Survey Results - Trainee feedback on 1GC Family Law

The lowdown - Pupils (in their own words) on 1GC Family Law

We sent The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Pupil and Junior Barrister survey to pupils and juniors up to two years in tenancy at 1GC Family Law. Here is what they had to say:

Why did you choose these chambers over any others? 

‘Reputation; quality of mini pupillage; quality of pupillage application process’, ‘1GC is at the top of its field in all areas of family law – it is in an almost unique position in that respect’, ‘area of law, reputation, availability of high-end work, variety of work, collegiate atmosphere’ 

How does your training compare with what you hear from pupils/juniors at other firms? 

‘My training was head and shoulders above that of my peers. Even during a Covid pupillage, I felt well-integrated into chambers life and well-informed about my future career at the bar’, ‘it feels more supported. Chambers feels more friendly and collaborative than others I hear about.’ 

Best thing about chambers? 

‘Colleagues are extremely knowledgeable and supportive’, ‘the two best things about chambers are the work and the people. The juniors all get on incredibly well (eight of us have just been on a holiday together) and the seniors are kind, generous with their time and extremely approachable. The quality of work is also incredibly strong’, ‘the people and support available to help me excel and grow in my career’ 

Worst thing about chambers? 

‘Lack of permanent desk and storage space’, ‘nothing particular to chambers – being a barrister is stressful and this is unavoidable. Chambers does in fact do lots to help with this – we had a specialist family law therapist come in recently to speak with everyone’, ‘I can’t think of anything particularly bad. Perhaps the information we had from chambers before going on our feet re: practising certificates, billing, allocated clerk, expected processes. I think we were supposed to have a session on this pre second six, but it didn’t happen, although I didn’t chase it’ 

Best moment so far? 

‘A successful appeal’, ‘assisting with a high-profile client’s case in the High Court’, ‘being able to attend Court of Appeal and High Court hearings to shadow KCs and senior members of chambers in highly- relevant and important cases’ 

How would you rate the availability of pro bono and/or CSR-related opportunities in your chambers? 

‘Very good, more than I can possibly engage with all of the opportunities available’, ‘very good’, ‘good, we receive monthly emails about advocate work. I am not aware of other pro bono avenues’