Disclaimer

This blog represents my views and opinions. They are not necessarily those of any other member of my Chambers, none of whom contribute to the blog, or assist me with it.

Editorial

Now moved to http://pupillageandhowtogetit.wordpress.com/ for reasons of convenience and ease. Come and see.

Friday 4 May 2007

Final Speech

Getting a pupillage is hard. On the other hand, I went on a dire mini-pupillage where everyone moaned on and on about how the job was buggered. It was so depressing that I swore I would never do that.

Whatever the financial risks and downsides, if you are the sort of person who cannot envisage working for anyone else; who likes risk; who would rather back their own judgement than do what someone else dictates; who wants the glory of success and is prepared to be the fan when things fail; who wants to go to bed at 4am if they want and rise at 11 if they want, just providing it gets done; who looks at the sharp end as being something they thrust in, rather than something that hits their back: if you are that sort of person then let me make it clear that this is a WONDERFUL job and well worth going for.

In which case, just do it right. And, borrowing a suggestion from The Hitch Hikers Guide -

Good Luck
(actually that's wrong as I have just realised - but I mean it anyway - and it should be replaced with)

Don't Panic

10 comments:

Barrister 2 B said...

any advice most welcome.

http://barrister2b.blogspot.com

SM said...

Thank you. Ask and you may receive... :)

Anonymous said...

Wow- thank you very much for providing this very interesting and informative advice. It's great. I shall be grateful if you could please advise me further in relation to the prospect of the criminal bar?

Thank you.

Regards,
Ani

SM said...

Ani,

I don't have a problem devoting further posts to particular specialities - providing I can sensibly say something about them - but what exactly are you wanting? I think a bit more guidance would help me...

Anonymous said...

Hi Simon,

Well I am interested in becoming a criminal barrister and would like some advice as to the work involved? the pros and cons of prosecution and defence barristers? and mainly whether there is likely to be a salary increase in the criminal bar as it appears, at present it is a very low paid.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Regards,
Anisah

SM said...

I will post on this at some stage shortly I hope.

Anonymous said...

That's great- there's no rush...

Thank You very much.

Regards,
Anisah

Anonymous said...

Hi simon,

I was wondering whether you could please enlighten me on the below question:

Is it advisable for someone to become a solicitor first? does this make the individual stand a better chance at the bar?

Thank you.

Regards,
Anisah

Anonymous said...

Hello.
I am in the early stages of thinking of a career at the Bar, and your blog is proving very useful.
I wonder if, at some point, you would be able to post a list of books that you recommend for potential criminal practitioners in particular?
Please continue to post, it is not often that one reads such lucid and well-considered advice.
Anon.

SM said...

I have already recommended some books on the post All Beginnings are Difficult. The Glanville Williams book will provide you with a good start.

I also think the legal history textbook is interesting (though that just make it clear how sad I actually am) and helpful to an understanding of how the criminal law developed. If I think of anything else I'll amend the All Beginnings post.

Thank you for the compliment. I'm blushing.