Clare Kelly:

The competition for pupillage is fierce, and it takes a lot to stand out. Most of the applications received by pupillage committees across the Bar are from those who have achieved high academic grades; who have undertaken a variety of relevant work experience; and who are passionate about pursuing a career at the Bar. So, what else is a multidisciplinary set looking for, and how can you make sure that your application grabs the attention of the pupillage committee? Here are three of the top qualities that our set looks for in pupillage applications:

1. An open-minded approach

One of the best things about being in a multi-disciplinary chambers is that you get the chance to try everything. Pupils can go from a plea and trial preparations hearing to a contested child arrangements hearing to a personal injury claim all in the course of a week. It’s a fantastic grounding for the future because you learn about a wide range of areas of law and how they interact with each other as well as getting to experience different procedures and approaches to the law. Whether you later choose to specialise in one area, or continue with a mixed practice in the long term, you will always benefit from having had a broad training.

We expect pupils to be open-minded and to embrace the different opportunities which a mixed practice offers. It is not uncommon for people to start their career with an idea of where they would like to end up but to find that they enjoy something completely different in practice.

2. A passion for advocacy

Many of those in multi-disciplinary sets will spend a large proportion of their pupillage in court. We are looking for pupils who love advocacy and will thrive on the challenges that it brings. In your application, set out your advocacy experience and think more widely than just mooting competitions or debating societies. If you have examples of times that you have persuaded people to see a different point of view; have spoken to large groups; or have taken a leadership role then include these in your application – they are all good examples of advocacy in action!

3. Confidence and resilience

The challenge of a multi-disciplinary practice is that sometimes it can feel like everything you do is new and unfamiliar. There are times when you might just want to do the same thing as the day before, and you don’t have that luxury when you’re moving onto a different area of law for the next day’s hearing. We are looking for pupils who have the confidence to attempt new things, and to put themselves outside of their comfort zone. In your application, you may want to highlight those times you have taken a step into the unknown and how you have coped. The resilience to recover from a disappointing day at court, to recognise that this happens to all barristers at times, and to be ready to go the next day for a new client is crucial.

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Of course, every set is different and you also need to look carefully at the requirements of the set you are applying to. You need to tailor your application to reflect the values and culture of the set in question in addition to the general guidance set out above. The Bar is a profession geared to detail, accuracy and precision and your application should reflect that. Applications which are unfocused with spelling and grammatical errors will never impress. 

Richard Livingston:

What do we look for in our prospective pupils?

1. Demonstrate your interest in a particular practice area
Academic credentials are a given. Although we are a multi-disciplinary chambers, our set asks candidates to apply for one of our four departments. We are therefore more interested in whether candidates can demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for a particular practice area. We expect candidates to explain why they have selected this practice area. Examples of personal experience are always encouraged. Clichés, on the other hand, should be avoided. Similarly, starry eyed sentiments about the pursuit of justice and the nobility of the profession sound really artificial.
2. Advice for the interview
Research is key. Spend time reading up on chambers and be prepared to say why you have applied there. At the back of the interviewer’s mind is whether they feel that they could imagine themselves working with the interviewee. Great advice is to be yourself but hold back a little! It is always a good idea to take some time to answer the questions, but long pauses are concerning. Equally, writing notes before responding shows that you struggle to think on your feet and should be avoided. A stock response to a particular question appears to be: ‘There are three points I want to make’ and then to list them. That feels very rehearsed. Candidates should think carefully of the practical examples that you can give to show a dedication to your chosen area of practice. The likelihood is that you will be asked a question about some item in the media/news agenda. Whatever view you express, think carefully about the counter opinion as the interviewers are likely to question you on that. Further, when you are asked if you have any questions, don’t feel that you need to ask one simply for the sake of it. If you’ve read up on chambers, you may not feel that you need to.
3. Stand outs
The best candidates are often the best advocates. You will have developed your own style at Bar school; have the confidence to stick with that. An absolute must is to answer the question! It sounds obvious, but so many candidates answer the question that they wish had been put and not the question that was asked of them. Dodging the question causes alarm bells to ring. Be prepared to stand your ground in a debate. You must always think about the countervailing arguments and make concessions if you feel you should. If you disagree with the premise of a question, say so and explain why. An interview is designed to test your mettle and, if you can withstand that, the interviewer will likely conclude that you can hold your own in court. Confidence but not arrogance is a great approach. Finally, this is your opportunity to show that you can do the job and that you would be great at it. You should not have anything to fear from the process. Try to relax and approach the interview exercise as though you have been asked in for a chat about yourself. You’ll be amazed at how well the panel respond to that demeanour.