3 Lessons from 3 Years at the Bar

Introduction

I started my pupillage in October 2021 at Unit Chambers and have been a Tenant now for 2.5 years. I thought it might be helpful to at least somebody to share 3 lessons from my 3 years at the Bar.  

1.What Wellbeing Really Means

Wellbeing can be somewhat elusive at the Bar. There is a big push at the moment from the powers that be to champion wellbeing, given the significant challenges that come with this job. However, the reality is that being a barrister remains incredibly demanding and it is expected and, indeed, necessary to work most evenings and usually, at some point, during the weekend. Finding ways to incorporate wellbeing practices into this kind of career is an ongoing struggle and I have spoken to multiple senior counsel who say that prioritising wellbeing has essentially been a career-long pursuit that they still haven’t quite got to grips with. 

Of course, wellbeing means something different to everybody, for some it might be running a marathon (no thanks), for others it is a spa day (yes please). It is about finding time for what you enjoy and this is made even more pressing when you have limited time. 

Something that has always helped me is trying to eat well and stay hydrated. I see so many professionals who skip lunch and appear to simply live on coffee. Sure, everyone has different needs when it comes to food intake, but I find my energy levels are much better when I am eating healthy foods and not skipping lunch! I can also see a marked difference in my performance and my clarity of thought when I am well hydrated (I mean water people, not wine…) so I always make sure to have my water bottle with me at Court (and of course, it’s Unit branded). 

Sleep can also be elusive at times in this job. That is something I certainly struggle with, waking up at 3am realising I have forgotten to do something or ruminating on something that has happened in Court. When this happens, I find that classical music helps to calm my mind. It is widely accepted that if you have a good night’s sleep, you will perform better the next day, it also helps with anxiety and decision making. That’s why I don’t feel guilty for having a lie in when I can get one. 

Exercise is also hugely important. It’s tricky to be in a routine in this job as you might be having to travel for a case or up very late or early to prepare for a trial. As a result, sometimes it is difficult to be consistent with an exercise routine. I have found that getting it in where I can is good enough, even if it is just a walk. 

Finally, taking time off is super important as a barrister. Being self-employed comes with the benefit of being able to take time off where the diary permits. Not everybody is built like a machine (you will come across people who appear to be) and in order to be able to sustain the long working hours and demands of this job, time off is crucial. Never be made to feel like you should not take holidays or even just the odd prep/admin day if that is what you need to give yourself a little break or breathing room. 

2. People make the job

Unfortunately, in this job, we sometimes encounter difficult opponents. While you can't control how others approach the work or how they treat you, working on a case with a cooperative and respectful opponent can make a significant difference. It can turn a challenging day in court into a far more positive experience, both in the moment and throughout the case. Combining this with having supportive and approachable colleagues in chambers means the job is made so much easier. 

My approach is that we all have a job to do, we all have our own clients’ interests to protect and we may not agree, but that does not mean we need to be unkind or rude to one another. This job is difficult enough without that. Given we can’t control how other people treat us, I try and not take what others say too personally, however this is absolutely a working progress! It can be difficult being junior in this job because you might be going into Court against someone with 25 years more experience than you, who seems to have seen it all. As more pupils enter into the profession, I always remind myself of the kind of colleague I want to be and make sure I treat everybody with respect and understanding, regardless of their year of call. 

Our clients also make the job. Some will be more challenging to manage and represent than others, but they are why we do the job and there is no better feeling than walking away from Court knowing you have done your absolute best for a client. 

3. You won’t know everything straight away

There is so much to learn in this job and the reality is that we cannot possibly know everything (and we are not expected to), although it may sometimes feel that we are. Of course, we learn the basics in pupillage but we then build from there over the course of many years. When an issue comes up that we don’t have experience of, we then research and do the ‘deep-dive’ at that stage. It is quite an exciting thought that we will always continue to learn in this career and there will always be something we haven’t dealt with before. 

It can be daunting dealing with something you’ve not come across before, particularly in your early years because pretty much everything is new! However, try and see each new area/issue as another string to your bow and that you are adding to your toolbox as you go. Just imagine how full the toolbox will be in a years time, and then in 5 years, 10 years etc. 

It is also prudent to remember that just because somebody is more senior in years than you, it does not mean that they have all the answers. It is natural, particularly in a career at the Bar, to turn to more senior colleagues for advice, guidance and to set an example, but the case may be that they in fact have got something wrong. Always make sure to do your own research as well as asking for advice and do not blindly accept what more senior colleagues may tell you.

Closing Thoughts

This is a tough job, it’s actually more than a job, it’s sort of a lifestyle, but it is one that can be incredibly rewarding at times. A career at the Bar (certainly from a family law perspective) provides a glimpse into many corners of humanity and society. It is a job that carries with it a certain social cachet, which takes some getting used to – remember, you are no better than anybody else. Although I am still at the beginning of my career at the Bar, I feel I have already learnt so much, but know that it is merely the tip of the iceberg!

Written by Isabel Hawkins, Consultant Barrister at Unit Chambers.