I was looking over a pupillage applicant's application earlier. Made me think of the things I think people should know when they apply, so here are a few of my reflections on what life is like at the Bar, others feel free to add.

Firstly, it is brilliantly rewarding and fun, but hideously stressful at times and eats in to most aspects of your life. You are likely to work most weekends and evenings and being able to push back is a skill which is key to longevity but takes time.

Secondly, the pressure can sometimes be enormous. Being such an individualistic profession gives autonomy but also means that you are very exposed and have to make big decisions quickly under difficult circumstances.

Thirdly, some cases do come home with you and can affect you after they are finished. Being able to compartmentalise is a pretty vital skill which I am still working on.

Fourthly, your opponents are often the greatest source of support when things really go wrong - be kind to them because eventually you will need it back.

Fifthly, you have to actively try to make space for friends/family and all the other important things, otherwise you can find your whole life being engulfed by the job.