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May I present MY TOP 7000 WAYS TO GUARANTEE PUPILLAGE:
(1/10,000)*
*I’m being facetious. Here are some things I think are important and that all #lawstudents #aspiringbarristers applying for #pupillage #pupillagegateway should think about (with GIFs). This is only my opinion...
(1/10,000)*
*I’m being facetious. Here are some things I think are important and that all #lawstudents #aspiringbarristers applying for #pupillage #pupillagegateway should think about (with GIFs). This is only my opinion...
I won’t tell you to research, find out what you can about chambers, look at juniors and see what they’re up to, go to events and think carefully about the core skills a barrister needs. You *should* know that already. This is my hot take on the other stuff.
1. NUMBERS. Not same as ‘scattergun’ (applying randomly for diff pupillages in diff areas). The reality is that there are ten times as many applicants than places, so the odds are very low for anybody. As any Stockport fan knows, underdogs hardly ever win so maximise your..
... chances and apply in volume for pupillages that are broadly similar. Your answers *will* translate if you tailor them properly. You have three months until the end of January which is PLENTY of time to put together 20 decent apps. Don’t make the odds even longer for yourself.
When people advise quality over quantity, it’s advice against the random scattergun approach and not against volume IF what you are applying for is similar to the others. Applying for 20 PI pupillages is a good thing and if you do it right, your prep and forms will not suffer.
2. Stop taking general advice; seek out/speak to people with similar profiles to you in the chambers you want to go to. Presenting unusual experiences as THE sure fire way to get pupillage is daft - find people whose profiles fit yours and ask for advice. They will be the...
..most helpful blueprint as you plan your strategy. Also, if your profile is off the mark for a particular chambers and their most recent pupils in terms of your academics, achievements, awards or experience, it should tell you something. Invest time in *realistic* prospects.
3. We are all here, fundamentally, because we were lucky in some way. Whether it’s a panel who shared the same interest or whatever, something went right for us. It could easily have not done and we as barristers dolling out advice based on our perceptions should not forget that.
This is important because some of my friends/colleagues fall into a trap of thinking it’s all about their graft; it’s actually a lot of luck too. So be critical about the perspectives you are given. There are some superb people who never made it, and some dead donkeys at the bar.
4. Explain, don’t describe. Tell the reader, the sifter or the panel what you took from the experience you have and how this improves your suitability as a candidate against the core competencies for a barrister. This is ultimately what matters when assessing you as a candidate.
... A pupillage application is your first significant piece of written advocacy. It is a waste if you don’t use it effectively.
5. Reflect on what can be added - insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. So, if it didn’t work last year, it probably won’t work this year. Even in COVID-19, you need to take opportunities to improve your CV, experience, hobbies or academics.
6. Keep some perspective - this is only a job. Think carefully about if this is what you want to do, and your chances of success if you have not applied for the bar but don’t have the sorts of qualifications that successful candidates do, or scholarships. I’ve seen far too many..
..talented people pause life in pursuit of something that isn’t happening. There’re many tweets about how it’s overwhelmingly stressful and how the process brings crippling anxiety. There are more important things, so keep options open. It is NOT kind to encourage the opposite.
And, 7. BEST OF LUCK to all of you. I am always happy to answer any questions if I am able to. I am told this is called sliding into my DMs. We want you to do well and reach your potential. So, go and get ‘em!
P.S. Proofread, proofread and proofread again. There is no excuse for sloppy mistakes; it gives the impression you are careless and haven’t devoted the time necessary to your application. Lawyers can’t be careless. Applications with silly mistakes all end up in the same place.
