For an insight into pupillage, we asked our former pupils, Victoria Jolliffe (VJ) and Victoria Shore (VS) a few questions:
Where did you go to university and what did you study?
VJ: Broadcasting at Leeds University as an undergraduate and then, having decided to convert to law, I took the GDL at Nottingham Law School.
VS: I studied Jurisprudence at Oxford.
Why did you choose 5RB?
VJ: Coming from a background in television I had a natural interest in media law. I did a mini-pupillage at 5RB and was impressed by the modern attitude of chambers.
VS: Very simply, because my sole aim was to practise media law at the Bar and 5RB appeared the best place to do so.
What's the best thing about pupillage?
VJ: The feeling that you are learning a huge amount every day, from people who are leaders in the field. That doesn’t just apply to learning the technical aspects of the law but also to picking up invaluable tips on the practical side of being a barrister.
VS: Rising to the challenge of the day and gaining a real sense of achievement whenever I succeed in meeting it. It is also rewarding to realise that that my training over the last 9 months has provided me with a good understanding of media law and the confidence to put it into practice.
What's the worst?
VJ: I must have heard this cliché about 100 times – but pupillage sometimes really does feel like a year long interview. Chambers don’t expect you to be perfect but occasionally it’s easy to forget that – particularly when you’ve just said something stupid…
VS: Over the first six months of pupillage, but fortunately to a lesser extent now, I experienced dread whenever my work was handed back to me after correction. While it may be understandable that the work of a pupil will be of inferior quality to that of her pupil supervisor, it does nothing for one's sense of confidence!
Was pupillage what you were expecting?
VJ: Yes. Pupillage at 5RB is predominantly paper-based, although there are lots of opportunities to observe advocacy in court.
VS: Yes. A good read of the Pupillage Policy Document and a number of mini-pupillages in other chambers left me with a realistic expectation of pupillage here. At times it can be hard work, but it's immensely enjoyable.
What advice would you give to potential applicants?
VJ: Make sure that media law is really what you want to do. It’s a big gamble to focus your application on such a niche area, and a specialised pupillage will limit your options if you’re not offered tenancy. Read the 5RB website regularly to keep up to date with developments in the law, and try to get relevant work experience wherever you can.
VS: Obtain some relevant experience in the field of media-related work which will help distinguish your application from the rest. It may mean delaying your pupillage but it is worth it.