Pupillage Portal help arrives online thanks to Gray's Inn

If you are looking for help or assistance with your online pupillage submission through the pupillage portal, then look no further.  A film was recorded on Tuesday 30^th March at Gray’s Inn, which will guide you through the process fully and will answer all of those niggling questions surrounding all aspects of the online form.  The film is available to watch online at Gray’s Inn.

I would certainly recommend the video which lasts for 1hour and 25 minutes if you are serious about attaining pupillage and comprises of presentations by Christopher Moore of the Pupillage Committee at the Bar Council and James Hooper of GTI Solutions (designers and administrators of the pupillage portal). Importantly, the video includes on the spot questions which are incredibly relevant to any pupillage submission.

On another note, the Pupillage Blog has come of age with an online video!  Click to view more!!!

As always

Justin Time

Pupillage Doors to the Pupillage Portal Open Once More

With the advent of the pupillage doors opening in March, thoughts at ‘The Pupillage Blog’ turn to the usual consideration of the biblical application process otherwise know as OLPAS, or for those subscribing to the political correct, those chambers subscribing to The Pupillage Portal.

It never ceases to amaze me that year on year, the criterion of required questions and answers grow relentlessly in both stature and size on one single continual cyber sheet of ever flowing A4.  A friend of mine commented on this issue of the OLPAS system, when he stated that in one set of chambers they had built Greek pillars from the application forms and that the Barristers marvelled from afar the daunting prospect of having to inspect and read each of the submitted pupillage application forms.

In truth, I have yet to obtain an interview from this process.  Indeed, any successes with interviews have always been attained through the non-OLPAS route.  I put this down to the more practical fact that in short, a Pupillage Committee would prefer to read a succinct application to chambers than entertain a document which gives ‘War and Peace’ a good run for its money.

The Pupillage Portal has released its own pre-action protocol with the publication of the 2010 Pupillage Portal timetable. Within this schedule of events, timings for each requirement are clearly identified, so it is certainly worth familiarising yourself with the different stages of commencement to pupillage combat.

This week I shall be putting pen to paper to pro-actively disseminate my applications to non-OLPAS sets, whilst taking a wider view upon whom to send my pupillage application to when the door of opportunity knocks in March.

Other thoughts this week have focused upon the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT).  As the clock is ticking down after being Called to the Bar in 2007, this may become the more prescriptive approach to attain the status of legal practice especially given the momentum of change being advocated by Nicholas Green QC, Chairman of the Bar, as he calls for the need for the Bar to diversify and indeed open the door to other practitioners.

And so now to other news. Popular tweets this past week have included discussions surrounding the Junior Criminal Bar and how it is now under threat from botched Legal Aid Reforms. This was further reinforced by Nicholas Green QC, who said that the latest round of proposed cuts in criminal legal aid in England and Wales, coupled with the absence of a clear strategic vision for the future of legal aid were placing the country’s justice system at risk. I think that it is a question of watch this space as the Bar Council launches a Judicial Review of Government’s consultations on criminal legal aid. However, followers of this blog beware, in my considered opinion it would serve you well to keep up to speed with events especially if you are summoned to interview, as this is likely to be a topical question asked of any would be pupillage candidate.

As always,
Justin Time

Your chosen subject: Why do you want to become a Barrister?

As a good friend once said to me, “We all come to the Bar with our own story to tell”. So as January comes to an end, another pupillage interview concludes.  Unfortunately, it is not the ground breaking news of success, but rather the customary tale of the small manila envelope arriving through the post with the immortal words etched to the paper, “The standard this year was exceptionally high and I regret to inform you, etc…. etc..”.  However, I can at least draw some solace and consolation as the letter concludes that I possess the qualities that will hold me in good stead in the area of law in which I would seek to practice and that I am well suited to the profession.  Comforting words, but not good enough for me to make it through to the next round of interviews!

So amid the air of disappointment, it is upwards and onwards to the next round of pupillage applications and the burning of the midnight oil accompanied with the customary bottle of Shiraz.

Preparation for any pupillage interview should always include a wide knowledge of news and views from the Bar, along with current news and opinions within the area of law in which you seek to practice, that way you can be assured to be able to succinctly answer any curve ball that may be thrown at you during the interview process.  However, nothing could have prepared me for an interview I had recently as I have mentioned previously in another post.

After arriving to the pupillage interview early, I was duly informed that proceedings were running somewhat late.  After approximately an hour, the Head of the Pupillage Committee came to the reception area and looked at the assembled bodies seated upon the plastic and leather upholstery.   He then proceeded to ask the names of those waiting. When it was my turn to give up my name, the barrister looked away and muttered, “Oh…mmm….it’s you…mmm” . Then promptly, he disappeared.

