WHAT WAS YOUR JOURNEY TO PRACTISING AT THE BAR?
Following the completion of my Law LLB undergraduate degree in 2018, I spent two and a half years at the Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit at the Department for Transport. As a casework and business manager, my role included managing planning applications made in respect of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and advising the Secretary of State for Transport on the issues presented by each scheme. I also managed a significant contract for legal services and worked closely with partners and associates at leading UK law firms. After completing the Bar Course in July 2022, I began work as a self-employed County Court Advocate with LPC Law, attending hundreds of hearings, which proved to be truly formative in my journey to the Bar. I was fortunate enough to secure pupillage at 25 CSC less than a year into my work as an Advocate, and I qualified in September 2024 after completing a full 12-month pupillage under the supervision of Wendy Banks.
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL WORK SCHEDULE FOR A FORTNIGHT LOOK LIKE?
I am typically in Court almost every day, undertaking trials, interim hearings, case management conferences, disposal hearings and more across our areas of practice, including Lender Services, Property/Housing, Insolvency and Civil Litigation more generally. I also spend a considerable amount of time drafting, which usually includes skeleton arguments, pleadings and advices. Moreover, I devote substantial time to preparing for cases, conferencing with clients and writing attendance notes. Overall, it is undeniably very busy, and I often work long hours, including evenings and weekends. However, life at 25 CSC is extremely rewarding, and ultimately, doing the best job possible for our clients makes it all worthwhile.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER OF 25 CSC?
There are many benefits to being a member of 25 CSC, but I will highlight the top three from my perspective. First, the administration of Chambers is excellent. From the clerking team to the accounts team to the admin team, the support that we receive is outstanding. It allows us as Barristers to focus on our work, knowing that the operational side of our practice is in very capable hands. Second, the sheer volume of high-quality instructions is superb. As a newly qualified Barrister, I am eager to undertake as much work as (safely) possible, and at 25 CSC, this has been not only accommodated but actively encouraged, providing an environment where I can develop rapidly. Third, Chambers’ modern approach offers a flexibility that may not necessarily be available in more traditional environments. Barristers are entrusted to work when they wish and from where they wish, and our nationwide presence means there is scope to travel widely with your practice and gain as much experience as possible.
OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, WHAT ARE YOU AIMING TO DEVELOP IN YOUR PRACTICE?
Over the next few years, I aim to develop a robust and diverse practice at 25 CSC. I plan to expand my expertise within the core practice areas of Chambers while gradually branching into new specialisms. My focus will be on deepening my knowledge of complex civil litigation and refining my advocacy skills to take on higher-value and more complex cases, particularly in the areas of Property/Housing disputes and Insolvency. I also seek to build a solid reputation for delivering clear, client-focused advice and achieving excellent results in Court. As I progress, I am also eager to take on increasing responsibility within Chambers, including contributing to the mentoring of more junior members as well as assisting with Chambers' growth, outreach and marketing efforts. Ultimately, my goal is to establish myself as a well-rounded advocate, trusted for both the quality of my work, the care with which I represent our diverse range of clients and my ability to work as an effective team player within Chambers.