Lilly Bennett a Year 12 student, shadowed barristers at Gough Square Chambers in London. Lilly applied for the scheme in order to develop a deeper understanding for the work barristers do and confirm her aspirations of wanting to become a barrister.
Prior to the scheme: nerves, preconceptions, and high expectations
Prior to beginning the scheme, I had perceived barristers as dragons of law: frightening, intimidating, and mercilessly incisive. I believed I would be expected to know every technicality of the legal process and quizzed upon first introductions.
Coming from a rural background and being alone in London for the first time enhanced the intimidating mix of fear and self-doubt. By the time I reached chambers that first morning, my anxiety had reached a boiling point. Would I have to think and speak like a trained lawyer at the age of 17?
9am – a warm welcome that changed everything
My anxieties disappeared when, rather than an interrogation, I was greeted by the Head Clerk with a smile. Relieved that I was not being presented with a surprise written test, I nervously waited to meet my first barrister.
Lo and behold, the barrister who sat with us was not such a fearsome figure as I had built up in my imagination but a kind and modest human who made me feel at ease the very first time I met them. Every member of chambers went out of their way to receive and greet us, not as visitors, but as prospective colleagues. This sort of warm welcome was possibly the most enduring part of the entire experience.
10.30am – civil law in practice
The day began with being taken through how to construct civil cases, and we were given a case where we had to prepare a 'relief from sanctions'. It was my first taste of practical legal problem-solving.
I was not only learning the law in black and white but also the practical mechanics of how to construct an argument. We were also greeted by a junior barrister who provided us with excellent insight into the reality of the work, providing tips that they had learned from their own recent experience of Bar school and pupillage applications.
1pm – a lunch with history and community
Lunch at Lincoln's Inn was both a pleasure and a relief. To be in such an old institution, helped to remind me that this career - difficult though it is - is one founded upon fellowship, tradition, and service.
2pm – the reality of criminal advocacy
The afternoon was filled with criminal law. We were provided with a case and went on to practice advocacy, taking turns performing the barrister and witness in chief elements. Cross-examination was more difficult than how television portrays it.
Finding out the difference between leading and non-leading questions was eye-opening. From the guidance and advice of the junior barrister, I gained an appreciation for the skill required to successfully cross examine and also chief a witness.
Day 2: pupillage preparation and personal discovery
We spent the day with a more senior barrister who was also Head of Pupillage and gave practical advice on the application process. Our exercise was the same as real pupillage tests: case work, mock interviews, and moral dilemmas. And then, of course, there was the big question: "Why do you want to become a barrister?" I paused.
Before this scheme, I would have stuttered something vague about loving the drama in court. But now? "For autonomy, the intellectual challenge, and the responsibility of being a specialist advocate for justice."
After our mock interviews we were fortunate enough to speak with a KC; being able to speak to a barrister with such a wealth of knowledge and experience was an invaluable experience. They provided exceptional tips and advice in commencing our journey into law.
Day 3: the courtroom experience
The final day involved airplane-security-style screening and the building's maze to get into court for the first time. The procedure was added to by the buzz of the waiting room with barristers preparing clients, rushing papers, and organising into their robes.
To be able to see the hearing in person made everything real. Advocacy was no longer theory - advocacy was alive.
Post-scheme: confidence, clarity, and commitment
I had doubts on my first day. But by the end of the week, I had forgotten them. I left with more confidence and huge respect for barristers. The scheme did more than introduce me to the profession, it introduced me to a future.
This experience has affirmed what I half-hoped in anticipation: I will have a career at the Bar.
The scheme gave direction to uncertainty, and ambition to respect. I no longer consider barristers as distant legal dragons, but as humans who advocate for justice with knowledge and respect.
Thanks to the Bar Placement Scheme I now have the vision and the motivation to take the leap and pursue the journey to becoming a barrister.
Find out more about becoming a barrister on our hub