Ask a Pupil

Relevant experience etc

2008-01-31T17:12:00.000Z

After graduating from University with a First in Law I decided to take a year out to decide which route I wanted to follow. I had initially considered following the solicitor route however after work experience in a corporate/commercial firm and some interviews with magic circle firms I realised I really had more of an interest in a career as a barrister- particularly in the areas of family and criminal law. As a consequence of making this decision slightly later on in the process than some of my peers I fear I may be at a disadvantage. I have already completed a mini pupillage with a provincial chambers (criminal) and obtained work experience shadowing a cps practitioner. I have secured future mini pupillages with two of the top london sets (family and public sector etc) as well as work experience in a niche family solicitors firm (just to gain more insight into the client in this area of law). I was advised that this experience would be adequate, however after reading advice given on your site which prescribes undertaking several mini p's I am concerned I have not done enough. Unfortunately as I do not live in London and have to work full time it is difficult to do much more. I have experience in debating, making it to the regional finals in a European Youth Parliament competition and have experience as a representative in several roles during my school and university career. I also won an academic award for my degree results. This year I am volunteering as a youth offender panel member as I have a keen interest in youth justice. I plan to take the BVC this coming Autumn in a London bases provider. I am just wondering if you could advise on any glaringly obvious gaps in my experience which might limit my potential for success or recommend any extra pursuits which you might deem helpful?

Masters

2007-10-09T08:46:00.001+01:00

dear askapupil,

i have a some time before re-applying for pupillage. i have
considered doing a masters degree.
what are your thoughts on this?
waste of time or worth every penny?
the masters would be at SOAS, London - a joint degree of family and
criminal law.

many thanks,

Temporary hiatus

2007-07-13T09:55:00.001+01:00

The blog organiser is trying to find new pupils to take over running this site, now that she is no longer a pupil. There might be a delay before it's in full swing again, but we're leaving it up in case the previous answers are still useful.

Q11. Outdoor clerking

2006-05-25T17:36:00.000+01:00

Does anyonoe have any advice about outdoor clerking as a gap year option? Is the course offered by the Association of Law Clerks necessary?

Q10: The BVC (again)

2006-02-02T10:09:00.000Z

What do you and members of your chambers really think about the BVC in terms of training and preparing pupils?

Q9: Covering letters

2005-12-07T09:23:00.000Z

How should a covering letter be structured when applying for mini-pupillages? Is it along the lines of a UCAS statement?

Q8: Wigs and gowns

2005-11-30T14:38:00.000Z

Do you need a wig and gown for your first six?

Q7: Identity of pupil supervisors

2005-11-30T14:37:00.000Z

Once you have been offered a pupillage is it possible to have any say asto who will be your pupil master? Is it likely that Chambers will tell youbeforehand?

Q6: The employed Bar

2005-11-28T18:05:00.000Z

What are the opportunities available in the Employed Bar and where would you start in your pursuit for a career/pupillage in this area?

Q5: Going through OLPAS for a second time

2005-11-27T16:05:00.000Z

How do chambers feel about applicants who have previously been through the OLPAS system but didn't apply to them the first time round?

Q4: Re-applying to chambers which previously rejected you

2005-11-27T16:04:00.001Z

How do chambers feel about applications from people they rejected previously?

Q3: OLPAS strategies

2005-11-27T16:04:00.000Z

Can you recommend a strategy for picking the 12 OLPAS sets you apply to?

Q2: The Bar Vocational Course

2005-11-26T19:01:00.000Z

What are your views on the BVC?

Q1: Mini-pupillages

2005-11-23T13:46:00.000Z

How many mini-pupillages should you do? Does it matter where and at what stage you do them?