Farringdon Chambers Pupillage
Farringdon Chambers solely focuses on a criminal practice, allowing us to gain a real sense of the daily realities of the criminal justice system and what life as a criminal barrister looks like in practice.
An average week is carefully structured, with the clerks playing a key role in ensuring that we are regularly in court and exposed to a wide range of hearings. Most days begin early, with the aim of arriving at court for 9am to allow sufficient time to prepare and meet clients. Pupillage quickly teaches you the importance of planning ahead, whether that means factoring in inevitable delays on the train or mastering the intricacies of the London Underground.
The bulk of our week is spent in court shadowing our supervisor, observing every aspect of practice. This includes pre-hearing conferences with lay clients and solicitors as well as advocacy in the courtroom itself. Also, we have the opportunity to observe other members of chambers, which has been invaluable in exposing us to a variety of advocacy styles and approaches to case management.
Alongside court work, we would complete written exercises set by our supervisor and take part in Chambers’ structured pupillage programme. This includes an advocacy training programme running over several months, designed to prepare us for the second six and beyond. Detailed feedback is a central part of this process and has been instrumental in helping us develop both confidence and competence as advocates.
The move from first six to second six pupillage was an exciting and important milestone in our journey. Taking those first steps into court as an advocate can feel daunting and it certainly was for both of us. However, after the time spent observing, assisting and learning alongside our supervisors, we found ourselves more prepared than we had expected. Ready to take on the increased responsibilities and begin developing our own practice. Very quickly, we were appearing in court for a range of hearings, often moving between different courts and cases in a single day.
While pupillage is undoubtedly demanding, it was the most exciting stage of our career. It challenged any preconceptions formed during Bar School and pushed us to grow. We quickly developed skills in time management, client care and courtroom advocacy, while gaining a deeper appreciation of the complexities associated with a criminal practice.
Pupillage is intense, challenging and at times unpredictable; but it is immensely rewarding. For us, the training we completed has equipped us with a broad and practical skillset which we use daily in court. Above all, it is an experience that has shaped us into the advocates we aspire to become.
Written by: Hasnain Rehman and Ioanna Avraamidou.
