Here is the briefest of summaries of how I got to this stage. My strap line of being lucky and slipping through the net is not meant to be self-depreciating or modest, but is simply true. Most are familiar with the stereotypical pupil – early to mid 20’s, straight A student, Oxbridge (or other top uni) graduate, scholarship awards, mooting prizes, amazing pro-bono experience – the list goes on. I think everyone is agreed that those with such CV’s get more of a look in when it comes to interviews, and quite rightly so. Such credentials do not come easily, and the Bar needs bright and hard working types if it is to remain. However there are candidates who are not able to tick all the above boxes, but nevertheless would be just as good, or better. It seems these candidates, of which I am one, need more luck to get through the door simply for an interview.
Now in my mid 20’s, I was never top of the class at school, leaving with mediocre (at best) A-levels. I attended an ex-poly in the Midlands where I managed to get the regulation 2.1 to go onto Bar School (I realise that a 2.1 is not a requirement, but I wouldn’t have bothered with a 2.2). I did the BVC in the provinces and got a VC, after having to retake civil lit. I am not a holder of an Inn scholarship. As for extra-curricula stuff, I did do a fair bit of mooting, and have hands on experience having worked as a Legal Assistant in a high street firm for a year.
Over an 18 month period, I completed three rounds of Olpas, and made independent applications to any chambers offering pupillage, as well as some that weren’t. I don’t have a record of how many applications I made, but a guess would be well in excess of 100. This yielded a total of 2 interviews. Fortunately one was successful, at a common law set in London. Why did those two chambers decide to interview me when so many others had not? I can only put it down to luck, as nothing else had changed. In my opinion (not that I’ve yet asked anyone on a pupillage committee) once you get to an interview you’re 90% there, as the slate is wiped clean and CV’s thrown out the window, leaving a reasonably level battleground for those still standing.
So, for anyone interested, that’s how it happened for me. I shall keep you posted as to what happens from here.
PB
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17 comments:
PB, so there is hope for a numpty like me.
Left skool at 16, with a GCSE in woodwork, and a nervous twitch when asked how I enjoy my job stacking trolleys at ASDA.
It just goes to show that you only need 1 in 100 to get that magic pupillage.
Well done for not giving in, and getting that elusive pupillage. Its not that I am envious, but I am.
swizz
thans tony, yes so long as you're in it, you could win it!
my skills on computers are limited - i have obviously posted the last post, as you have managed to read it. however when i look on my own blog the recent post is not there. can you tell me why that is? and are you able to see it normally?
pb
PB, I can see it as normally as possible with this twitch!
You probably need to refresh your screen to see it. (Not wipe it gently with a damp cloth) There should be an icon on your menu bar for refresh. If not, go to VIEW, and then REFRESH, or RELOAD.
Swizz
Interesting reading. That takes some persistance - very well done on securing pupillage. I'm also starting this October, but too lazy to blog.
I'm looking forward to reading about your adventures.
I've been thinking that it would be great if there was a discussion forum for bar students and pupils - similar to Roll On Friday. I wonder if there would be much interest.
Storming, PB, except for the computer skills, that is !
Why not set up another, dummy, blog with some lorem ipsum posts. You can then play around with the configuration etc., see what takes your fancy, and simply delete the entire blog when you are done with any experimentation. I am also new to Blogger and have found it is intuitive, and easy to pick it with a bit of practice.
Good luck with the pupillage.
PB is back on track with the computer. Not sure what was going on yesterday, but i was at work where the computers have a tendancy to be naughty.
anon - good luck with your pupillage. i wionder if we'll meet, and if we'll ever realise it.
bb - thanks for the advice
PB
CONGRATUALTIONS PB
I have always believed that if you are good enough and you keep going for it (their aren't many people who HONESTLY fill out that many apps, actually do the extras such as moot (only 9 P/T actaully turned up to their moots at ICSL last year), or are willing to take legal admin level jobs in my experience) it will happen, so this is good to read.
