Embarking on the journey to become a barrister is an exhilarating yet daunting endeavour. Pupillages can be so hard to get and there are so few of them that they have almost become akin to a mythological creature; in the sense that you rarely know anyone who has done one, or got one, and that only adds to the worry.

However, as a former pupil barrister who has made it out the other side, I can say that while it is hard, there is certainly nothing to be afraid of.

Remember that if you’ve been offered pupillage, you have the credentials and ability to be a barrister. You have to learn to trust yourself and your judgement.

So what to expect over the first six months? You’ll be shadowing your pupil supervisor and other barristers. You’ll be in court, attending client meetings and observing negotiations (depending on your practice area). This period is crucial for understanding courtroom dynamics, advocacy techniques and the practicalities of case management – so don’t forget to take notes.

You will often find yourself just following your supervisor around (quite literally, their shadow) or standing in the corner of a small court conference room looking (or feeling) a little bit like a spare part. You’ll probably be struggling to keep quiet, trying to contain that burning desire to get involved in the discussions and share your views, and I am sure many of your fellow new pupils will be feeling the same. However, depending on your supervisor, voicing your opinions at this stage of pupillage is generally a ‘no no’!

In addition to undertaking legal research, expect to be asked to draft legal documents such as pleadings, skeleton arguments and opinions. These will usually be based on the cases you are shadowing so you will be expected to know the case when you turn up to court the next day. This often means you will be working late into the night, reading the papers and making a good effort on the document. Don’t be scared, though – you aren’t expected to understand fully the legal complexities of the case and if you are stuck on something then you should ask. This is the year to get used to seeking help as it will not be the only year you need guidance from colleagues. Also, remember that you will most likely be shadowing someone who is 20+ years your senior, who is working on the kind of cases you will not be touching for a good few years. They will not judge you if you ask them about something you do not understand.

If you aren’t asked to draft anything (lucky you!) I would suggest you should offer to do some drafting or research to assist your supervisor. Not only does this show initiative but they will probably be relieved at the help. You are being assessed on whether you are a suitable candidate for tenancy and you will want to obtain all the ‘Brownie points’ you can.

You may be told to forget what you’ve been taught on the Bar course and to use this first six months of pupillage to learn afresh. Of course, you need to remember the law, but you will find that a lot of advocacy in practice isn’t the same as you have been taught at Bar school. In short, that’s because universities need to have criteria to mark you on. However, drawing on your Bar course studies is always a good place to start. In fact, I would suggest keeping all your drafting and exercise books from your Bar course close to hand, so you can refer to them if you are asked to prepare any written or oral work.

The first six is the easiest of the two, so clock up as many chambers and Circuit events as you can. It will be much harder to organise your time when you are working your own cases in your second six. Attending such events allows you to meet members of chambers and Circuit in a more relaxed setting and, importantly, gets your face seen. You will also usually be able to socialise with the more junior barristers in chambers who will be the ones who can guide you the most when you start second six, as they will be doing similar cases to the ones you are likely to get.

One of the hardest things as a pupil is the transition from academic learning to practical application. Gone are the days of theoretical debates in classrooms with no real outcome or consequence; now it is time to apply all that knowledge in real-world scenarios, especially when you embark on second six. I remember my first case like it was yesterday. I was defending a mum for not sending her child to school. I spent three days reading the papers over and over again. How many times was enough? When would I be ready to run the case? As you get further into practice you will realise you have a certain amount of hours to do the preparation and that has to be enough – there aren’t enough hours in the day for any more. So be prepared to over prepare to start with, but you will relax and become more confident over time and this is all part of the process. If you ask anyone who has done pupillage, they have all felt the same.

Here are some of the things I wished I had known (or applied) when I was starting pupillage:

Efficiency in handling administrative tasks is crucial for smooth case progression. Like any professional role, pupillage involves duties such as file management, scheduling and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements. I would recommend that you organise your files in a filing system that suits you from day one. This sounds so obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many pupils struggle with this in the rush of saving the papers and think they’ll find a system that works afterwards – this doesn’t work.

Constructive criticism is your best friend during pupillage. Actively seek feedback from your supervisors and peers and use it to enhance your performance. Regularly reflect on your experiences and identify areas for improvement. If you want to go back and shadow someone in a particular area you’re interested in or want to build on, then ask your clerks. Nine times out of ten this can usually be accommodated. Building on this, work from chambers whenever you can. That’s the place to bounce ideas and concerns off your peers and is a huge resource which is overlooked by some.

Balancing the demands of pupillage requires excellent time management. Prioritise tasks, set realistic goals and create a structured schedule. Use tools like calendars and task lists to stay organised and ensure deadlines are met. The pupillage year is not just about intellectual growth; it’s also a physical and mental rollercoaster. Expect long hours, high pressure, and a constant need for emotional resilience you don’t want to add to this by being disorganised.

While pupillage demands dedication, it’s essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Now, more than ever, the Bar is making a concerted effort to improve the wellbeing of barristers. Allocate time for relaxation, social activities, and self-care. Taking breaks and recharging will enhance your productivity and overall wellbeing. The journey to becoming a barrister is filled with highs and lows. Developing coping strategies to manage stress, such as mindfulness, exercise, and hobbies is a must. It is hard to do these things, I know. You will feel a degree of guilt that you should be working, but if you burn out you are no good to yourself or your client.

Don’t feel pressured to conform to a specific mould. Your unique background and experiences are valuable assets that can set you apart. Authenticity combined with professionalism can be a powerful tool in the courtroom. As mentioned above, you are going to have to learn to trust your own judgement and your instincts on cases. Otherwise, quite frankly, you will drive yourself mad!

You can say ‘no’. If you feel you don’t have the time or you don’t have the knowledge for something it is ok to say no. Saying no is a skill that even I struggle with today so do not beat yourself up if you occasionally take on too much. We have all been there.

Building relationships within the legal community is vital for your career. Attend networking events, engage with professional organisations, and connect with fellow pupils and barristers. Strong professional relationships can provide mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and valuable insights. Also, it’s never to early to start making connections and building relationships with solicitors. This will undoubtedly enhance your career – solicitors are your clients at the end of the day. Try and join the professional organisations of the area of law you are interested in and attend as many of their networking events as possible, which are usually full of solicitors as well as barristers.

Your pupillage year is undoubtedly one of the most challenging yet rewarding phases of a barrister’s career. It is a period of intense learning, growth and self-discovery. By embracing the challenges, seeking support, and maintaining a positive and resilient mindset, you can navigate this demanding journey successfully.

Good luck, and welcome to the journey of a lifetime.