Prior to the scheme: walking into a world I never thought I’d belong
When I first applied for the Bar Placement Scheme, I had convinced myself that I probably wouldn’t get it. This wasn’t down to a lacking commitment or determination. Not because I didn’t want it enough. But because I genuinely believed there would be someone more qualified and more experienced. It was almost like one of those opportunities people like me admired from afar and congratulated.
I’ve worked since I was 14. During college, I balanced two jobs while studying because I had to. My father’s brain tumour diagnosis hit my family hard. Hard work therefore has never been something I’ve chosen to do; it’s simply been a part of life. That background has taught me resilience, but it has also left me questioning whether I belong in spaces that have always felt out of reach.
When an email dropped into my inbox offering me a place on the scheme and a mini-pupillage at Bank House Chambers.
I stopped.
I stared at it for far longer than I’d like to admit before opening it. Even after reading it part of me wondered whether there had been an error. A week later, I found myself walking through the doors of chambers. Subsequently, by the end of the week, something had changed. Not my ambition, as I have wanted a career at the Bar for some time but what had changed was my belief that it might actually be possible.
9am: Seeing the reality of the Bar
Before the scheme, I believed that the courtroom was where real work took place. However, I quickly found out how I was so wrong. Behind a confident published submission lies hours of meticulous preparation and careful research. Watching members of chambers prepare for hearings completely changed my perception of the profession. Advocacy in my eyes was about how well you can speak, I realised it’s about understanding every detail of a case and preparing yourself for every possible outcome.
Seeing such high levels of dedication, gave me a new appreciation for the work barristers do long before standing in front of a judge.
10:30am: Live advocacy
Observing hearings was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the week. The ability to watch barristers present complex arguments with confidence all while adapting to unexpected developments that may arise demonstrated how agile each case was. Every hearing was unique, not one was the same, however each case demonstrated the importance of preparation and composure.
Rather than simply allowing me to mindlessly observe, I was given the reasoning behind each decision made and encouraged to be curious. It is one thing to be inside a lecture hall and learn about advocacy. It was a completely different story to watch it unfold in real life.
1pm: Conversations that changed my perspective
Some of the most valuable moments happened outside of the courtroom. The members of Bank House Chambers were incredibly generous with their time and they were kind to offer honest insights into life at the Bar. I couldn’t have asked for a more warm and personal experience.
I had the pleasure of bombarding the Head of Pupillage and a current Pupil with the endless stream of questions. I was particularly grateful to both advocates for their kindness and encouragement throughout the week. I have never seen a Pupil with such immense professionalism and resilience, this stood out immediately. Despite balancing the demands of pupillage, the time taken to offer thoughtful advice that I know will stay with me as I continue my legal journey. It was these conversations that made the profession feel more accessible than ever imaginable.
4pm: The lesson I’ll take with me
Throughout the week, I engaged with exceptional advocates. I was privileged to shadow such honourable and respectable barristers. I saw meticulous preparation and sharp legal analysis.
But the lesson that has stayed with me wasn’t delivered in court. As the placement came to an end, the barrister I had shadowed throughout the whole experience said something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
“Just be yourself”
The simple words.
Before the placement scheme, I thought success at the Bar meant becoming the finished article – speaking a certain way, fitting the cookie cutter mould I had imagined.
This week taught me the opposite.
It taught me that there isn’t one route to the Bar. There isn’t one background that belongs there. There isn’t one type of person capable to become a barrister.
The greatest thing the placement gave me wasn’t simply an insight into life at the Bar but the permission to believe that someone like me could have a place there too.
If there is one thing this experience has reinforced, it’s this: don’t decide you’re not good enough before someone else has the chance to decide. Apply. Ask the question. Take the opportunity
Sometimes the longest shots are the ones most worth taking.