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Drystone Chambers
35 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4JH
DX: 332 London/Chancery Lane
Pupillage is a unique experience; there is really nothing else that compares. It is essentially a year of practical training – the first six months includes shadowing your supervisor, observing hearings, trials and how they manage their practice. During the second six months, you are ‘on your feet’, often in the Magistrates’ Court, but occasionally in the Crown Court. This is where you put into practice all that you have learnt in your first-six and where you start to hone your advocacy skills.
First-six was, for me, the best six months of my life. I had a fantastic supervisor and saw some really interesting, serious trials. This gave me an opportunity to witness world class advocacy, day in day out, for six months. During first-six, Drystone Chambers ran a number of training sessions. Some of these were assessed and some were masterclasses from more senior members of Chambers. A wide range of topics was covered, from advocacy to drafting. These sessions were invaluable and it was brilliant to be able to develop and discuss everything we had been observing in Court.
As a result of this comprehensive training during first-six, the transition to second-six was, for me, a smooth one. I had the usual first hearing / trial nerves, but I felt extremely supported by Chambers when I started on my feet. The clerks would always make sure I was confident enough when covering a difficult hearing, and I knew that members were just a phone call away if I needed any support or guidance.
Studying for the bar and applying for pupillage can be a difficult and stressful time. Pupillage itself is even more challenging. You are facing new tasks and learning every single day. It is important, when applying for pupillage, that you ensure you are applying to a chambers which will support and guide you. It can be daunting to ask what Chambers can offer you, as well as demonstrating what you can offer to them as a pupil. Mini-pupillages are a great way of getting a feel for what a chambers is like; they can provide an opportunity to ask questions in a slightly more informal environment, and are invaluable in deciding which area of law you would like to practise. I have never met anyone at the bar who isn’t happy to spend time discussing their route to, and experience of, the bar.
It is important to go into pupillage with your eyes wide open – it can and will be extremely testing and is not for everyone. The best way to prepare and build confidence is to take every opportunity you are offered, to ask questions along the way and to learn from each experience.
Sophie Clifford was called to the bar in 2023. She undertook pupillage at Drystone Chambers between October 2023 – October 2024. On the 2nd October 2024 Sophie became a Member of Drystone Chambers.