First impressions
Prior to the placement, I felt as though I had a clear preconception of what being a barrister would look like. An almost idealistic, curated image of crisp white wigs, black robes bundled with solemn faces and detachment enforced an aura of unreachable prestige.
Personal doubts nagged within me about not fitting this mould, even as a mini pupil. I felt a constant, invisible pressure, of being completely incongruous and lost in such a uniform crowd. Combined with my new surroundings in a city by the coast, I was filled with reservations about the week before it had even begun.
Day one: Magistrates
On the first morning, I was kindly greeted by the Director of the Chambers himself. He was, in fact, not in a powdered wig, instead enjoying a morning coffee and basking in the seaside sunshine, which immediately alleviated my worries. He personally accompanied me to the magistrates' court, where I learned more about the process.
I was allowed to read the case file and was surprised by the sheer attention to detail and analysis included within the notes, and showed me the degree of preperation even before stepping into the courtroom.
Day two: At the chambers
Located in a highly historical building, I was met with friendly welcomes from everyone in chambers.
I also caught a glimpse the meticulous planning occuring behind the scenes of polished court presentations, through the trivial seeming online administative hearing attended by all parties of a case to determine court dates that worked for everyone. The standards required to maintain fairness shocked me, combined with all of the individual rights the courts had to follow, prompting me to ponder deeply about the history shaping these rulings.
Days three and four : Crown Court
I commuted by train to a whole new city to watch the hearings taking place in the Crown Court. It was a completely different atmosphere from the magistrates’ court. The cross-examinations in particular had me enthralled with the process; the sheer attention to detail, careful quickthinking and the abstract roads of reasoning taken.
I finally mustered the courage to ask about the clothing I secretly feared. My barrister excitedly explained a reason: the feeling of anonymity that amplified one’s confidence when presenting their argument. The attire created an environment free from any form of bias, squaring the focus on the the eloquent words cutting through the courtroom.
It suddenly made perfect sense to me. The image is to empower the individual through their voice and expertise.
Being thrown into a mix of family and civil law courts created an intriguing unpredictability. Consisting primarily of personal cases requiring careful consideration, many breaks were taken within hearings and delays ensued. I was told this was simply on par for the occupation, which truly put the degree of flexibility expected into perspective.
It almost became routine to excitedly wonder where I would be allocated the very next day.
Behind the image, what truly makes a barrister?
Above everything, I was able to see that each barrister had their own personalities and convictions that reflected into the way they carried and dedicated themselves to their work. Within the week, I had the opportunity to speak with and appear before these vastly different types of people.
I left the week realising that there isn’t a specific type of person tied to this career path. Every barrister I observed had different ways of interacting with clients to understand their view.
Yet they did share the traits of openmindedness, flexibility and an innate desire to develop further personal understanding. I also observed the years of experience behind the bench from the thoughtful conclusions from the judges, and I truly began to understand the wealth that is experience within the field of law.
I realised that my image of a 'perfect' barrister is an unrealistic ideal to strive towards. Every single day is an opportunity for learning more about the world around us, from the past and in future. The irreplacable ability of looking at a case through different approaches is integral. The existence of different mindsets, perspectives and abilities is what truly defines this field, pushing it everyday into resolving injustices and imbalances within our world.
My utmost gratitude goes to the Bar Council for providing me with such an opportunity to immerse myself into a world I previously percieved as elite and untouchable. The act of peering from a cold, outside perspective and then stepping inside and feeling the warmth of these passionate people was an irreplacable and eye-opening experience.
It has affirmed my confidence in pursing in future. I will hold this week, along with the guidance and uniquely shaped opinions i have been gifted close to me as I continue to formulate my own path to the Bar.