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 From the latest mini-pupillages to pupillage news on Facebook! Well it has been a busy time here in Pupillageville this November, with the new addition of ‘Mini-Pupillage Opportunities 2013-14’ being added to the blog, (and I hear you say not a minute too soon), to the launch of The Pupillage Blog on Facebook, and a request to provide commentary in the New Law Journal surrounding the new scheme from the Bar Standards Board to provide extra regulatory support under a new supervisory scheme for barristers, which comes into force in January 2014.
But back to business. You will note that there are a number of new pupillage opportunities which have been added to ‘Current Pupillage Opportunities 2013’ namely those of Reeds Solicitors, Weir House Chambers and Kings Court Chambers. Importantly the submission dates for these applications is on or around the beginning of December, so time will be of the essence if you want to apply.
Whilst these chambers may not be offering the high end of pupillage awards, don’t be put off! I would certainly recommend applying for any opportunity which will enable you to get your foot on that first run of the pupillage ladder as this must be you primary focus, rather than being led by the financial pupillage award.
Turning now to ‘Mini-Pupillage Opportunities 2013-14’, this has been on the agenda for quite a while, however given my current commitments, it has taken a little while for me to put this information into motion. This being said, I aim to update this weekly, so my recommendation is to come back regularly.
Mini-pupillage is a key undertaking for any would be barrister, try if possible to undertake a number of differing mini-pupillages as this will inevitably be discussed at any potential interview. The advantage for doing this will demonstrably show that you have taken an active part in understanding from a very practical and hands on approach the role of a pupil and a real comprehension of the role of a barrister. You will note that some of the chambers listed in ‘Mini-Pupillage Opportunities 2013-14’ provide assessed mini-pupillages, this is because more often than not, some chambers will use this as a determining factor for offering a pupillage. This being said, only a few of the sets listed are applying this criterion.
Finally, I have at long last added ‘The Pupillage Blog’ to Facebook. It has always been my aim to disseminate updates, pupillages and need to know and key legal information which will support any reader in as many communicative forms as possible, thus making it easier for you to interact with any device so as to support you in your quest for pupillage and success in interviews.
So until my next entry, keep watching the Blog as updates will be posted regularly to both mini-pupillage and pupillage opportunities.
As always,
Stephen AKA Justin Time.
 The changing tide at the bar – as featured in Lawyer 2B I thought that I would share with you a piece that I penned for the Lawyer 2B this week, entitled ‘The changing tide at the bar‘. The article reflects upon the recent comments made by chair of the Solicitors Regulation Authority Charles Plant, suggesting that solicitors and barristers should share training and that an individual should be able to transfer between the two professions more easily.
An interesting idea which could enable a more strategic approach for the profession as a whole, but inevitably this move could be perceived as being very controversial. However, in my candid opinion, if there is to be a future for the Bar, then there must be a demonstrable prospect of success for the entrant, with the backing of all the professional bodies to ensure ongoing support in the provision of an unhindered pathway to practise within the profession. Equally there needs to be a realistic opportunity of work right from the outset to ensure that those in practise are able to maintain a passage of advocacy be it at the employed or self-employed Bar. To view the article for Lawyer 2B click here.
Turning to news of updates to ‘The Pupillage Blog’. I have now included the ‘Daily Pupillage Blog News’ (#DPBNews) within the main body of the blog. DPBNews brings the latest hand-picked legal news and features from some of the best Twitter feeds across the legal community. So please bookmark this page to ensure that you are kept updated with key legal developments.
As always
Stephen AKA Justin Time
 Autumn leaves fall in Pupillageville… As the autumn arrives with a renewed vigour, it is time to finally turn my attention back to the notations of my quill upon ‘The Pupillage Blog’, which as ever will have regular updates across Twitter and a more focused approach to life both at the Bar and events within the profession on the Blog.
I will be posting a more varied number of differing legal blogs over the course of the coming months, which will also include a feature from the substantive feedback from those readers who kindly participated in providing their thoughts and experiences of new Pupillage Portal system, ‘The Pupillage Gateway’.
On a more practical note, I will be regularly updating the front page of ‘The Pupillage Blog’ with links and information which will support those who are seeking pupillage, along with those who are already engaged at the Bar. You will note that there are now links to the new BSB Handbook, which will be coming into force in January 2014, a very much recommended if not compulsory read for anyone within the profession.
Wednesday 2nd October, saw the Guardian Newspaper host a live online Q & A entitled, ‘How to make a legal qualification pay off’. In light of so much change at the Bar, it was a very positive if not poignant move for @GdnLaw to focus upon an this topical hot potato of discussion with equally engaging commentary from an invited panel which included addressing alternative legal career options. If you missed the Q & A, then I would certainly recommend catching up with the online feedback and commentary.
Finally, with the Bar Council Annual Bar Conference nearly upon us, it will be very interesting to see the mood, take and feedback of the attendees, especially in view of the increasingly competitive legal landscape, tendering and sizeable fee cuts, coupled with the rigours of access to justice. From a personal view point, I really hope this event which takes place on Saturday 2nd November will be well attended, as this will give all attendees a great opportunity to participate, network and provide the much needed input upon a struggling Bar.
As always
Stephen AKA Justin Time
 New Pupillage Blog Page – Non-OLPAS Pupillage Opportunities for 2013… After much deliberation, I have decided to create a new page for ‘The Pupillage Blog’ entitled ‘Current Pupillage Opportunities 2013‘, which will now provide up-to-date Non-OLPAS pupillage opportunities. The list of prospective pupillages will include the following information: The chambers, application deadline, the pupillage award, number of pupils sought and the areas of practice. In addition, links will go directly to the pupillage application and areas of practice so you will be able to view all the necessary details of each pupillage opportunity.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that this list is accurate, I cannot take any responsibility for any errors and I highly recommend that you visit the respective pupillage via the link to the specific set of chambers. As always, my mission is to provide the much needed support for those seeking pupillage so as to furnish you with as many sets offering relevant opportunities, so please feel free to make contact with me should you find any problems with any of the pupillages listed.
As always
Stephen AKA Justin Time
 Happy New Year & Best Wishes From Pupillageville… May I first start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2013 from Pupillageville.
After a somewhat mixed 2012, I am hoping that 2013 will provide a much needed tonic to redress the highs and lows of the judicial forum. I am mindful that no doubt we will all see an ongoing change within our profession as the Government makes continued cuts to the Legal Aid system, but it is important that we stand resolute and address these changes together so as to dissipate and dispel those around us who may perceive that this could bring about the destruction of the Bar.
As we go forward into 2013, I hope that those acting for the best interests of the Bar are mindful that further possible options should not rule out working with our fellow legal colleagues from the Law Society and that combining forces, controversial as this may sound, could prove to be the much needed remedy.
Sadly, given my ongoing discussions across both sides of the legal divide, there is common ground in the belief that it is financially impossible to conduct criminal legal aid work at a sustainable level, especially in growing view of the position over competitive tendering. Ultimately, one must be mindful and not lose sight of the fact that that general public depend on our honed skill set and the compelling ability to foster the demonstrable advocacy skills at the Bar.
So let us all put a very positive step forward and as the last of the New Year champagne corks and poppers fall to the floor with streamers abound, I raise a glass to you all and wish you a very happy and prosperous 2013!
As always
Stephen AKA Justin Time
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