Interview with a Criminal Barrister
- The Legal Scene
- May 14, 2019
- 2 min read
Interview with a Criminal Barrister
I had the chance to shadow a female criminal barrister on the North Eastern circuit. As promised, I asked the questions that were posted in our previous story. I will soon be doing a mini-pupillage so keep an eye out for my blog post on that!
What has your career path been?
I studied my LLB in Manchester, before doing my LLM at Oxford. I then studied the bar course in London. I started working on the Midlands circuit, but later I returned to the North to start a family. I worked part-time while my children were younger. I have been on the North Eastern circuit ever since.
What area of law are you involved in?
I have always done criminal, and over the past few years, I have started to work with the local authorities to prosecute fraud and regulatory cases.
Why did you pick criminal law?
I definitely made sure to experience other areas first, but criminal struck an interest with me, and I have enjoyed it ever since. Every day is different; you never know what is going to come your way!
Why did you decide to be a barrister and not a solicitor?
Again, I think getting the experience of both roles is what helped me to decide on becoming a barrister. I enjoyed my work experience with solicitors but during my first set of experience at chambers it all clicked for me that this role is better suited to my skills, and more importantly, it’s what I would enjoy doing for a living. I also think this depends on the person; for me, I couldn’t see myself working in an office setting. I prefer the variation of work at the bar.
What are some good extracurricular activities for students?
Mooting is great! Along with debate clubs! But try and find activities that not everyone else has, try volunteering with local organisations as you can learn a lot of transferrable skills, or better yet set something up because often its these experiences that give great content to discuss at pupillage interviews.
What advice do you have for aspiring barristers?
For anyone considering the bar, I think you should be certain of your career path. Watch court sessions, do mini-pupillages, but, I recommend talking to the barristers. You often find us around the court, and the majority of us will spare a few minutes to chat (especially in the afternoon when court is finished).We are always delighted to allow aspiring barristers to shadow us so ask, and then you can have somewhat of a mentor for your bar journey. Indeed it is a very competitive career field, so it is essential that you believe in yourself!
For those applying for pupillage, be yourself! We have been in the same spot, and we want you to do well. It took me 3 years to secure pupillage, and I told myself every no was closer to a yes!
By Olivia B.
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