The Pupillage Experience at St Pauls Chambers: Two Perspectives

Our latest tenants, Sophie Lamb and Corey Boothe, share their experiences, insights, and highlights from a year of Pupillage at St Pauls Chambers.

Sophie Lamb’s Pupillage

My pupillage year has flown by, and I would like to tell you about the rollercoaster that it has undoubtedly been. There have been more highs than lows, but the first thing to note is how welcome I was immediately made to feel by both members of Chambers and the wider circuit. It was easy to settle in, feel part of the team, and I have never regretted my career change. I have benefited from undertaking pupillage at a smaller set because it really does feel like one big family, and I have managed to get to know everyone to varying degrees.

First six was both a bizarre and enjoyable experience. I sat behind my supervisor on my first day thinking, “How will I ever do this?” However, I now have my first jury trial in the diary. To spend six months following one person around seemed odd at first, but my supervisor was so easy to get on with, extremely knowledgeable, and taught me things step by step in a way which made me think, “Yes, I can do this!” Your supervisor will become both your mentor and a friend for life.

On the last day of first six, we trooped down to the Court of Appeal, and this was by far the highlight of the first six months. I did not contribute to the case in a significant way, but it was still exciting to robe up when I had only previously attended the public gallery as part of my undergraduate degree.

I had initially embarked on pupillage with the desire to practise in family law, but second six saw me saying yes to everything. I wanted to experience as much variety as possible. I had misconceptions about crime, but being on my feet for the first time, donning my wig and gown, was exhilarating—and for me, there was no better feeling.

Second six was even more enjoyable because, from that point on, I had real responsibilities. People were counting on me, which felt slightly scary but was incredibly rewarding. It also felt good to have greater autonomy over my work and, whilst I went where I was sent, I enjoyed the freedom to choose how and when I worked. A personal highlight of my second six was securing an acquittal in my first defence trial at the Magistrates’ Court, in which the defendant was charged with ABH and threats to kill.

Of course, it did not always go perfectly, but I had incredibly supportive people around me, and I never felt alone. During pupillage, you get to know pupils from other sets on circuit, and it feels like I have made friends for life. We have been there for each other—whether for a post-court debrief over a pint or to help each other with queries about our cases.

We are all learning every day, and there is never a silly question. I have also been able to pass knowledge on to mini-pupils who have spent the day with me, and I look forward to mentoring others in the future.

As pupillage draws to a close, I have reflected on how far I have come, what I have learned, and how I have changed as a person. I have become tougher and more resilient in ways I did not expect. Yes, pupillage was difficult, but would I change anything? Not a chance.

Corey Boothe’s Pupillage

Introduction

My pupillage was a common law pupillage focussing on Crime and Civil. It’s a year which, of course, is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. You really hit the ground running from day one dealing with complex cases and extensive research all the while (in my case) adjusting to a new city and meeting countless new faces. In short, it has the potential to be an overwhelming first week. Fortunately, the camaraderie and support I received from the very start turned pupillage into what it should be: an exciting and unique stage in your journey to the Bar.

Settling in

I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to build a network once you start including with your peers on circuit. Whether it be playing football, cycling, running or dinners; some of the moments occurring outside of chambers are invaluable. Taking the time to form professional working relationships pays huge dividends. A year on and I can confidently say I now have a large set of colleagues willing to discuss and work through cases at a moment’s notice.

Key learning points:

Knowing your Judge

For those who appear regularly before the same tribunals, understanding your judge is vital. Some prefer/expect summaries the day before a hearing and others want advocates not to rely heavily on caselaw in oral submissions. Awareness of these judicial idiosyncrasies can make all the difference in the presentation of your case.

Prioritise your time

Whilst I am an advocate for networking and engaging in activities outside of work in pupillage. There will be times when you won’t have the capacity to train, cycle, or run. It’s important to take the pressure off and accept that you can’t spread yourself too thin. When a challenging piece of work results in hours of preparation, it merits the time taken. You have to be realistic and not feel guilty about cancelling other commitments you may have.

Courtroom

Obviously one of the most exciting parts of pupillage is being on your feet in second six. It’s a rollercoaster: one day you’re quietly sat behind your supervisor observing and the next you’re prosecuting twelve trials in the magistrates’ court. It’s a demanding and a steep learning curve but the privilege of advocating on behalf of others reigns supreme.

Few moments can compare to persuading a judge to accede to your argument or having a well-crafted cross-examination go to plan. However, that doesn’t always happen and there will be days when cases go off course. Those periods can be a bitter pill to swallow yet they are often the most useful. It’s important to reflect, be resilient and reframe the day as a teachable moment.

Closing thoughts

Writing this on my final day of pupillage has felt like a fever dream. Tomorrow, I will become a tenant, and the long-awaited dream of becoming a barrister finally becomes reality. The year has been everything I imagined and more. I credit that to chambers for the unwavering support and patience shown to me this past year. For that, I will always be grateful.

To those considering applying to St Paul’s Chambers for pupillage I encourage you to do so and trust in the process that the demands of this journey are worth it. The year isn’t easy but that is coupled with one of the most thrilling and transformational experiences you will ever have.