Defying the odds: junior tenant Anisa Kebbati shares her challenging journey to pupillage

My journey to the bar was not a linear one. I am a first-generation British Algerian who was the first in my family to go to university. I was raised by a single mother on a council estate and attended state school. My secondary education was significantly disrupted as I spent a period of time in foster care and later became unwell. I remember being told by my teacher that I would not achieve any GCSEs.

It was always an aspiration of mine to become a barrister, but with no legal connections or work experience, I was not quite sure on how I could achieve that goal. During my undergraduate degree, I became pro-active in researching, speaking to academic advisors, attending various talks and applying for work experience.

I recognised early on that a career at the bar requires perseverance and commitment – two key qualities which are fundamental for those seeking to obtain pupillage.

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to undertake a range of opportunities such as conducting research as a Sentencing Academy Fellow, volunteering for Advocate and working as a criminal defence paralegal. These experiences have shaped my journey to the bar and developed my skills as an advocate.

It is important to gain exposure in different areas of law to better understand what aligns best with your skills and interests.  For me personally, I will never forget the first time I stepped foot inside a Crown Court during a trial. From that very moment, I was hooked on the thrill of criminal advocacy. Being able to compare my different experiences assisted me greatly with answering questions like “why do you want to become a criminal barrister?” or “how have you demonstrated commitment to the criminal bar?”.

Like many others, I too have experienced rejection. It took me two years to secure a scholarship for bar school and another two years to successfully obtain pupillage. Receiving those emails that simply stated I had been ‘unsuccessful’ was undeniably disheartening. However, by persevering, identifying the skills I needed to refine, and making the most of the invaluable resources available to pupillage candidates – I received an offer of pupillage with Drystone Chambers.

Pupillage at Drystone Chambers

For those of you who are perhaps considering a career at the criminal bar or are just simply curious… I will do my best to give you an insight into my pupillage experience, but the truth is, no two days are ever the same. What I can say though, is this – pupillage at Drystone Chambers has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging years of my life – and I have thoroughly enjoyed every second!

First-six

During my first-six, I was fortunate enough to have observed a range of different hearings, including PTPHs (plea and trial preparation hearing), newton hearings, sentences, serious trials (including a two-month murder trial) and even a trip to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). This experience exposed me to different styles of advocacy every day and helped to ensure that I would be well prepared for when I started my own cases.

Shadowing my pupil supervisor involved so much more than watching her cross-examine or deliver a closing speech. It involved detailed case preparation, legal research and client rapport. I watched how my pupil supervisor expertly managed clients’ expectations and adapted quickly to last minute challenges whilst maintaining a busy practice.

Outside court, I would undertake various types of written work for my supervisor. I also attended regular pupil training sessions delivered by members of Chambers. Some of these sessions were assessed, which meant that I received structured and detailed feedback. These sessions, coupled with my written work, were invaluable learning opportunities.

One of the highlights towards the end of my first-six was shadowing junior members of Chambers in the Magistrates’ court. This exposure gave me an insight into the type of work I would be soon undertaking and was a fantastic opportunity to ask questions.

Second-six

When I started ‘on my feet’, I felt the usual combination of nerves and excitement. My first case was a sentencing hearing in the Magistrates’ court and when I stood up to speak for the first time, all of the training and advice I had received during my first-six immediately kicked in.

Over the course of my second-six, I quickly gained experience in the Magistrates’ court defending clients at first appearances, trials and sentencing hearings. Having gained experience in a range of hearings, I then started to appear in the Crown Court.  It is not unusual to receive phone calls from the clerks to cover a hearing at short notice and the experience I gained during my first-six at Drystone Chambers prepared me well enough to adapt when faced with the unexpected.

Throughout pupillage, but especially during second-six, I have always felt well supported. It really is reassuring to know that members of Chambers are willing to offer their time and support whenever called upon.

Obtaining pupillage, as I am sure those reading this will know, is extremely tough. Pupillage is also challenging in its own right. It is important that those of you who are applying for pupillage are applying to Chambers that will support not only your development as an advocate but will provide meaningful support throughout your own pupillage journey.

Make every effort to attend networking events, meet people and make use of your connections, apply for mini-pupillages and talk to others about their pupillage experiences as doing so will give you invaluable insight into whether a particular set of Chambers is the right fit for you.

Good luck ahead!

Anisa Kebbati commenced her pupillage at Drystone Chambers in October 2024. She became a Member of Drystone Chambers in October 2025.