Making the leap

As lawyers, when do we find the time to pause and ponder the answer to that question? Our lives are busy enough and January is no exception; conferences pushed back from December, hearings to prepare for and tax returns to file. But reflection is an important part of our practice. We must find time for it.

I took an unconventional tour to the Bar. From a training contract with a traditional high street firm (which has gone from strength to strength over the years), qualifying as a solicitor, moving to Leeds to work in a nationally recognised firm, joining the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), transferring to the Bar and joining St Pauls Chambers in January 2025.

I have been in the industry for 11 years and have been fortunate enough to work with some incredible people and undertake meaningful work. Of course, there have been lows; working all hours, cancelling annual leave, impact of the pandemic on my mental health and balancing family life.

I joined the CPS during COVID. It satisfied an itch to work within the criminal justice system and I never looked back. I found my passion in crime. I enjoyed the work, I learnt more about what motivates me and what I needed to develop to become a better lawyer. With exposure to Crown Court cases and collaborating with barristers from various Circuits, it was inspiring to see the crucial role advocates play.

That was my lightbulb moment; I wanted to be in the middle of all of this. I made the decision to transfer to the Bar. I did it for the younger version of myself who thought this was all impossible.

But, as we know, a decision to become a barrister is one thing and, as many have faced in their pupillage applications, one has to consider why. My why was to have control of my career, undertake a variety of work (not just in crime, but areas of public and regulatory work) and spend more time in court. I enjoy the responsibility and pressure that comes with representing parties in a difficult environment.

I spent a lot of time researching how to transfer to the Bar and, importantly, what chambers I would apply to. I asked barrister friends about their life in chambers; the good and the bad that comes with being self-employed. One of the queries I had was the perception that there is no money in the criminal Bar (coming from someone who is a father of two, this was a key factor). This could not be further from the truth.

To find the right chambers, I reflected on what motivated me in my previous roles. What made me thrive. There are many factors, which I would distil into the following points:

• The environment.
• The people.
• The opportunities.

Having identified the type of chambers I wanted to be at; I applied to St Pauls Chambers. It is not the biggest set on Circuit. That did not matter. It was clear from the clerks, the junior end, and all the way up to the silks, that this was an impressive set to be with. When I was successful in my tenancy application, I was welcomed with open arms. I had many questions (and many stupid questions) about life at Chambers, work in the Crown Court and being a barrister. They were all answered without judgement but instead with encouragement and support.

I have been with St Pauls Chambers for a year now. It was the best decision I made for my career. The opportunities have followed; I have conducted Crown Court trials for the CPS, developed my defence practice, taken on public law work for the Government Legal Department and worked on some interesting and complicated matters. Chambers gave me the opportunity to show the best of my abilities.

So when you do decide to put down the Quality Streets (other sweet treats are available) and reflect on where you have been in 2025, may I encourage you to look forward and plan for 2026. Make this year the decision to take the leap. If you are a prospective pupil, back yourself. Show how good you are in your pupillage applications. Those considering a transfer to the Bar; go for it, your future self will thank you.

Find the place where you will thrive.

Best of luck for 2026.