Having completed the BVC at the Inns of Court School of Law in June 2005, I started pupillage at Ropewalk Chambers in October 2006 and became a tenant in October 2007. Pupillage at Ropewalk is a tough, rigorous and challenging process with a real emphasis on ensuring that pupils find their ‘top gear.'

From my own experience, the twelve months were physically and mentally demanding, but equally, pupillage at Ropewalk was enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding.

The format and structure of pupillage was something I found particularly impressive. I spent a total of six months with my main Pupil Supervisor, but in addition, I was mentored by no less than six ‘temporary Supervisors.' I spent one month with each of these temporary Supervisors, causing me to be exposed to the wide spectrum of civil work undertaken by Chambers. This work included personal injury, clinical negligence, planning, insolvency, employment, housing and discrimination law.

Each of my Supervisors had their own distinct way of approaching, preparing and conducting their cases so during pupillage I was able to carry out my own assessment of these alternative methods and styles. This allowed me to experiment during my ‘second six' by putting these various techniques into practice in order to establish which techniques suited me best. At all times, whether it was through written work or advocacy, Chambers actively encouraged me to find ‘my own voice.'

Pupillage at Ropewalk was not just about spending my time shadowing seven individuals. There was a much bigger picture in that each and every member of Chambers, regardless of seniority, was prepared to assist with any of my questions or queries. I could not have hoped for a better network of support.
My progress and performance was closely monitored throughout the duration of the twelve months. From day one, I received detailed feedback on every piece of work I completed. On a more formal basis, I received a quarterly review where both a senior member of the Pupillage Committee and my Pupil Supervisor would be in attendance. This provided an essential opportunity to harness the views and contributions made by the members of Chambers for whom I had completed work during the three months preceding the respective review. I found these reviews to be most helpful in alerting me to the key areas which were in need of improvement and in providing me with the necessary guidance in how to make such improvements as quickly and as effectively as possible.

Pupillage at Ropewalk is a real challenge, but if it is met with drive, enthusiasm, passion, commitment and ambition, pupillage will equip you with a solid foundation upon which to build a busy and successful practice.