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Providing advice for new pupils can be tricky and for good reason: every pupil is unique; every pupil supervisor is different; and therefore no two pupillages are the same. After all, a pupil must ‘find their feet’ before getting on them! I hope that new pupils may find these pointers useful when starting out.
Taking good, accurate notes is a vital skill to hone and is easy to practise at any point in training. Remember that note-taking at the Bar is not just a personal affair; your notes may need to be referenced by the solicitor, other counsel or even a judge.
Wear clothes that are smart but feel ‘you’ and aren’t uncomfortable. Please excuse the double negative – finding truly comfortable court dress really is a challenge and spending your day in uncomfortable, ill-fitting clothes is an unnecessary distraction. You don’t need to break the bank and perhaps avoid clothes that need dry cleaning. Brush up on your ironing skills, have a go with spray starch for bands and invest in a dark-coloured umbrella for wet, autumn days.
Ask questions and don’t worry about doing so. It is expected that you will not understand certain things and it is assumed that you do not know the practicalities of managing a successful practice at the Bar. When questions arise, however, it might not always be a convenient time to ask them. Jot down questions that come up through the day and pick a good moment to ask them. This is not when your supervisor is in conference, speaking to opposition counsel before a trial starts or when they are clearly under time pressure to prepare legal argument with a judge waiting, to give some examples. As an aside, my supervisor has remarked that answering questions is one of the most satisfying parts of being a supervisor. It evidences learning.
Each chambers will have a different structure for pupillage awards. Be aware that there may be a gap in the flow of your income when transitioning from first six to second six, although this will depend on how your chambers manages your award. I would suggest putting some money away each month in first six to help bridge that gap. My second six began in December, therefore managing this gap was challenging over the Christmas period. Tax, VAT, chambers fees and other costs will all come around soon enough, therefore take any opportunity to learn about them. Little and often seems the most bearable.
The question of what pupillage will be like and how to cope with it is one that becomes ever more pressing as the reality approaches. However, what becomes obvious, even within the first few weeks, is that pupillage is different everywhere and for everyone. It is an experience inevitably coloured by the individual undertaking it, and also by every person involved, and there will be many! Despite this, there are some headlines from my own experiences that seem worth repeating:
Never trust the trains. Or any transport links for that matter. There is nothing that can ruin your day faster than travel delays, so always try to be as early as possible. Anyway, you’d be surprised how much you can get done in a coffee shop before court opens at 9am.
Preparing for court can seem the most daunting part of those early days on your feet. My top tips are as follows:
Play the long game. Although it is tempting to let the fast pace of second six carry you away, here are some points to remember to maintain some normalcy within a crazy profession:
Remember that you are a pupil. You are there to watch and learn.
During my first six, I worked with senior barristers on high-value and complex commercial and Chancery cases. On one occasion, I was provided with a c.2000 page bundle the day before a seven-day trial, having just finished a three-day trial elsewhere. You are not expected to absorb it all overnight (unless you are Mike Ross from Suits). But I found it useful to:
Second six was a completely different beast because the responsibility was now mine. I was in court on almost every working day and juggled two to five sets of papers at any given time. How did I manage this workload?
Tenancy may mark the end of pupillage, but not the end of learning. The habits formed during first and second six continue to serve me every day in practice.
I was told prior to starting on my feet that second-six would be a rollercoaster, and it is the perfect description. With consistent adrenaline rushes, it is fast-moving, nerve-wrecking and terrifying, while simultaneously stimulating, exciting and rewarding. It has low points swiftly followed by highs.
Given this, it’s essential to utilise the support available to you. Don’t try to face the rollercoaster alone. Of course, developing the ability to overcome challenges independently is key to being a barrister. However, there will be moments of uncertainty, when things don’t go as planned or you don’t feel on top form. You won’t be alone in those feelings. Speaking to others, whether for advice and reassurance or to let off steam, will help make the ride steadier.
While pupils aren’t required to be wigged and gowned, getting used to court dress early on will smooth your transition into second six and help as you get to grips with the job. If you do robe, remember to take your wig into court and, just as importantly, remember to wear it! I once noticed my wig on the bench and had to slip it on at an inconspicuous moment.
Take every opportunity to go to the toilet. You can often be in court for long periods of time and there will be moments within proceedings when it is inappropriate to leave the courtroom, so do make the most of breaks when you get them!
Given the pace at which we are required to move from one courtroom to another, alongside a suitcase for all the essentials which stays in the robing room, I advise investing in a small bag for your laptop charger, pen, phone etc. In terms of this movement, high heels can make life more difficult. I still wear them but prioritise comfort: a chunky heel and a cushioned sole.
Make notes that are user-friendly. I found myself utilising the ‘Control F’ function to navigate the relevant sections of my notes through second six, sometimes while mid-hearing. Make a note of even the seemingly obvious, such as common questions from the judge at hearings and the order in which matters are dealt with. It will be an invaluable tool for when you start on your feet. I am still adding to my notes to this day.
Further reading
‘The Bar Council Pupil Helpline’, Rose Malleson, Counsel, September 2022.
‘Eat your way to being a better barrister’, Caroline Hinds, Counsel, June 2025.
The Bar Council’s Pupil Helpline gives confidential advice and support to members of the Bar who are currently undertaking their pupillage. Call 020 7611 1415 or email PupilHelpline@BarCouncil.org.uk
Hayley Parkes is a barrister at Exchange Chambers, Manchester, where she undertook a pupillage under the supervision of Chloe Fordham. She is working to develop a broad general practice in criminal work.
Amy Hemsley began her Common Law Pupillage at Exchange Chambers in September 2024 and is based in Leeds. Throughout second six, her practice has consisted mostly of personal injury cases.
