Advice on realistic chambers to target for pupillage
I'm an Oxford grad and am about to start the GDL. I'm feeling really stressed at the moment about maximising my chances of getting pupillage. I'm interested in sets which specialise in Commercial law or Commercial Public law, Planning, regulatory and the like.
Academics: Double first in Classics from Oxford – but a low first with no prizes; academic scholarship from Mods. High distinction in Philosophy from KCL (average mark of 78).
I failed to get a GDL scholarship from Inner this year (although I got 5/5 on academics and advocacy – I was let down by a 2 on interpersonal skills which I need to reflect on).
Work experience: I worked as a Latin teacher for a year in-between graduating and starting my MA. And I did pro bono research work for an immigration lawyer in the summer of one year. I've also applied for around 15 minis.
I'm currently considering sets like Francis Taylor Building, Cornerstone, Gatehouse, 2TG and Henderson.
Is this realistic? What other sets (or practice areas) would be good to consider if I want to make a decent living?
Academics: Double first in Classics from Oxford – but a low first with no prizes; academic scholarship from Mods. High distinction in Philosophy from KCL (average mark of 78).
I failed to get a GDL scholarship from Inner this year (although I got 5/5 on academics and advocacy – I was let down by a 2 on interpersonal skills which I need to reflect on).
Work experience: I worked as a Latin teacher for a year in-between graduating and starting my MA. And I did pro bono research work for an immigration lawyer in the summer of one year. I've also applied for around 15 minis.
I'm currently considering sets like Francis Taylor Building, Cornerstone, Gatehouse, 2TG and Henderson.
Is this realistic? What other sets (or practice areas) would be good to consider if I want to make a decent living?
Reply 1
Look also at 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, 11 KBW, and 39. Why not aim high and look at Blackstone and Brick Court Chambers as well?
Don't run yourself down! There is no such thing as a low first, especially not in Classics from Oxford. Remember that even candidates with firsts in law and BCLs sometimes have to apply more than once for pupillage. Good luck.
Don't run yourself down! There is no such thing as a low first, especially not in Classics from Oxford. Remember that even candidates with firsts in law and BCLs sometimes have to apply more than once for pupillage. Good luck.
Reply 2
3
Original post
by Stiffy ByngLook also at 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, 11 KBW, and 39. Why not aim high and look at Blackstone and Brick Court Chambers as well?
Don't run yourself down! There is no such thing as a low first, especially not in Classics from Oxford. Remember that even candidates with firsts in law and BCLs sometimes have to apply more than once for pupillage. Good luck.
Don't run yourself down! There is no such thing as a low first, especially not in Classics from Oxford. Remember that even candidates with firsts in law and BCLs sometimes have to apply more than once for pupillage. Good luck.
It's very nice to hear some encouragement! But I just look at recent pupils at sets like that and so many of them have PhDs, a million academic prizes, BCL or "first in year at Finals" – it freaks me out. And on the application forms (at least for minis) you have to put in a breakdown of your marks so there's no hiding it
.(edited 8 months ago)
Reply 3
Original post
by NoumenautIt's very nice to hear some encouragement! But I just look at recent pupils at sets like that and so many of them have PhDs, a million academic prizes, BCL or "first in year at Finals" – it freaks me out. And on the application forms (at least for minis) you have to put in a breakdown of your marks so there's no hiding it .
.That is all just part of the superheated nonsense currently prevalent. The fact remains that you are a competitive candidate. Ignore all the showing off.
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