By This page is all about the thoughts of students whom have attended off-campus events that they would like to tell you about. If you would like to pass on your thoughts about an event please contact Jayne on e.j.instone@kent.ac.uk. You might like to say how worthwhile an event is, how not to waste time attending or just summarise your learning points.
The National Pupillage Fair 2015
Where could you have the opportunity to pitch yourself to 30 chambers in one room? The TARGETjobs Law National Pupillage Fair is the answer.
This event, which took place in historic Lincoln’s inn on 7th March, is the only event allowing full blown access to a multitude of barristers practising numerous areas of law, of all different levels of practise. Those from all stages are there; pupils to QCs.
This opportunity offered all students (ranging from first years to BPTC students) a real chance of talking vis-à-vis to practitioners on several matters.
In essence I would like to offer the things I learnt:
Firstly, that different chambers look for different things whereby some demand a high consistency of remarkable grades, whereas others look to rounded students with interesting backgrounds. Pick a chambers based on your situation. It is true that this may not represent your interests for example picking the top chancery chambers when your grades are poorer than others. However, on the other hand understand that most chambers have a broad spectrum of practices that may touch on your interest.
Secondly, you must find the fine balance between blowing your own trumpet and being brutally honest. If you have a weaker aspect, as aforementioned grades, then tackle this issue in your applications. Certainly do not be afraid to state that you accept your grades might be lower, but work the advocacy on this point (as you would in a moot). Convince the mini/pupillage committee that your period of lower grades is not the be-all and end-all. Equally, a viable option could be to take on an LLM in order to re-balance your academics.
Finally, be brief. Barristers don’t have much spare time – either to read your applications or talk about your situation. Waffling (along with incorrect grammar and spelling mistakes) are successful application killers. One barrister even went to the extent of stating that bullet-pointing can be acceptable. Of course, all of this must be backed up with evidence (as again akin to mooting) in order to give your point gravitas.
Thomas Bishop
LLB Hons Stage 2