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There are so many aspects to fulfil; aside from all of the school work itself, there are qualifying sessions, competitions, pro-bono groups, court visits, mini- pupillages, applications….and more besides.

Earlier in the term, we were lucky enough to perform criminal trials at a Crown court in London, which were judged by barristers. We had the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses in court including trainee policemen who looked terrified beforehand, but upon realising that we were just as inexperienced as them, calmed down considerably. The thrill of standing up in a real court, with other ‘barristers, ‘witnesses’ and a ‘jury’ brought a year of theoretical learning to life and I was reminded exactly why I want to do this job. The fact that myself and a few friends managed to win our bet by getting the phrase, ‘doesn’t make sense, does it?’ into witness cross-examination, only added to the entertainment.

The advocacy weekend (or ‘school trip’ as I liked to call it) in Windsor was also another great experience this year. There were around 50 other Bar students in attendance, and we were given one-on-one advice to help us hone and develop our advocacy skills. I can’t say that this wasn’t an intimidating experience at first; we were put into small groups with a high court judge and a barrister, but soon the atmosphere became really supportive and encouraging.

The air of camaraderie during the dinners and lectures was great, and let me tell you, the judiciary have great ‘banter’ (as was overheard being said to a High Court judge by a drunken student, as he congratulated him for this feat). I left the weekend, very tired (totally due to the work, not because of the socialising, obviously), and really pleased to go away with some great guidance from those in the legal profession.

To those of you wishing to study the BVC next year (or BPTC as it will be known, which to me sounds like an acronym for some sort of disease?) will be in for a great time, with plenty of brilliant experiences, but I would be lying to say it will be easy. It is a demanding course, and there is a lot to be done (I once witnessed three simultaneous nervous break-downs in the library a day before theory exams began) but hard work will get you through (as will many a trip to your counselling service/pub/both), and the rewards are high.

I wish you luck in getting called to the Bar and wearing that wig and gown, and hopefully I will see you in court.

Hiya,
I found you’re story very interesting as it has been a bit more of an eye opener to the BAR ( I don’t like the BPTC either! hehe). I’m a 3rd year law student, I have applied for BAR and just waitinf to hear if I have been accepted but the wait is killing me! But hope it will be soon I find out.

But I am glad to hear that you do have as much laughs as you do work! I hope you got a pupilage as I have heard that they are getting more difficult to get now!

But I am looking forward to wearing the wig and gown!

Louise