After a further twenty minutes, I was then called and led to a small room within chambers.  In the room were two barristers, (not three as required), one being the Head of the Pupillage Committee whom I met previously outside and his colleague who was a female barrister.

After the customary shaking of hands, I sat opposite.  Suddenly, the Head of the Pupillage Committee stood up and said, “I can’t do this one”. He then promptly turned to his colleague and said, “Sorry I can’t do this, you will have to do this on your own”.  At which point, he turned and left the room.

The remaining barrister looked confused and rather bemused at the comments made and then remarked upon the fact that the Head of Chambers was due to be at the interview, however because of illness he too would be absent.

After several uncomfortable minutes, it became very clear that the solitary interviewing barrister had not seen sight of my CV prior to the interview.  To make matters worse, comments were raised about my age and whether it was appropriate that I should be applying to chambers and that may be I should consider my position as being better placed as a law lecturer rather than coming to the Bar as a practising barrister.  After a buttock churning twenty minutes, the interview was over.  Interestingly, my answers were to have proved persuasive, or alternatively perhaps chambers realised that the interview protocol had just not been adhered to. In any event, I was to be later summoned for a second round interview.

These customary tales of our first step upon the ladder of a new profession are disconcerting and unacceptable.  Arguably it is without doubt that if this profession we hold so dear to join continues to hold such unacceptable values, it will indeed not survive within the ever changing legal revolution.

As always,
Justin Time

Snow arrives to Pupillageville!

So no sooner has the New Year begun and we are now heads, knees and toes beneath the snow as can be depicted in the Pupillageville photo. With the snow comes the advantage of polishing up my sledging skills upon the pupillage bobsleigh, which has also the added benefit of allowing the venting away into yesteryear all of those rather bizarre pupillage interviews.

Importantly though, the time is now to be focused upon applications to the Non-OLPAS sets of chambers.  To this end, I will be signposting and diarising upon The Pupillage Blog the different chamber deadlines as they fall due.  (Note that applications for pupillage with Frances Taylor Building need to be in for 31st Jan).

One significant advantage of Non-OLPAS sets is the ability to be able to tailor the curriculum vitae for each intended application, which inevitably is a distinct advantage over the Pupillage Portal process.  (Perhaps its about time the PP took note!).  However, one key point to remember when applying to any set is to take note of the specialist areas of practice.  When preparing any application it is important to reflect any skill set or experience that you may have that could flow in the direction of the intended set of chambers, likewise ensure that your application reflects your aspirations towards the given areas of law.

Pupillage Blog Award

Turning now to other blogs that may help you on your way to pupillage.  I decided towards the end of last year after many hours of reading endless legal blogs, that in the New Year I would highlight and award the very best of those which would aid or support any aspiring lawyer with The Pupillage Blog, ‘Award Winning Legal Blog’.

To this end, I really wanted to promote to both law students and lawyers alike the ability to be able to find a solid and reliable resource of updated and informative information which provides a true insight into the profession.  So,  I have been actively reviewing a wide number of legal law blogs and those which really make the grade are given a star rating and critique, all of which you will be able to find within the dedicated page entitled ‘Pupillage Blog Worthy Legal Blog Awards’.

Finally, given the advent of Twitter, an addition to The Pupillage Blog are the daily tweets which covert a wide range of legal news and events.  These tweets will be updated daily and will often link to news worthy stories or appropriate information for any would be barrister.

As always,
Justin Time

Happy New Year For 2010!

So as 2009 comes to an end, I can certainly reflect upon the fact that this year has been a rollercoaster of mixed emotions and successes. In reflection, whilst I was not successful in attaining the much sought after pupillage, I have been able attain success within other area’s of my life.  If there is a lesson to be taken from 2009, as one door shuts two doors open and persistence with the desire to succeed is the key!

Turning to 2010, the Pupillage Blog will of course be covering all the ups and downs throughout my coming year ahead. Indeed, as we go into the New Year I will be bringing you the interview from hell, which should raise a chuckle or two.

So all that’s left for me to say as I raise a glass of champers to you all, is have a Happy 2010 and a very prosperous New Year!

As always,
Justin Time

Merry Christmas from the Pupillage Blog

I would like to start off by wishing all the readers of the Pupillage Blog a very Merry Christmas and a very prosperous 2010!

As the snow just begins to melt a way, I reflect back upon a very different year of change of which I hope draws me a little closer in the quest for pupillage. Whilst not achieving the attainment of pupillage this year, I have accomplished the online publication of the Pupillage Blog and the transformation to ‘Twitter’, all of which have been well received by their respective readers.

Looking forward to 2010, I feel that there is a judicial change in the air and that this profession of which we hold so dear to our hearts has now come to rest before the legislators and executives of change, as the corridors of power within Parliament ponder and procrastinate the future of the Bar.

As always, you will be able to depend upon your trusted JT in his continual quest for pupillage to bring you the considered opinions, be it thought provoking or just a tad rather controversial as we move forward into the New Year.

