My ‘persistent’ journey to the Criminal Bar

By Lidia Iancu

Several times during my journey to the Bar, I doubted that I would ever write an article like this – and yet, here I am!

At a recent networking event, I shared my pupillage experience with aspiring barristers.  To illustrate the persistence required, I asked the audience to guess, with a show of hands, how many times I had applied for pupillage.  By the time I reached the sixth attempt, no hands remained raised.  Yes, it took me six years to secure pupillage. Naturally, this raises the question: how was I able to apply for so long, given the five-year time limit after completing the Bar Professional Training Course (as it was then known)? The answer is simple – I studied the course part-time, which gave me an additional year to apply.

My journey began with volunteering at a law centre, a role that later evolved into paid employment.  From there, I undertook an internship at the European Court of Human Rights, followed by work as a court administrator, then as a Probation Service Officer.  Eventually, I became a Legal Adviser in the magistrates’ court.  Every step brought me closer to the Bar, even when the path felt uncertain.  Along the way, I made tangible sacrifices – including selling my car to fund the unpaid internship at the ECHR.

People often ask, “Why didn’t you give up?” or “How did you stay motivated?”  The truth is, I never saw my various roles in the criminal justice system as final destinations.  They were stepping stones – valuable experiences that enriched my understanding of the law and strengthened my resolve.  Each year, as the pupillage application season approached, I would ask myself a simple question: Can I live with the regret of not trying one more time?  The answer was always no.  That inner dialogue kept me going.

And I can confidently say, not once since beginning practice have I regretted my decision to persevere.  There is a unique thrill in achieving an acquittal after a 30-minute jury deliberation in your first Crown Court trial, or standing in the iconic Court 1 at the Old Bailey, representing a client with dignity and skill.  These moments affirm that every setback, every rejection, and every long night spent refining applications was worth it.

A key lesson from my journey is the importance of connecting.  I never stopped asking for help. I made it a point to engage with barristers I encountered in the magistrates’ court—asking about their journeys, their practice areas, and their advice.  These conversations didn’t just inspire me; they helped refine my applications and improve my interview technique.  One such encounter led me to Drystone Chambers.  I first connected with them at a networking event, and that encounter eventually led to pupillage.

I cannot overstate the value of networking.  Attend events. Speak to people. Get a feel for different Chambers and whether they align with your values and personality.  Not every set will be the right fit – and that’s okay.  I once did a mini-pupillage where I was told it wouldn’t make sense for Chambers to take on someone fresh out of Bar school.  I was that person.  In some interviews, my accent was pointed out as the first thing noticed about me.  On one occasion, I was even asked a question that clearly related to my nationality. Pupillage is hard.  Practice is hard.  But with the right support network, it is possible to thrive.  I have found my place and my people.  And if you are on this path, I truly believe you will find yours too.  Stay determined, stay connected, and don’t be afraid to try one more time.