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Year of Graduation: 2014, Degree: Law,
Current Position: Pupil Barrister at Landmark Chambers, (year of Call: 2021)
Areas of practice: Planning and Environment, Property
I am now approaching the final weeks of pupillage at Landmark Chambers. Pupillage is inevitably a challenging year, wherever it is undertaken. There is a huge amount to learn in a short period of time and the learning curve is steep. However, I feel that pupillage at Landmark has enabled me to meet the challenge and acquire the foundations to begin practice as a junior tenant.
The core structure of pupillage is three seats in planning, public and property law and pupils are invited to select a fourth seat in an area of particular interest to them. This structure enabled me to gain experience in a wide variety of work.
I found that there was a very strong emphasis on training pupils at Landmark. In each seat my supervisors were keen to know of any areas I was particularly interested in, and all my supervisors ensured that I gained experience in that work. Further, while completing each seat, I had numerous opportunities to attend Court or undertake work for other members of Chambers, including senior Silks. This was particularly valuable as the quality of the work at
Landmark is exceptional, and I was able to work on a number of high-profile cases with senior members of Chambers.
This approach is complemented by a comprehensive structure for feedback on work, further reflecting Landmark’s emphasis on training. There is an assessment at the end of each seat, and a feedback session with members of the Pupillage Committee. There are two additional advocacy assessments which aim to ensure that pupils are ready to undertake Court work in their second six. These exercises were challenging but hugely helpful in preparing me for my own first hearing.
The feedback sessions with the Pupillage Committee were invaluable. They provided detailed feedback on any areas which required development, and how I could address those points in the following seat. Moreover, during the seats, I generally found that my supervisors would provide ongoing feedback on the work I completed for them; because of this, I was generally aware of any points requiring improvement before the seat was completed.
I also found that Landmark members and staff provided a welcoming and collegiate environment in which to complete Pupillage. Members were always keen to know what I was working on and were happy to offer advice. Members and staff have also been conscious to ensure that pupils are not taking on too much work; if I am ever in Chambers past 6pm there tends to be a string of people knocking on the door checking everything is OK. I am now taking on more of my own work, and I have been struck by the support from members and Practice Managers as I make the jump from pupil to tenant.
