We are not like other chambers and life as a pupil at Hardwicke isn't easy. We expect you to work hard; in return we will ensure you have the breadth and depth of experience needed for a successful career at the Bar.
On this site, you find out more about what we are looking for in a candidate, what we can offer you and what pupillage at Hardwicke is like - told by:
The Barrister's View
- Michael Wheater
Since this was originally written, Michael Wheater has become a barrister at Hardwicke Building specialising in Commerical, Chancery & Employment Law.
Hardwicke building is not the most traditional of sets and those seeking dusty books, leather chairs, chandeliers and a glass of port in the afternoon may be disappointed. What Hardwicke can provide is a modern, well-equipped working environment with in-house IT support and excellent resources, to which, as a pupil, you will have full access. Nor does pupillage at Hardwicke re-enforce any of the old stereotypes such as days spent photocopying and making drinks. I have been here for some time now and I have only once been confronted with the question, 'young man, do you have any skills in the art of making tea?'.
Chambers assist in your support and development from the moment an offer of pupillage is made. Hardwicke operates a 'buddy' system during the BVC year during which your 'buddy', a junior member of chambers, is on-hand to answer any queries and worries you may have and they help to make your arrival in chambers less stressful.
Pupillage at Hardwicke is very formally structured compared to many other pupillages and the emphasis really is on getting the best out of you that they possibly can. The pupillage is split into 3 month periods. In each period, the pupil is assigned to a pupil supervisor and two 'wing assessors' for whom a pupil must produce a certain amount of written work. Chambers work very hard to pair up pupils and supervisors who have similar interests and, to a large extent, chambers can accommodate any interests that a prospective pupil may have. This system, taking advantage of the sheer breadth of experience of those in chambers, means that pupils can experience a variety of work unparalleled in other chambers. I feel that this has benefited me greatly as I have gained an insight into and an interest in areas of practice that I would never have considered when I left University and Bar school.
As a purely civil pupil I am going to find Hardwicke's second six to be a rare opportunity to get onto my feet and gain experience in lower court advocacy. Chambers aim to give second six pupils an average of 3 court appearances per week, mostly in the criminal courts, although last year's pupils also gained valuable experience in civil matters. Again, Hardwicke gives us tremendous support before we ever set foot in court. There are regular in-house advocacy classes and everyone chips in with little hints and tips to make the first few appearances less stressful.
Together with the in-house training, chambers is very willing to assist in other areas of your professional development. They are, for instance, happy to allow me to continue taking cases for the Free Representation Unit and I have had the opportunity to attend training courses at chambers expense.
I suppose the final aspect of life in chambers, and perhaps the most important, is the social side. Many chambers have little true social interaction between their members but Hardwicke really does have that sense of working as a team. There is a weekly chambers tea, not as quaint as it sounds and the cake is excellent, chambers parties and numerous other chambers events. Members of chambers will always stop and say hello and the light hearted informal atmosphere will help anyone feel more settled.
I have been a pupil in chambers now for little over 4 months and the experience has been a rewarding one. The variety of work I have been exposed to has kept everyday fresh and I have never once been sat bored at my desk wishing that the weekend was nearer. Having said that, there have been times when the work is very challenging and emotionally hard. Hardwicke, whether through the pupillage committee or just a friendly cup of coffee with colleagues, has always been there to support me. I look forward to my future in chambers.