Survey Results - Trainee feedback on St Philips Chambers

The lowdown - Pupils (in their own words) on St Philips Chambers

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

Why did you choose these chambers over any others?

‘Genuine, approachable members who were friendly and had a community feel’, ‘the friendly atmosphere and approach – you are not just a number’,
‘they offered a specialist pupillage; high quality of work; high ranking in The Legal 500

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

‘I think we get better training than other chambers’, ‘better than that of pupils at other chambers’, ‘it was comprehensive – particularly useful to shadow more junior members of chambers in months 5 and 6 to get a flavour of the type of work I would be undertaking’, ‘greater contact and support from supervisors; more opportunities; several pupils at once provides better support and social opportunities’

Best thing about chambers?

‘The people’, ‘the community aspect and feeling of support’, ‘the facilities and the work’, ‘the people’, ‘the people; the support. Members and staff all look out for you. They know the support you need and ensure you get it’

Worst thing about chambers?

‘The building is ugly’, ‘the printers – always breaking down!’, ‘less members are regularly in chambers so at times it can be quiet’

Best moment to date?

‘Doing my first hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice’, ‘junioring for a senior member of chambers’, ‘not guilty verdict in a jury trial’, ‘I got to see multiple murder trials and got positive feedback for the majority of advocacy exercises I completed’, ‘seeing my skills and confidence genuinely improve based on productive feedback’

Worst moment to date?

‘Having a judge be quite rude in court such that my opponent provided empathy and a few comments effectively saying ‘I am sorry this happened to you’ afterwards’, ‘trying to navigate the trains for travel’,
‘adapting to second six’

CSR/Pro bono?

‘It is available if you want to do it’, ‘good’