but do not let that dominate your every waking moment. Instead, see pupillage for what it really is: your opportunity to become the very best barrister that you can.
But how to make the best of those opportunities? While this article is written from the perspective of a court-based practitioner, much of the advice is of broader application and will, I hope, be of use to pupils in all areas of practice.
No two pupillages are the same. There is no ‘perfect’ way to be a pupil. Even before you walk through the door, Chambers has spent considerable time, effort and resources to recruit you. Keep that in mind throughout the entire year: they chose you because they see you as a future tenant.
It is very likely that your supervisor will set aside time soon after you start pupillage to talk you through their expectations. If they fail to do so, find an appropriate moment to ask them to schedule it.
Every supervisor – and I am as guilty of this as anyone – will say that they are ‘relatively relaxed’ about a whole host of things. You will soon learn that they do, in fact, have very firm ideas about all sorts of tediously minor issues, and those key issues will vary wildly from one supervisor to the next.
Think about some of the following topics:
Every supervisor, in every set, will answer these questions slightly differently. Above all, if you are ever unsure about what to do, or how to behave: ask.
Importantly, this expectation management continues throughout your career. Whenever I am led in a multi-counsel case, I always make sure to set aside time to talk to my leader at the beginning of our professional relationship to find out how I can best support them. It is a good habit to develop early.
The Roman philosopher Seneca said: ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.’ Make sure that every day you are ready for whatever is thrown your way. Pupillage moves at a rapid pace and half of the task is learning to keep up. You can, however, give yourself a headstart by carrying out some very boring tasks ahead of pupillage, and at the start of each week.
Find yourself a decent accountant. There are a few well known firms who specialise in advising barristers, some even offer the first year or so for free. They will guide you around the potholes of the transition from first to second six, and through the Sisyphean task of registering for VAT.
Here, in the wonders of the 21st century, most courts do not have decent catering facilities. Assume that, at best, you might find a vending machine with stale crisps. You need to keep your brain fuelled throughout the day. Consider batch cooking at weekends or setting aside time every morning to make a packed lunch.
If travelling to court by public transport work out which train gets you to court 15 minutes earlier than you need to be there and then book the train before that one. It is far better to sit in the robing room or corridor outside court looking over papers or (treat yourself!) reading a book than to run the risk of being late and starting off your entire day on the wrong foot.
Set up a digital filing system. Think about how you will name your files to help yourself find them more easily. Do whatever works for you but stay consistent. You will thank yourself for your self-discipline in three years’ time when the Court of Appeal asks you for a copy of an attendance note and client endorsement that has suddenly become important, and you are able to find it in a minute or two.
Look at the Professional Statement for Barristers, including the required competencies, at the start of your pupillage. At the end of your pupillage, you and your supervisor will need to sign a document for the Bar Standards Board confirming you meet all of the stated requirements. The competencies document is therefore part of your roadmap through pupillage – know what you are aiming for.
Prepare for some difficult conversations. It is not easy to get a pupillage. Many pupils will have quite limited experience of failure or negative feedback before they start pupillage. It is very easy to get used to success. Pupillage will teach you, quickly, that you are not perfect. This is no reflection on you, your potential or your intellectual capacity. Mistakes happen; learn from them.
There is a temptation to try to work every minute of every day throughout pupillage – an admirable endeavour but quite, quite ludicrous. No one can survive without proper rest and real downtime.
It is undeniable that both pupillage and practice can include some very long days, and weeks that feel as if they will never, ever end; but they should not be your constant state of existence. If your workload is getting too much, speak to your supervisor. It is their job to manage your commitments during first six and to guide you through difficulties. They will be able to give you realistic, direct feedback about whether your experiences are out of the norm or if they are simply a (hopefully temporary) part of the job.
As a pupil you are entitled to time off. You should talk to your supervisors and clerks about when it would be best to take a break.
Make friends with the other pupils in your cohort and take every opportunity you can to see your existing friends. Over the years you will build up a strong network of friends and colleagues within Chambers and across your practice area. The Bar is an amazing place to spend your career, but it can also be quite lonely at times. Go looking for help when you need it. Chat about some brilliant book you have read. Gossip about some recent public scandal. Moan with your opponent about your complete inability to buy a cup of tea at court. Watch the latest nonsense on TV, but remember: don’t ruin the ending for your pupil supervisor.
Ben Rowe’s practical tips for hitting the ground running and going the distance
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