Prior to my first day of pupillage at Oriel Chambers, I had met with my co pupil, pupil supervisor and other members of Chambers, providing me with confidence and reassurance for my first week. The first hearing I attended was at St Helen’s Family Court, where I observed a family law case concerning a child arrangements order. My pupil supervisor taught me how to create draft orders for family cases and write concise yet detailed attendance notes. I noted the importance of both the professional and personable attributes required to be a successful barrister. For the rest of the week, I was in various courts including; Birkenhead, Blackpool and Chester County Court.
Throughout the first month, the clerks provided me with papers the night before, enabling me to thoroughly research anything if required. If I was not in court or attending a conference, I spent time researching and preparing for cases in Chambers, where I was able to talk to senior members, often gaining invaluable knowledge and insight into their area of law. If I had any questions, my pupil supervisor or other members were always there to assist me.
By the fourth week, I had seen a range of cases that arise within a common law pupillage. I witnessed a prosecution at Liverpool Crown Court, attended various commercial hearings, and observed my first fact finding hearing at Manchester Civil Justice Centre. I noted the difference between private family work and care proceedings and discovered how to deal with cases where there is a litigant in person on the other side.
The first month has been immensely varied in terms of the law, and I am surprised by how much I have learnt so far. A common law pupillage is certainly helping me to ascertain which direction I would like my future practice to take. Given the fast-paced nature of pupillage, I would recommend future pupils to keep a diary of everything observed.
Despite the hard work, there is still fun to be had during pupillage. Attending two mess dinners is compulsory in order to be elected to the Northern Circuit; in the third week, I attended my first mess dinner with my pupil supervisor and other members. I was also able to meet other Northern Circuit pupils, barristers and Judges. I am certainly looking forward to the next mess in December! Not to forget I have already signed up to a winter pub quiz and received an invitation to Chambers’ annual Christmas party.
Oriel Chambers is renowned for being a friendly and welcoming set, I certainly concur with this. It is wonderful to be greeted by Paula, Nick O’Neil and the clerks every day in Chambers. Following a delightful first month, I am looking forward to the year ahead with a Chambers whose values certainly align with mine. To all aspiring barristers, this set is certainly the place to be!
