Former Northumbria law student David McCormick gives his advice about entering the profession
At a very young age I decided that I wanted to be a barrister. I was lucky. I have friends who didn’t decide that they wanted to be a barrister until they completed their degrees. I know others who have been called to the Bar and still don’t know whether it is the career for them. The only way to really find out is to expose yourself to the law and the profession.
However, I do not think that this necessitates a law degree. I am a firm believer that a prospective student should study a subject which interests them. If this means studying history and then later converting to become a lawyer then so be it. After all, you are much likely to succeed if you chose a course which you will enjoy. My point is that a law degree is not a requirement for becoming a barrister. For others, the natural path of completing a law degree and then qualifying as a barrister is an attractive prospect and therefore the route for them. As a law graduate I would say that I found my degree both fascinating and enjoyable and would highly recommend legal studies.
The Bar Professional Training Course
The Bar Professional Training Course (“BPTC”) is the qualification which must be undertaken subsequent to undergraduate studies to qualify as a barrister. As a graduate of the course I am well placed to emphasise just how difficult and demanding it is. At times it feels near impossible. However, my experience is that those who are passionate about becoming barristers and truly commit and apply themselves to that goal will succeed. Yes, the BPTC is difficult and demanding but it has to be. It ensures the competence of future barristers and prepares them for the demands of pupillage and practice.
What is Pupillage?
Pupillage is a one year period when a newly qualified barrister becomes a pupil at a set of chambers. For the first six months a pupil will be assigned to a pupil-master and basically shown the ropes of practicing as a barrister. This means attending court and assisting on cases. In the second six months a pupil will begin to conduct their own cases in court. At the conclusion of the pupillage chambers will vote as to whether the pupil becomes a member of chambers. It is also noteworthy that a pupil is usually paid.
How to get Pupillage
This is where it becomes difficult. You know how politicians and newspapers are always saying it’s difficult for young people to get jobs? For prospective barristers “difficult” is an understatement. I won’t bore you with the statistics and facts but I will simply say this: getting pupillage is near-impossible in the current climate. However, what follows are my tips on how to give yourself a fighting chance. I don’t proclaim to be an expert but I did manage to get pupillage in my first year of applications. What follows is a non-exhaustive list of what I consider to be the pre-requisites to attaining pupillage:
- A strong degree | If you have made it into university you are capable of getting a first class degree if you put the effort in. By all means enjoy your social life but there is no substitute for putting the hours in. In the current climate a 2:1 is always expected and a 1st will certainly stand out.
- Legal Work Experience | You will likely be asked why you didn’t want to become a solicitor. Do some work experience with a solicitors firm to find out your answer. Also, do mini-pupillages with different sets of barristers’ chambers. Try to have a variety of experiences in different areas of law and different locations. I would also recommend work experience with the police.
- Mooting | Mooting is basically arguing cases in court against other students. Start early in your university life to open the door to later opportunities. Most universities have internal competitions as well as being involved in national and international competitions.
- Awards & Scholarships | I mentioned earlier about there being no substitute for putting the hours in. This is true and you will get your rewards when you win prizes for your achievements. In terms of scholarships it is often a matter of knowing what you can apply for. Do your research. I know so many people who applied for scholarships expecting to have no chance of success, to later find themselves on a funded internship half-way around the world.
- A little something different | This is hard to define. My advice is this. Throughout your studies bear in mind that there are countless other candidates mooting, getting top grades and out doing work experience. Keep your eyes peeled for the thing that makes you different. The thing that makes you stand out. You may be in a band or be a lion trainer. If, like me, you don’t really have that “wow” hobby then find one. For me the answer was to travel and have fantastic experiences and great stories to tell.
- Relationships | If there is a certain city or area which you want to practice in, then find a way of getting your face known in the local legal sector. Go to social events and undertake work experiences. The best piece advice that I have is that when a lawyer says to you stay in touch, do so. Let them know when you get a first in the exam you discussed over coffee. They really do love to hear it. It’s also a great opportunity to ask for more work experience.
- Luck | Like many things in life, getting pupillage undoubtedly requires a little bit of luck. But you make your own luck by doing all of the above things (and more) to giving yourself the best possible chance!
