Life at the Bar - Emily Neill

I had a strong interest in public and European law as a student, but as I began to do mini-pupillages I developed a real enthusiasm for commercial law. Blackstone Chambers excels in all three areas, so I was very keen to apply for pupillage.  As part of the application process, I spent a week on mini-pupillage in Chambers, after which I was sure that Blackstone was the place for me. The atmosphere in Chambers is overwhelmingly welcoming. I found Blackstone refreshing and informal. Blackstone seemed to be the leader in the range of work I wanted to do, and provided the type of working atmosphere in which I thought I would be very happy.

Pupillage continued that impression. The cases I worked on ranged from a dispute in the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg about whether the UK should be able to watch the FIFA world cup and the UEFA championships on free-to-air TV, to a partnership dispute between a girl band, and from a valuable freezing injunction under proceeds of crime legislation, to a dispute over the legislation banning cigarette vending machines. Supervisors ensured that I was fully involved in all their work. As a pupil you tend to do first drafts of the written work, and are fully involved in the preparation of the case. In some instances, where you have switched seats before a case you have worked on comes to court, they will make sure they arrange to bring you along.  In addition to the amazing range of work, Blackstone provides a great working environment in which to do pupillage. As a pupil you are fully included in social events, be they formal Chambers’ events such as the Christmas party or barrister and staff social evenings, or more informal after-work drinks. Barristers’ doors are generally open, and as a pupil I felt welcome to wander in and ask for a view if I was thinking through a difficult legal point. 

My impression of the pupillage process was one of fairness. Pupillage is structured into four seats so that you have a chance to see the full range of Chambers’ work.  Pupillage is entirely non-practising, of which I was glad. It gave me the chance properly to get to grips with the different practice areas in Chambers before I started out on my own. Pupils work exclusively for their supervisor, so there is none of the added pressure of trying to juggle work for other members of Chambers. Working hours tend to be from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm, and I was told to “go home” if I attempted to stay later. Each supervisor produces a written feedback report at the end of your seat. Pupils also do written and advocacy exercises, which again are the subject of detailed feedback. There is a real emphasis on helping pupils develop as barristers over the course of the year.

Pupillage can be a difficult year no matter where it is done, but Blackstone makes it no more difficult than it needs to be, and is focused on ensuring it is both a fair and pleasant year.