Rebecca Taggart

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I started pupillage in March 2022 and became a tenant in March 2023. Prior to starting I was made to feel very welcome by everyone in chambers and was included in chambers events. Everyone was friendly and was willing to provide advice and support given I was relocating.

Within my first week I was attending court and conferences with my pupil supervisor. As my first six went on I spent time with other members of chambers and was able to see how different barristers approached things. I largely did civil and criminal law during my first six as this best suited my background and experience.

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In my first month I attended an inquest which involved a death that took place in hospital. The deceased had cancer and a number of issues with his kidneys which meant he was often presenting in a confused state. A complicating factor was that days prior to his death he was assaulted by security staff resulting in a fracture to his sternum. During the inquest, evidence was given by a number of expert witnesses and witnesses of fact.

Another noticeable hearing I attended was a criminal trial where there were a number of defendants charged with supply of a class B drug. This case was particularly interesting as one of the Defendants had raised a defence of modern slavery.

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I also attended a number of conferences with my pupil supervisor with experts in clinical negligence cases where liability and causation were explored. I also attended a conference in a high value personal injury case where the Claimant had suffered life threatening injuries. Allegations were made of fundamental dishonesty due to surveillance footage being obtained which undermined the Claimant’s position.

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When I was not in court, I would have papers to keep me busy. This would include pleadings, advices on liability and quantum and skeleton arguments. My pupil supervisor would go through these with me and would offer constructive feedback and advice. We would also often discuss the different approaches taken and the subjective nature of advice.

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Throughout pupillage while I was able to see a number of high value and complex cases, I also attended a number of interlocutory hearings, small claims and criminal matters in the magistrates with more junior members of chambers to ensure I was comfortable and familiar with the types of work I would be doing in second six.

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During second six my pupil supervisor would check in each day at the start to ensure that I was comfortable with my case for the next day and to answer any questions and advise if needed.

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Everyone in chambers was supportive including the clerks who would ensure that cases were appropriate for my level of experience. On a number of occasions, I would find myself calling my pupil supervisor or one of the other barristers at short notice for advice on something that had arisen at court and everyone was always happy to help.

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Rachel Clarkson

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My pupillage lasted for 12 months with a first and second six. For the first six I spent my time with Dan Wood, my pupil supervisor, and other members of Chambers to ensure I saw a wide range of cases and hearing types in different practice areas, including immigration work which I had expressed an interest in during my interview. Whilst in first six I took notes on everything from the law to court etiquette.

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Second six saw a variety of family, civil and criminal cases in a range of courts. Everyone at Chambers supported me and was available for any questions I had. A normal day in second six started the night before when I received confirmation of what my day would look like, usually I had one or two hearings in different courts and within different practice areas. I then prepared for the following day and had a call with Dan to answer any questions I may have had. When at court I took as many notes as I could to make writing orders and attendance notes easier.

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I have learnt so much in both first and second six with the range of work I have seen and done. I thoroughly enjoyed pupillage at Charterhouse Chambers.

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Emily Kay

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I joined Charterhouse Chambers as a Pupil in September 2024 although I had a reduced pupillage Chambers ensured I saw a variety of cases including those that I would be dealing with when on my feet.

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When in my first six and attending civil hearings, I shadowed my Pupil Supervisor, Daniel Wood. Before each hearing, I was sent the papers to read and then we discussed the case in detail. Dan was always happy to answer any questions I had and always made time to make sure I understood the relevant law.

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In my second six and into tenancy, I was instructed on a range of matters and a month into tenancy I had been instructed on my first Crown Court Trial. I have been instructed on multi-day fact find hearings, final hearings and Crown Court trials. I have also handled fast track trials, small claims trials and jurisdictional claims. Chambers has also given me the opportunity to undertake written probate work.

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Everyone in Chambers is extremely helpful and supportive. If I ever have a question, they are all happy to discuss with me over the phone. Once pupillage ends- the support doesn't! 

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A Day in the life of a Second-Six Pupil at Charterhouse - Rachel Clarkson

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I started second six on 2nd April 2024 and so far it has been a great experience. I have enjoyed all aspects of second six and felt prepared following first six.

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A typical day for me begins the day or evening before when I receive the papers and details of my cases for the next day from the Clerks. In a usual day I have one or two hearings however some days this can be more. The cases tend to be relating to a non-molestation order, first appearances and sentencings and possession proceedings amongst others.

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The first thing I do is check where the hearings are, what time I need to be there and how best to get there, whether it is to drive or go on the train.

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After this I read the papers, conduct any research required and complete my notes for the hearing. Once this is done my pupil supervisor will give me a ring to see if I have any questions and to offer helpful tips and advice for the hearings. If I have a family case, I will check with other family practitioners at Chambers if I have any questions, and the same with any criminal cases. Following speaking with either Dan or another member of Chambers I confirm I have included their advice in any notes and if needed complete further research. I find it useful if an order will be needed following the hearing to complete a draft header and fill in as much information as can be done before the hearing

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If I have two hearings in a day usually the first hearing is in the morning then another in the afternoon. These are often in different courts. As an example, one day last week I had an application for a possession order in Liverpool County Court at 10am then a further hearing in Manchester County Court in the afternoon. I went into Chambers first to collect some printing and then headed to court for 9:30am to meet with the client for conference in order to confirm instructions, take any further instructions and inform the client of the procedure of the hearing. Once in the hearing submissions from both parties were made to the judge and any questions answered. At the end of the hearing it is important to obtain the judge’s email address if I am going to be drafting the order.

Following the completion of the hearing I phoned the solicitor with the outcome and followed this up with an attendance note and the draft order.

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I then had to rush across to Manchester for pre-hearing discussions in a family case at 1pm. Pre-hearing discussions in family cases usually start an hour before the hearing time. These are with the client, any social worker or CAFCASS and the other parties. There are usually a lot

of discussions between the parties’ legal representatives or if one party is not legally represented with the litigant in person, to see if an agreement can be reached. Once in court as the Applicant in this case was not represented I explained the positions of both parties and the Applicant then confirmed the position and gave their submissions. I was then able to respond on behalf of the Respondent and then the court provided a decision. After the hearing there is a post-hearing conference to confirm the client understands what has happened and the next steps. Following this again the outcome is phoned to the solicitors and an attendance note sent across along with the draft order that is sent to the court also.

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Although second six has been challenging as I often encounter new things, my confidence has quickly increased in my ability to handle these situations. I look forward to continuing second six and obtaining Tenancy.

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How to apply for pupillage with Charterhouse Chambers...

~Within the timeframe of the Gateway prospective pupils (who have obtained a minimum upper second-class honours undergraduate degree) are asked to send in a hand-written covering letter and CV.

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~First interviews are held by video with applicants receiving a problem question 24 hours before.

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~The candidates who we feel may be the most suitable for pupillage at Charterhouse are invited for a second, in-person interview in Chambers.

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~Successful candidate(s) will receive the minimum Bar Standards Award monthly, and are fully expected to secure tenancy on completion of pupillage.

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