Can I ask you is your area of law related to any work you did in your previous life? Also, were you turned down for an Inn Scholarship?
thanks
Ginge.
Hi Ginge,
I think you are right, there are too many people who are quick to moan about not getting their lucky break, but then do not put the required effort into getting that lucky break! None of whom belong to our bloggin community I hasten to add. Also, as the Wood report mentions, many students have their eyes closed to just how competitive it is, untill its too late.
I didn't apply for an Inn scholarship because I was working abroad at the time. However I have applied for other Inn related stuff since, with no luck - don't think they like the look of me! I worked in a high street firm, and I'm going into a common law set, so my work experience is related.
PB
Thanks PB
I applied and didn't get one and I try to tell myself its cos I have a lot of savings. However I have not been lucky with any ints (I made the 12 olpas and about 20 direct) this year I am paranoid that it may not happen. I always knew it was competitive, I was just arrogant enough to think there was something a bit special about me, but loads of peeps have loads of good stuff!!
Your post has cheered me up. It gives me faith to know your Inn doesn't like your face either. Mine loves some of the most offensive people I have ever met in my life and it has made me a tad paranoid :)
I am pretty sure I am not kidding myself, so I will just keep digging through those barrels till I get there!!
Hi Beanie,
A belated welcome to The Ether!! :) I've added you to my blogroll, and look forward to reading of your adventures in pupil land with considerable interest!!
( Apologies to PB for hijacking his/her blog comments:) Ginge, are you going to take the blogging plunge along with the rest of us?!
Thanks Minx, tis truely an honour to be recognise by blogging royalty! Glad to see you back again.
PB
Heaven knows, Im glad to be back, PB!Thanks for the kind compliment!!:)
Hi Pupil Bean
If your still around, I just want to ask if you have any interview advice for someone who is in almost the same position as you? After about 60 apps I have my first interview. This is pretty much going to be it as I have reached the last few sets that would even look past the sh*tty A level result page. Therefore it's probably going to be my only chance. So what would you recommend. Did you feel "desperate", and how did you prevent this coming accross?
Hi Anon,
I am still around! Congrats on getting an interview. This in itself is a triumph. I would not agree that this is likely to be your only chance though. If these people have brought you to interview, there is no reason why others won't follow suit. I am sure further interview invites will come, but annoyingly they may be infrequent. Stick with it though. I did not feel desperate at my interview - but was nervous. My feelings are once you get an interview you're already down to the last 20 or so, having got through from the 150 to 200 applicants who applied. There’s not much you can do, other than answer the questions they ask to the best of you ability. The panel who interviewed me where I was successful were nice in that they asked question what were easy to answer and expand upon. Also when I was argued against, it was not done in an aggressive and rude manor that I have experienced in other interviews. In short try to relax and give yourself time to think before you rush in with a response. You will not come across as desperate - these people have asked to see you. One final point I would make - don’t get to the interview too early (I would say about 10 mins before you allotted time). I hated the sitting around with the other candidates, all fishing around like vultures for each others inadequacies. I would loiter at a nearby coffee shop until its your turn.
If you’ve already had the interview, I hope it went well. If not, best of luck.
I shall keep my fingers crossed for you.
PB
Thanks PB
It didn't go badly, but it didn't go brilliantly either. I was ok temprament wise by the time I got there. It was 3 ints over the course of the afternoon, so all 12 afternoon candidates were with each other from 1-5. Surprisingly I really liked everyone and no one seemed to try to diss or weaken anyone else - infact everyone was shockingly supportive and some went for a beer after (which I couldn't). I was quite symathetic to the numerous people that were on their 10th 12th or even 15th interview!
I haven't heard anything yet - but I didnt leave with the best feeling and I strongly expect the successful ones were told that evening.
Never mind though you are right. I got to the top 26 of nearly 500 apps. I will get there eventually as I am not giving up.
Good luck to you too, you must be very excited.
Very interesting! Looking forward to reading of your tales! xxxx
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