However, now it is time to hang up the Pupillage stockings and put out the Malt Whisky and Schnapps for Santa!

Happy Christmas,

Justin Time.

Your Networking Key to Pupillage Success!

One of the conclusions that I seem to be left with from my personal experiences, is that attaining a pupillage within a particular set of chambers would seem to be more likely driven by the ability to network successfully with one or more its members, than down to the credibility and worthiness of the individual.  With this in mind, it was with interest this week that I read the press release from the Bar Council upon ‘Setting the Pace on Social Mobility’.

As a mature student entering the profession, I have been confronted on a number of occasions with such remarks as, “you will find it difficult to practice at the Bar at your age” or “you would be better staying in your current profession”. All of which one feels most encouraged by.  So it was with trepidation that I began to read the report.

It was quite pleasing to read the comments by the Chairman of the Bar, Desmond Browne QC, who stated:

“As today’s report shows, the Bar has always tried to set the pace when it comes to social mobility. No one, either at the Bar Council or in the four Inns of Court, wishes to see anything hindering entrance to the Bar by those of sufficient ability, regardless of their social or ethnic background. The life stories in No bar to the Bar, ranging from students and pupils to a QC and a Lady Justice of Appeal, show that today the Bar really is for everyone. Determination and hard work are what matters.

Misconceptions that ‘the Bar is just not for me’ are long outdated, and must not be allowed to become self-fulfilling prophecies.”

It was at that point, my thoughts turned to the previous comments that I alluded to earlier. Maybe I should bring these to the attention of the Bar Council and specifically to Desmond Browne QC?

Determination and hard work are what matters! States DB.  Hmm…..perhaps this is where I turned down slippery path to the point of no return!

You see, speaking for myself, I feel that I can fully demonstrate determination and hard work having accomplished being called to the Bar whilst studying part time, working full time, raising a family, engaging in mini-pupillages whilst also promoting a successful career as both a law lecturer and advocate. But perhaps this was not what DB had in mind?

It was shortly after this point within the press release, I began to feel a little scepticism creeping in, especially as I have experienced along with colleagues who have approached the Bar later in life, a very different life experience.

As the final words fell off the page, it was only then it hit me! This commentary upon professional etiquette does not address key issues such as ageism within the profession. Yes, it clearly promotes a sense of transparency within the ranks which would be specifically identified as targeting a younger generation’s access to the Bar. In my opinion, ‘Setting the Pace on Social Mobility’ seems to fall short in promoting a sense of all round equality for the more mature members who are called to the Bar or address key substantive matters at issue in respect to the contentious parity of pupillage awards as has been outlined in previous blogs.

As always,
Justin Time

Pupillage Blog hits the Twitter airwaves....

The Pupillage Blog has come of age with its redefined presence upon Twitter.  Whilst bringing up-to-date news upon the search for pupillage, my ongoing tweets will also focus upon a wide spectrum of daily reported law and legal judgments.  All of which I hope will either be thought provoking or may just promote mindful discussion.

Tweets this week have included commentary and Internet links upon a wide variety of different legal outcomes.

Examples include the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the previous judicial legal arguments in favour of the Bank, to the surprise announcement from the Bar Standards Board as it decides to open the door to joint practices for barristers and solicitors.

Should you wish to follow or engage in any of the dialogue on Twitter, just simply select the ‘Follow Me’ icon at the top right of this page of visit www.twitter.com/pupillageblog.

Feedback from the ‘Pupillage Blog’ stats this week would suggest that the most popular search upon the site has been the ‘covering letter for pupillage’.  This is timely, as I wanted to bring the blog up-to-speed with recent events surrounding an application for pupillage.

After careful consideration and much research, I found a non-OLPAS set of chambers which matched both my practical skills and academic temperament. Following a thoughtful and reflective period of time, I completed the necessary application which was accompanied with a succinctly drafted letter and then sent to chambers via cyberspace.

A few days later, I received the ever anticipated ‘Dear John’ response:

“We have received a great many applications and we are sorry but we cannot take your application any further. …………We know how difficult it is to gain pupillage and how frustrating the process can be. Nonetheless we wish you the best of luck in the future.”

Not one for being derailed and unseated at the first crossroads, I sent forth an appropriate if not inquisitorial response, which included:

“Whilst I am appreciative of the many applications that you should receive in respect of the application for pupillage, I would very much welcome feedback from Chambers as to the reason for my unsuccessful application.”

The response by chambers was swift, but my eye for detail caught a rather unsettling matter:

“…Unfortunately it is not possible to invite all applicants to be interviewed and it was felt that there were applicants with better educational and practical qualifications.”

