Pupils’ Diary – A View From Our Future
At 39 Park Square we take immense pride in our pupillage program. We have a policy of providing pupillage with a view to offering tenancy. Our aim is to recruit candidates who have the potential to reach the very top of the profession. With that in mind we recruit candidates of the highest calibre. However, we not only look for those with exceptional academic ability but also those who have something extra to offer.
During the course of their training, our current pupils, Victoria Barker and Shawn Morales will be providing regular updates on their life at the sharp end of pupillage.
The second instalment is provided by Shawn Morales. You can view Shawn’s profile here
It has been three months since I successfully completed the most challenging task of my life and it’s time to share my experience thus far with those who are chasing the same dream.
I can compare pupillage at 39 Park Square Chambers with learning a trade within a family run business. A small set where a pupil is part of a team in which every member is willing to lend a helping hand when required. You get to know everyone very quickly and are looked after very well. Although I am not in a position to compare pupillage at 39 Park Square with other Chambers I can truly state that pupils at 39 Park Square are supported by the most friendly and supportive team of clerks, barristers and the Head of the Chambers, who readily offer their legal knowledge and collectively aim to prepare pupils for a long and successful career at the Bar.
I am undertaking a criminal pupillage and predominantly spend my days with my Pupil Supervisor at Crown courts across the North Eastern Circuit. I have observed several effective trials and various preliminary hearings, Newton hearings and bail hearings before the Crown Court. I have participated in conferences, drafted indictments and prepared prosecution openings, cross examinations, closing speeches and applications to adduce bad character evidence.
I have also been given the opportunity to observe Magistrates’ court proceedings such as prosecuting first appearances, remand courts and summary trials.
That’s all for now, I will update you in a few weeks time.
Check back with us every couple of weeks to catch up on our pupils’ journey and follow them as they take the first steps towards becoming future stars at the Bar.
You can view Chambers pupillage information here