Julius Klutse became a tenant of Exchange Chambers in March 2025 following the successful completion of his pupillage. Julius has a broad commercial Chancery practice
Amy Weir became a member of Exchange Chambers’ criminal team in March 2025, having successfully completed her pupillage under the supervision of Fiona Clancy. Before converting to law, Amy studied Economics and Politics at the University of Exeter
Katrin Harter undertook her pupillage at Outer Temple Chambers, sponsored by Signature Litigation, with whom she now practises as an associate (barrister).
Providing advice for new pupils can be tricky and for good reason: every pupil is unique; every pupil supervisor is different; and therefore no two pupillages are the same. After all, a pupil must ‘find their feet’ before getting on them! I hope that new pupils may find these pointers useful when starting out.
Taking good, accurate notes is a vital skill to hone and is easy to practise at any point in training. Remember that note-taking at the Bar is not just a personal affair; your notes may need to be referenced by the solicitor, other counsel or even a judge.
Wear clothes that are smart but feel ‘you’ and aren’t uncomfortable. Please excuse the double negative – finding truly comfortable court dress really is a challenge and spending your day in uncomfortable, ill-fitting clothes is an unnecessary distraction. You don’t need to break the bank and perhaps avoid clothes that need dry cleaning. Brush up on your ironing skills, have a go with spray starch for bands and invest in a dark-coloured umbrella for wet, autumn days.
Ask questions and don’t worry about doing so. It is expected that you will not understand certain things and it is assumed that you do not know the practicalities of managing a successful practice at the Bar. When questions arise, however, it might not always be a convenient time to ask them. Jot down questions that come up through the day and pick a good moment to ask them. This is not when your supervisor is in conference, speaking to opposition counsel before a trial starts or when they are clearly under time pressure to prepare legal argument with a judge waiting, to give some examples. As an aside, my supervisor has remarked that answering questions is one of the most satisfying parts of being a supervisor. It evidences learning.
Each chambers will have a different structure for pupillage awards. Be aware that there may be a gap in the flow of your income when transitioning from first six to second six, although this will depend on how your chambers manages your award. I would suggest putting some money away each month in first six to help bridge that gap. My second six began in December, therefore managing this gap was challenging over the Christmas period. Tax, VAT, chambers fees and other costs will all come around soon enough, therefore take any opportunity to learn about them. Little and often seems the most bearable.
The question of what pupillage will be like and how to cope with it is one that becomes ever more pressing as the reality approaches. However, what becomes obvious, even within the first few weeks, is that pupillage is different everywhere and for everyone. It is an experience inevitably coloured by the individual undertaking it, and also by every person involved, and there will be many! Despite this, there are some headlines from my own experiences that seem worth repeating:
Never trust the trains. Or any transport links for that matter. There is nothing that can ruin your day faster than travel delays, so always try to be as early as possible. Anyway, you’d be surprised how much you can get done in a coffee shop before court opens at 9am.
Preparing for court can seem the most daunting part of those early days on your feet. My top tips are as follows:
Play the long game. Although it is tempting to let the fast pace of second six carry you away, here are some points to remember to maintain some normalcy within a crazy profession:
Remember that you are a pupil. You are there to watch and learn.
During my first six, I worked with senior barristers on high-value and complex commercial and Chancery cases. On one occasion, I was provided with a c.2000 page bundle the day before a seven-day trial, having just finished a three-day trial elsewhere. You are not expected to absorb it all overnight (unless you are Mike Ross from Suits). But I found it useful to:
Second six was a completely different beast because the responsibility was now mine. I was in court on almost every working day and juggled two to five sets of papers at any given time. How did I manage this workload?
Tenancy may mark the end of pupillage, but not the end of learning. The habits formed during first and second six continue to serve me every day in practice.
I was told prior to starting on my feet that second-six would be a rollercoaster, and it is the perfect description. With consistent adrenaline rushes, it is fast-moving, nerve-wrecking and terrifying, while simultaneously stimulating, exciting and rewarding. It has low points swiftly followed by highs.
Given this, it’s essential to utilise the support available to you. Don’t try to face the rollercoaster alone. Of course, developing the ability to overcome challenges independently is key to being a barrister. However, there will be moments of uncertainty, when things don’t go as planned or you don’t feel on top form. You won’t be alone in those feelings. Speaking to others, whether for advice and reassurance or to let off steam, will help make the ride steadier.
While pupils aren’t required to be wigged and gowned, getting used to court dress early on will smooth your transition into second six and help as you get to grips with the job. If you do robe, remember to take your wig into court and, just as importantly, remember to wear it! I once noticed my wig on the bench and had to slip it on at an inconspicuous moment.
Take every opportunity to go to the toilet. You can often be in court for long periods of time and there will be moments within proceedings when it is inappropriate to leave the courtroom, so do make the most of breaks when you get them!
Given the pace at which we are required to move from one courtroom to another, alongside a suitcase for all the essentials which stays in the robing room, I advise investing in a small bag for your laptop charger, pen, phone etc. In terms of this movement, high heels can make life more difficult. I still wear them but prioritise comfort: a chunky heel and a cushioned sole.
Make notes that are user-friendly. I found myself utilising the ‘Control F’ function to navigate the relevant sections of my notes through second six, sometimes while mid-hearing. Make a note of even the seemingly obvious, such as common questions from the judge at hearings and the order in which matters are dealt with. It will be an invaluable tool for when you start on your feet. I am still adding to my notes to this day.
Further reading
‘The Bar Council Pupil Helpline’, Rose Malleson, Counsel, September 2022.
‘Eat your way to being a better barrister’, Caroline Hinds, Counsel, June 2025.
The Bar Council’s Pupil Helpline gives confidential advice and support to members of the Bar who are currently undertaking their pupillage. Call 020 7611 1415 or email PupilHelpline@BarCouncil.org.uk
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