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
- Sarah McCann
Since this was originally written, Sarah McCann has become a barrister at Hardwicke Building specialising in Commercial & Property Law.
One of the mini-pupillages, which I undertook during the course of my degree was at Hardwicke Building and as a result of enjoying that experience I applied to them for a 12 month pupillage. I commenced pupillage in October 2001 and ten months through was offered a junior civil tenancy to start when my pupillage finished.
Pupillage at Hardwicke Building is a highly structured affair, which is split into three month blocks. For each three months a pupil has a pupil supervisor and two assessors for whom a pupil has to do three pieces of assessed work each. At the end of each three months a review meeting is held at which you are given formal feedback and provided with an opportunity to voice any concerns you may have.
This pupillage system was ideal for me as I was uncertain as to exactly in which area of civil law I wished to ultimately practise. Through the assessor system I was able to experience various different areas and once I became sure that I wanted to concentrate more on commercial and chancery work every effort was made to accommodate those interests.
In the first six months the emphasis is necessarily on written work including writing advices, drafting pleadings, orders and witness statements. My pupil supervisors involved me fully in their cases and I felt able to ask any questions that I wished and was made to feel that my opinions and views were of value.
In my second six months I was in court on average three times a week and this has predominantly been in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court. This has certainly provided me with an opportunity to develop my advocacy and witness handling skills more than would have been the case had I been at a purely commercial set. However, I appeared before both the District Judge and Circuit Judge and towards the end of my second six I was being instructed more and more in civil matters.
Pupillage is a mentally and emotionally draining experience but it has been made easier for me than it could have been thanks to the relaxed atmosphere in chambers and the support which has been available to me at all stages. I can truthfully say that I am delighted to be able to start building my practice in such a set.
Sarah McCann, Barrister
Hardwicke Building