Joshua will be getting on his feet on 1st April. Joshua has had an excellent first-six and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him. We managed to grab Joshua for a few minutes to ask some questions about his journey so far:
What have you been up to in your first-six?
Clare Porter-Phillips is my pupil supervisor; I have spent a significant amount of my time with Clare and her very busy practice, but I have also spent some time with Lisa Edmunds, Kerri O’Neill, Jess Purchase and Jenna Lucas. I have been really lucky to experience the true breadth of family law practice.
It’s needless to say that I haven’t undertaken pupillage at any other chambers, but I think the way Clare and I have ran my first-six has been unique (for the better). Ever since I settled into pupillage (which was around two months in), I have been preparing Clare’s cases in my own right: the practice management team sends me the papers for the week, I prep for all of the cases/conferences independently, and then Clare and I come together to discuss. Encouragingly, our views are very rarely apart from one another. Clare will then usually ask me to ‘open’ the case to her, or she might ask me to do an excerpt of my cross-examination etc. I have been in the mode of being on my feet for quite some time now, because I’ve been effectively pretending to be on my feet, and I know that has helped to build my confidence and, I hope, will help me to have a smooth run into the real thing.
What would you say has been the highlight of your first-six?
There have been so many… particularly in recent months because all of my learning has come together. I was involved in FLBA advocacy training recently – my feedback from the judge was fantastic, and really gave me a boost of confidence. I recently drafted an agreed factual matrix in a case involving cross allegations of abuse between the parents, and a skeleton argument in relation to whether a non-subject child should be permitted to intervene in public law proceedings, the feedback from Clare, the judiciary and colleagues was really positive.
Generally speaking, having the opportunity to work with Clare has been the biggest highlight; she really has invested a lot of time and energy into me, which is absolutely paying off, and I’m very grateful to her for that.
Are you looking forward to getting on your feet?
Yes! This has been years in the making. I’m so excited and, most importantly, I feel ready.
What types of cases can people instruct you on?
I do everything that chambers does, generally – I would be delighted to accept instructions on all types of family law cases: public law, private law, injunctions, financial remedy etc.
Have you got any cases in your diary in your first week?
Yes! My diary is already filling up. I’m officially on my feet on Friday 1st April (April Fool’s Day, coincidentally), but starting the following Monday I have a final hearing on a placement application.
How would you describe your style?
Assuming you mean my style as an advocate, and not what I look for while I’m shopping (usually) in Zara… I am often described and complimented by colleagues as being very calm, considered and hard-working. I would agree with those observations. I would also say that I really do care – I care about what I’m doing, I care about the impact I am having on people’s lives and I care, therefore, to make sure that I am always committed to doing the very best that I’m capable of.
If you would like to learn more about Joshua’s background and experience, check out his bio.
If you are interested in instructing Joshua, you can reach us at [email protected] or 03330 154 121.