Is it worth going down the Barrister route?

Hi,

I am new to this site, so apologies if this has been talked about at length elsewhere.

I am set to graduate from a UK top five university with a strong 2:i (65-68%) degree in Politics this academic year.

Specifically: are my grades good enough to be competitive, and what sort of experience and extra curricular activities look attractive on pupillage applications?

I am interested in both the Government Legal Service scheme and practicing in family law to give two options...

Thank you for your help.

Best wishes

Specifically: are my grades good enough to be competitive, and what sort of experience and extra curricular activities look attractive on pupillage applications?

Yes, your grades thus far are good enough in that they tick a box for you. In terms of experience and extra curricular activities, at a higher education level you should certainly be looking to mini pupillages in family law if that is your calling, but I'd recommend securing one or two in other areas as well, just because as common as it is for students to have a burning passion for a particular area of practice whilst they're studying, it is also common for them to completely change their mind about that once they realise what practising in that area of law actually entails. It is not unusual for your chosen area of law to become less appealing and/or for other areas to become more appealing once you become better informed, so be careful not to close doors before you have to.

Beyond mini pupillages, you can look at things like mooting and debating within university, or really any sort of club or activity that gives you advocacy experience. Their are a variety of schemes that allow law students to undertake pro bono work. I don't know if any of them are open to non law students with an interest in the law, but it is worth looking at. Outside of university, look for marshalling (which is spending time with a judge) and scholarships (which look good on a CV and help with the funding side of things).

That is a generic list of things that regularly appear on pupillage applications, but there is plenty of scope to become engaged in other activities that show or develop relevant skills. Those change every year, so it is somewhat on you to make yourself stand out in that respect.

Hi,

Huge apologies for taking so long to reply, I had pushed this to the back of my mind until now owing to being so busy with finishing university.

Thank you very much for the advice and pointers, it is appreciated!

I have another question:

Whilst I am set to graduate with a good 2:i from a top five university, my A-Level results leave something to be desired. I came away with ABC but I believe this is mitigated by the fact that I was dealing with the sudden and unexpected death of a parent.

How much will my A-Level results be taken into consideration and is there an opportunity to offer an explanation when applying to one of the Inns of Court and for pupillage's?

Many thanks and, again, so sorry for taking so long to respond! You have been very helpful

Best wishes