Reality of pupillage at the criminal bar

By Alex Shanks

Perhaps you have read The Secret Barrister, spoken to somebody at a careers fair or even visited your local Magistrates or Crown Court and you have found yourself interested in a career at the criminal bar. It is a career in which I have found myself learning something new everyday, whether it be an advocacy technique, facts and opinions from expert witnesses or the intricate ways organised crime groups operate.

I was fortunate enough to be offered a pupillage at Drystone Chambers. In my first-six I saw a wide range of criminal cases, ranging from serious sexual offences, large drugs and firearm conspiracies and death by dangerous driving. I undertook a range of written work in which I received constructive feedback which allowed me to develop and progress as an advocate.

Chambers has fantastic in-house advocacy training, allowing all pupils to attend regular sessions from members of Chambers. This covers topics such as what you could expect on your first day in the magistrates’ court by junior members to sessions on cross-examination and speeches from senior members. I found these sessions to be incredibly helpful and find myself utilising these tips every day in court.  It was a real highlight and privilege of pupillage to learn from incredibly well-respected advocates who truly care about our development.

During my second-six, I took on my own cases – prosecuting and defending in the Magistrates’ and Crown Court.  I have found to be well supported by members of chambers with everybody being willing and keen to lend a helping hand if needed. At the start of my second-six I defended lay clients in the magistrates’ courts in first appearances, trials and sentencing hearings and attended the Crown Court regularly to cover case management hearings and PTPH’s. Towards the end of my second-six I progressed into defending in my own trials in the Crown Court. I also had the benefit of prosecuting for the local authority in a wide range of hearings and trials.

Life at the criminal bar sometimes means long journeys and late evenings but the effect we can have on people’s lives is incredible. No two days are the same and I constantly find myself learning new things as well as dealing with a variety of cases with different issues and facts. I can wholeheartedly say that I enjoyed my pupillage. I am a true believer of nothing worthwhile comes easy – to me, pupillage falls squarely into that bracket. Pupillage at the criminal bar is not easy, but the environment of Drystone Chambers has meant that I have always felt supported and encouraged and subsequently prepared and confident to continue as a tenant.

I would encourage anyone aspiring for a career at the criminal bar to apply to sets where you will feel most comfortable and supported along your journey to being a successful criminal practitioner.

 

Alex Shanks was called to the bar in 2022. He undertook pupillage at Drystone Chambers between October 2023 – October 2024.  On the 2nd October 2024 Alex became a Member of Drystone Chambers.

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