As part of an ever-growing set of Chambers in Kent looking recruit the best and brightest of barristers, Sophie Gray and Fiona Brown give an insight in to the pupillage process at Becket Chambers.
Sophie:
My own career at Becket Chambers began in 2013 when I joined as a pupil. Over the years, whilst my own practice developed, Becket Chambers has continued to grow and thrive and it seemed a natural progression for me to undertake my pupil supervisor training with a view to being involved in how Chambers continued to evolve.
In October 2022, Fiona joined Becket Chambers as a pupil. Having already had extensive experience acting as a Children’s Guardian for Cafcass, Fiona hit the ground running and began to accompany both myself and other members of Chambers to Court. As a set, we have a wide-ranging set of practitioners who were able to impart personal knowledge and provide an insight in to all that is entailed in a busy practice. During her :first six” Fiona was provided with paperwork to undertake, mock advocacy exercises and frequent support from her appointed mentors.
Fiona is now in her “second six” and undertaking a huge variety of work. We formally meet each week to discuss progress but keep in touch throughout the week to talk through her diary, the cases she has on and any particular case of interest she may have encountered.
Both from my own experience as a pupil, and now my experience as a pupil supervisor, Becket Chambers offers a wonderful opportunity to begin your life at the Bar. From the friendly clerking team right through to the junior members of Chambers who are always open to lending a listening ear, it is a welcoming environment in which you will be challenged to reach your full potential.
Fiona:
I joined Becket Chambers in 2022 having already had extensive experience as a Children’s Guardian. Whilst I was well versed with the inner workings of public law, my first six provided an invaluable opportunity to develop my own knowledge base whilst also encountering a significant range of practice areas. I was pleasantly surprised by how often I was in Court shadowing not only Sophie but other members of Becket Chambers. I quickly became familiar with all members, the clerking team and even members of the judiciary who would regularly sit in the area.
Following the successful completion of my first six, I commenced my second six at the beginning of April 2023. From the outset, I was able to undertake a variety of work and I am regularly in Court five days a week. Throughout, I have been offered extensive support and continue to liaise with my appointed mentors in specific practice areas. Whilst often regarded as a particularly gruelling process, I have found pupillage to be an opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities all whilst under the guidance of my supervisor and the Chambers more generally.
As a mother of two, I have also been able to balance my ever changing and demanding practice alongside my home life with the support of Becket Chambers. I have been welcomed along to lots of socialising events, with Becket Chambers playing a predominant role in supporting local charities and organisations. I am confident that my pupillage at Becket Chambers is the start of a happy and long life at the Bar!
