Survey Results - Trainee feedback on 2 Bedford Row

The lowdown - Pupils (in their own words) on 2 Bedford Row

We sent The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Pupil and Junior Barrister survey to pupils and juniors up to two years in tenancy at 2 Bedford Row. Here is what they had to say:

Why did you choose these chambers over any others? 

‘Prior to completing pupillage, I worked for a solicitors firm who instructed chambers on a regular basis.  Each member of chambers that I had met were both friendly, approachable and supportive of my finding pupillage.  Since being a pupil in chambers, the initial feeling I had from members of chambers that 2 Bedford Row was a supportive, warm and friendly place have been affirmed’, ‘high quality of work in serious crime and the overall chambers support systems in place’ 

How does your training compare with what you hear from pupils at other chambers? 

‘Something that surprised me when speaking to pupils at other chambers was that they do not have regular advocacy training with chambers.  At 2BR, we have weekly advocacy sessions varying from talks from members of chambers to practical exercises to practise our advocacy which made me feel far more confident when getting onto my feet.  It is also really good that all members of chambers from the joint head of chambers, KCs, all the way down to the very junior members of chambers and third six pupils have given up their time to assist with this training’ 

‘Hearing from pupils at other chambers made me realise that pupillage at 2 Bedford Row surpasses all expectation and is without doubt an exceptional experience. This is something that I knew from the outset but which I have not taken for granted after hearing from other pupils. From the first day, I was trusted with real responsibility and high-quality work which has only continued throughout pupillage. This expose has meant that I have been able to develop and learn quickly’ 

Best thing about chambers? 

‘The best thing about chambers is the amount of support you receive from it’s tenants. I have just started as a second six pupil and no matter the time of day I can pick up the phone to a very recent tenant, a tenant of nine years, or the head of chambers and they will be happy to assist me with my query and support me through any question or concern I have.  Likewise, the pupillage committee and head of pupillage is very supportive of our wellbeing and this cannot be undervalued in a job this chaotic’ 

‘Chambers’ unity between members and support system, as well as Chambers’ exposure to high quality criminal work.  Also, the fact that Chambers does not prioritise or select on the basis of traditional backgrounds but instead gives serious consideration to the applicant for who they are and not where they are from’ 

Worst thing about chambers? 

‘I am not sure there is a “worst” thing about chambers.  I honestly could not fault it.  There are issues at the criminal bar that can negatively impact on pupillage but my concerns are not specific to chambers’ 

‘It can be difficult to strike a work/life balance given chambers’ reputation and strong relationships with solicitors as this means there is an abundance of work, however chambers has a strong support system and wellbeing team in place who assist with this’ 

Best moment to date? 

The best moment of my training was during my first six pupillage, I accompanied my pupil supervisor,  on a three week-long attempted murder trial.  It was originally only listed for two weeks but every single issue came to light within this trial which made for a fantastic learning experience, but also meant the trial was extended and it was a very tiring experience too.  A lot of hard work went into the trial from my pupil supervisor and with my help, and I will never forget what was a glorious acquittal at the end of such a hard, long three weeks.  It was the moment I realised that this job is extremely rewarding and what I wanted to do for the rest of my life; if I am lucky enough to get tenancy’, ‘being involved in an application for a writ of Habeas Corpus’ 

Worst moment so far? 

‘The worst moment of my training to date has probably been a time where I was dealing with some very difficult personal circumstances and had to still get up and go to work.  This is not the type of job where you can just decide that things are difficult at the moment and not turn up, so that can make it difficult, as the job is so intense.  However, my pupil supervisor was aware of my circumstances and was incredibly helpful in supporting me and easing my work load where possible to ensure I put my health first and that I was still able to cope in the midst of these personal issues’, ‘some of the most overwhelming moments that come with being a second six pupil at any chambers’ 

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

‘Chambers has a good relationship with Advocate and a number of members of chambers are involved in pro bono work, particularly in other areas of law.  There have been a number of emails go round encouraging tenants to take part in pro bono work’