What’s the first week of pupillage like?
What is pupillage really like? Read the blog to find out pupil barrister Emily’s insights and tips from her first week of pupillage.
What is pupillage really like? Read the blog to find out pupil barrister Emily’s insights and tips from her first week of pupillage.
Starting your dream career can be daunting, and you’ll need to be as prepared as you can be for the first week of pupillage. To help out, we spoke to BPP alumni and pupil barrister Emily Andrew to find out everything she learned from her first week.
After graduating from the Barrister Training Course (BTC), Emily began her pupillage with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). We asked Emily to share her insights and top tips on starting pupillage, including what surprised her most about the Bar, and how she overcame her biggest challenges.
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What types of work did you do in your first week?
My first day was almost entirely an induction. I met my co-pupils, who were all so lovely, my manager, and my supervisor. I was also given a tour and set up on the IT systems.
On the second day, I started the day by attending a Cloud Video Platform (CVP) court hearing, and then had some e-learning in the afternoon. This was a great, gentle introduction to the week. I also had a catch-up meeting with my line manager, setting out the week ahead.
In the first full week of pupillage, I was all over the place! I attended two different courts for a variety of hearings, including Plea and Trial Preparation Hearings (PTPH), bail applications and variations, and Committal for Sentence and mentions. I also went to London for a nationwide induction day with all of the Crown Prosecution Service pupils across the country.
I was asked to consider grounds to oppose bail for a bail application. This involved drafting a set of 10 agreed facts and a skeleton argument. While scary at first, I did it and received really positive and constructive feedback.
What was something that surprised you about the Bar?
There were several things that surprised me about the Bar in my first week. The biggest surprise has to be how friendly everyone is. I knew that the Bar was a tight-knit profession, but I didn’t expect everyone to be as friendly and helpful as they were.
On my first day at court, I was without my supervisor due to train strikes. No one batted an eyelid, and two incredible barristers offered their support and guidance for the day. They both also reached out on LinkedIn afterwards, offering further support. The level of respect barristers give you as a pupil is so comforting, and gives me a real sense of belonging.
What was the biggest challenge in your first week and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I have faced so far was also the most unexpected: travel. As a circuit pupil, none of the courts are close together, nor are they close to where I live. This has meant an hour and a half drive to work, followed by a full court day, and an hour and a half drive home. I knew this would be a challenge when I started pupillage, but I did not expect it to have such an impact on me!
I have done a few things to help with the tiredness I feel from travelling. I always pack lunch and pick my outfit the night before. This enables a more relaxed morning and a little extra sleep!
Did you have a sense of imposter syndrome and how did you overcome it?
I absolutely had a sense of imposter syndrome, especially before starting. I knew that there were four of us starting at my office, they were a few years older than me and had significant legal experience before commencing pupillage.
I was really worried about not belonging, or not finding friendships with my co-pupils due to the significant differences in age and experience.
However, I could not have been more wrong. All of my co-pupils are lovely. They are so supportive, and kind, and treat me no different to anyone else. We have a good laugh together – something you need in this job!
To overcome my imposter syndrome, I went in on my first day actively deciding just to be myself. And it worked I got on so well with everyone straight away. I’m not sure I have fully overcome my imposter syndrome, but being treated completely equally to everyone else has made a huge difference!
What are you looking forward to over the next 12 months of pupillage?
12 months seems like a long-time away, and I am looking forward to so many things!
In the first six months, I am so excited to learn absolutely everything I can from anyone I can. As well as my amazing supervisor, I have two secondments, one to chambers, and one to a different team in my office. I am really excited about both opportunities to learn from some incredible advocates. I am also looking forward to developing my relationship with my co-pupils and supervisor. I get on really well with both, and I am looking forward to seeing our relationships continue to develop.
In my second six, I am excited to develop the skills I learned on the BTC and also the skills I will develop over the next six months. I’m looking forward to forging my own relationships with other barristers, solicitors, judges, and court staff. I am also looking forward to putting what I have been learning for the last six years into practice – the hard work is finally paying off!
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to become a barrister and apply for pupillage, read our application guide with more top tips from BPP alumni and future pupil barrister Kieron Spoors. If you have any questions about how to become a barrister, you can contact a friendly BPP adviser.
