Neive Augustin – Pupil

Before studying law, Neive worked in Accountancy for nearly 11 years, mainly with charities and the shipping and hospitality sectors. Although she enjoyed the work, she realised that it wasn’t her true calling. Fascinated by how the law is integrated into every part of society and every interaction, she decided to train in law.

Having successfully applied for a merit-based scholarship to study Law in London, Neive continued working in accountancy part-time while studying for her LLB. Beginning her Law studies, she immediately knew she wanted to be in Court as she enjoys argument and debate, so she went on to study for the Bar qualification, becoming a double scholar by obtaining the Frank Quickfall Bar Course Award from Gray’s Inn.

After being called to the Bar, Neive worked as a county court advocate for over a year before joining Chambers as a Pupil – representing clients in regional courts, mostly in possession, Landlord & Tenant, Infant Settlement and small claims hearings.

Neive’s two main areas for pupillage are Family and Civil. She enjoyed working in Civil Law over the last year and now looks forward to working one-on-one with family members; helping parents and children.

She combine’s an analytical mind with a strong commitment to client care. She is sensitive to clients’ circumstances, particularly when they are in distress, and takes care to explain everything clearly, so that they understand why they are where they are, and how the process works.

Many of the skills she developed working in accountancy – research, attention to detail, meeting deadlines and working independently as well as part of a team – remain important as a barrister. Investigative finance work has always been of great interest to her, and she finds the ability to look at information and see past the numbers to what they’re saying particularly helpful in matrimonial finance cases.

She thrives under pressure, so finds preparing at speed, researching and reviewing complex information, and breaking it down to explain it clearly exciting and motivating. She is also well aware that winning a case is mostly about thorough preparation and convincing the judge through the strength of your research and your argument.

While studying, she had the opportunity to take part in an advocacy competition in Belarus, and won the award for best speaker. This experience represented many of the things that excite her about being a barrister.

In her spare time she also tutors online in various areas of law, and coaches students to build their legal CVs. Neive finds it really rewarding to see students move from confusion to understanding and achieving high grades, and this ability to explain and clarify is also important to her clients. She is excited to begin her pupillage at Becket Chambers – the best set in the region.