Jessica P.
About me
| Jessica P. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| Undergraduate | |
| James | |
| 2010 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Barrister | |
| New Square Chambers | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Legal services | |
| Small business (0-49 employees) | |
| 2018 |
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A day in the life of a Barrister in the United Kingdom
Today's job market is difficult, and competitive, and will only become more so as a result of the pandemic and Brexit. Remember that you work to live, not live to work!
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I am a self-employed barrister at New Square Chambers, a chancery set in Lincoln's Inn, London.
What do you do?
I specialise in insolvency, company and commercial law, representing clients in largely contentious, but some non-contentious matters.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I decided at a very young age that I wanted to be a barrister. I am not from a legal background, although my mom has been a magistrate for years, and so was influenced by what I saw on TV! I started gaining experience in my early teens by doing work experience in a Magistrates' and Crown Court. Later, I did some mini-pupillages and a nine-month gap year placement at a law firm.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
No.
Describe your most memorable day at work
It's difficult to pick a single day. Some days are memorable because of personal achievements e.g. the first time I appeared in the High Court, or when I was successful in applying to be on the Attorney General's Panel. Some days are memorable because they were not particularly pleasant e.g. obtaining judgment against a defendant with a terminal illness. Other days are memorable because I feel that I did my job very well, be it persuading a difficult judge, or conducting an effective cross-examination.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I wrote for Nouse, and the Law Society journal. I was also Bar Secretary of the Law Society, and organised events such as a trip to London to attend a dinner at Inner Temple.
I volunteered with the York Youth Offending Team, acting as an appropriate adult in the police station when a young person was arrested, and attending Youth Court.
I also had part-time jobs in pubs, restaurants and at York Racecourse. Additionally, during the holidays, I did legal work experience, including mini-pupillages and working at a solicitors firm.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Be prepared to be flexible, and don't be concerned that the job you begin after graduation will be your job for the rest of your life. Today's job market is difficult, and competitive, and will only become more so as a result of the pandemic and Brexit. Remember that you work to live, not live to work!
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Post-graduate legal study, training to be a solicitor or barrister, life as a barrister etc.
Next steps...
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