It was the comment of “…applicants with better educational and practical qualifications…” which ignited the green touch paper, all of which generated my calculated terse response by return:

“…Turning if I may to your email, I understand that perhaps as I do not have an equivalent Masters Degree this would represent a failing on my part to attain a higher educational qualification if this is the educational criteria that Chambers seeks.  However, I am a little mystified as to your address of the required ‘practical qualifications’. My understanding of ‘practical qualifications’ as directed by the Bar Council in any pupillage consideration would be that of successfully attaining the ‘BVC’ and being ‘Called to the Bar’, both of which I accomplished.

In addition to this I have formally addressed mini-pupillage within relevant key areas of legal practice, engaged in the practice of the Free Representation Unit, acted as a litigant in person and successfully recovered damages in both the English and American judicial system and finally, I have lectured extensively in both criminal and civil law over a number of years to postgraduate students whilst conducting many seminars upon a wide diversity of law. To complement my legal accomplishments, I am also able to competently demonstrate from my years of commercial experiences, drafting, academic legal writing, extensive negotiation and people skills and professional public speaking proficiency.

So, I ask you to forgive my lack of appreciation for the lack of understanding in respect to the interpretation in the matter of ‘practical qualifications’ and I would ask if you could be kind enough to identify within my application as to the specific lack of ‘practical qualifications’ that Chambers is seeking.   Once again, I look forward to hearing from you in due course…”

Surprisingly, it wasn’t long before chambers responded:

“..Thank you for your further email and may I apologise for the delay in responding.

I am pleased to say that your application has been re-considered and I would like to invite you to attend an interview for pupillage.”

With wig in hand, I ask you to draw your own conclusions from the above.  From my perspective, I firmly believe that there are wider issues within the ongoing pupillage process that need to be addressed.

In the coming days I will enlighten you upon how the application progressed.  Suffice to say though is that the application process for this set of chambers pales into total insignificance when you become acquainted with the full facts upon how the interview then proceeded.

However, as this blog also addresses the matter of the “covering letter for pupillage”, it is a wise person that carefully researches the chosen set of chambers.  Likewise, high importance should be placed upon the application form and the drafting of a well crafted and succinct covering letter.

As always,
Justin Time

The Pupillage Blog Goes To Press!

A major hurdle for any mature pupil is the affordability to undertake pupillage with ongoing family responsibilities and stretched financial commitments. So it was welcoming to see the feature within ‘The Lawyer’, where it was reported that 3VB had become the latest set of chambers to declare that it would be raising its pupillage award for 2011 to a staggering £60,000.

Whilst this news will be very much welcomed by those like myself seeking to attain pupillage, it is my candid opinion that any spark of a financial surge within the pupillage awards marketplace could be deemed as being a little premature. Indeed, looking at the main stay of chambers, pupillage awards would generally appear to sit firmly within the region of 10K-15K.

Critics at the Bar continue to debate the issues as to whether pupils should be paid any financial remuneration at all. Indeed, the argument is often persuasively put forward by some barristers that payment of a pupil has been the single main attributable cause for the reduction of opportunities for pupillage within the profession.

This compelling argument will continue to rage on and will in my opinion be further fuelled by the continued disparity within the profession to address the single most important issue that faces any would be barrister.

Turning now to other offerings. It is always heartening to find a website which can offer some clear and practical advice upon attaining pupillage, or ways to approach pupillage in a logical and practical manner.  So with this, I will point you in the direction of ‘Wigless A student barrister’s take on the Family Bar’.

As always,
Justin Time

Another busy week and the quest continues....

Well it’s been quite a busy week with pupillage applications to the left and right and the burning of the midnight oil for the non-OLPAS chambers. And so it is that I must wait for the proverbial feedback through both the virtual and physical letterbox.

On the other hand this week has given me the opportunity to get ‘Twitter’ under my belt. I hope to make this virtual online experience an opportunity in which to share and impart views to a wider audience in the eternal search of the pupillage chalice, even if it does mean that I might bump into a virtual ‘Stephen Fry’ and the reportage that allegedly follows.

I was pleased to receive my copy of ‘The Training Contract & Pupillage Handbook – 2010’ this week (definite must have!!).  Having marked the salient pages of intent, I will now in earnest highlight the prospective chambers and place them in my sights.  Of course it goes without saying that all feedback generated will be reported back to the nerve centre here at ‘PupillageBlog.Com’.

Turning to my ongoing Internet trawl.  I have found an entertaining gem of a site which is gathering quite a pace. Produced by the ‘Anonymous Assistant’ comes the diary of a down-trodden solicitor.  This site is guaranteed to raise a smile as you beat your brow into submission upon yet another pupillage application form.

Whilst also ensuring an equitable balance of legal Internet jurisdiction, so it is I direct you to ‘Barmaid – BVC And All That’.  This Website is penned as being an open ended diary of a would be barrister on her journey to the Bar.  Happy reading!!

As always,
Justin Time