The best bits from last night’s Twitter discussion about how to bag a pupillage
1. Lots of barristers hate the ‘Why do you want to be a barrister?’ question
@SmithDominique2 #pupillageapps I’d be astounded if there was an answer that was both genuinely novel and meaningful
— Sean Jones (@seanjones11kbw) April 9, 2015
@CLSPupillageAdv @SmithDominique2 It's a ridiculous question that should never be asked – http://t.co/htw2yajSb7
— Dan Bunting (@danbunting) April 9, 2015
Still, it exists, and you have to answer it. This seems like a good starting point from BPP Law School BPTC lecturer Ishan Kolhatkar, who used to practise criminal law at 2 Hare Court.
@smithdominique2 Say it out loud to someone? Sound too earnest or little naive? If so, start redrafting till it's persuasive #pupillageapps
— Ishan Kolhatkar (@BPTC_Lecturer) April 9, 2015
2. Oxbridge domination of top sets may be self-perpetuating
There is a belief at the bar that non-Oxbridge graduates are put off applying to the top sets that have a high proportion of Oxford and Cambridge graduates among their tenants. It was given further weight on Twitter yesterday.
@SmithDominique2 #pupillageapps Unless you want to give Oxbridge Grads free run, yes
— Sean Jones (@seanjones11kbw) April 9, 2015
Of course, while you’ve got to be in it to win it, there is concern that some chambers still prefer Oxbridge.
@seanjones11kbw @SmithDominique2 Some sets believe Oxbridge degree has more value. You'll need to compete elsewhere on CV. #PupillageApps
— Martin George (@martingeorge) April 9, 2015
Maybe it’s time for the elite end of the bar to prove this is not the case by taking some active steps to widen its recruitment net.
3. You have a decent shot at the bar if you went to a non-Russell Group Uni (and got top grades)
For all its diversity failings, the bar is actually pretty good at producing stats on its members. And as the City Law School pupillages account showed yesterday when linking to the latest Bar Barometer survey, 25.1% of pupils in 2011-12 (the most recent year for which figures are available) went to non-Russell Group unis versus 64.2% to Russell Group (including Oxbridge) unis.
@HollyNelson11 you can look at the stats here https://t.co/mwohESpUYG
— @CLSPupillageAdvice (@CLSPupillageAdv) April 9, 2015
What the Bar Barometer fails to show is how many of those non-Russell Group graduates received firsts. Legal Cheek reckons the amount is probably disproportionately high.
4. Chambers of all types like students that think commercially
If there was one theme that dominated the discussion it was commercial awareness; in these days of changing business models and legal aid cuts, the term is becoming as much of a buzzword at the bar as it is in the solicitors’ profession.
@JessyHoward94 Think about the realities of being self-employed, YOU = a business responsible for marketing, finance, admin, client handling
— BPP Law School (@BPPLawSchool) April 9, 2015
The head of Leeds’ Zenith Chambers even suggested that pupillage hopefuls have a go at writing chambers’ business plans.
@JessyHoward94 Ask if it has a business plan for the future & how you could fit into that – if it doesn't offer to do it #PupillageApps
— Gordon Exall (@CivilLitTweet) April 9, 2015
5. Mindlessly accumulating legal work experience is a waste of time
Wannabe barristers are expected to have done mini-pupillages …
@SmithDominique2 #PupillageApps I think lack of legal work experience may be perceived as lack of dedication to the job
— David Pliener (@pliener) April 9, 2015
#PupillageApps Nathan, minis or attending court independently should help you ascertain your practice interests. Pro bono or sol firm work 2
— University of Law (@UniversityofLaw) April 9, 2015
… but a handful of short placements is fine. Some barristers actually prefer real-life experience.
@smithdominique2 Not in my view. Substance not location. Photocopying at a law firm is less impressive than running a shop. #PupillageApps
— Ishan Kolhatkar (@BPTC_Lecturer) April 9, 2015
6. There is no need to over-research chambers
@JessyHoward94 @legalcheek would not worry about awards. We want to know you know who we are. But actually we are more interested in you.
— Gerard McDermott QC (@McDermottQC) April 9, 2015
There was general agreement with Gerard McDermott QC on this point from barristers, but there was also acknowledgement that you have to play the game.
@JessyHoward94 go beyond the website, look at legal directories and reviews such as @chambersstudent and @TjobsLaw. show that you are 1/2
— @CLSPupillageAdvice (@CLSPupillageAdv) April 9, 2015
@JessyHoward94 interested in them, their practice areas and know about the set.
— @CLSPupillageAdvice (@CLSPupillageAdv) April 9, 2015
7. You stand out by telling stories — with clarity
In a crowded field, students were urged to try to entertain (or at least not bore to death) pupillage panels.
@SmithDominique2 Interesting stories true ones about you giving examples to demonstrate the answer to the question.
— BPP Law School (@BPPLawSchool) April 9, 2015
In doing so, clear, unpretentious language was recommended.
@SmithDominique2 #pupillageapps Clarity. Don’t make them work to deduce the points you want to make.
— Sean Jones (@seanjones11kbw) April 9, 2015
@SBRBrackley use very clear language. Do not use barrister-ease. Never use a long word when a short one will do. Brevity is a skill.
— @CLSPupillageAdvice (@CLSPupillageAdv) April 9, 2015
8. Work the form
With no section for university module results on the Pupillage Gateway form, students with strong academic results need to find a way subtly to mention their top grades in the written answer questions, as University of Law bar careers adviser Anna Williams suggested:
#PupillageApps Excellent module results could be emphasised in long answers. Don't hide your achievements
— University of Law (@UniversityofLaw) April 9, 2015
In completing these questions, there is no standard template that must be adhered to. Some recommend straight prose, others a mixture of bullet points and longer form answers.
@lawstudentsdont prose. You are very likely to be marked on your written advocacy.
— @CLSPupillageAdvice (@CLSPupillageAdv) April 9, 2015
#PupillageApps Bullet points+prose both have their place & cd b combined even within an answer. Accurately presented interesting content key
— University of Law (@UniversityofLaw) April 9, 2015
9. Chambers check applicants’ social media
In case you thought they didn’t, #PupillageApps confirmed that they do.
@lawstudentsdont yes
— @CLSPupillageAdvice (@CLSPupillageAdv) April 9, 2015
@lawstudentsdont Yes. All. The. Time. #PupillageApps
— Ishan Kolhatkar (@BPTC_Lecturer) April 9, 2015
@lawstudentsdont Yes.
— Matthew Scott (@Barristerblog) April 9, 2015
#PupillageApps: The full discussion [Twitter]