Pupil Isabella Brunton shares her experience of her first week ‘on her feet’

Monday

My last day of first six. Whilst eagerly anticipating the week to come when my practising certificate kicked in the next day, I made my way to an employment noting brief for an internal ‘SOSR’ disciplinary hearing. As the only instructions pupils are permitted to accept in their first six, noting briefs are a great way to do your own work and meet new people. This instance even meant I was able to witness the meetings prior to a tribunal claim, which usually barristers would not be privy to, so it was an interesting experience.

Tuesday

The first papers in my name started to appear in my inbox. I got to work on employment merits assessments and infant quantum advice documents – having to get used to signing my papers with my own name! I got an early insight into the last minute nature of the profession when my case for the next day settled at 2pm and by 5pm I was receiving new instructions for 10am the next morning. The start of second six is a great time to attend outreach events, as I am experiencing junior practice myself for the first time. On Tuesday evening I joined my colleagues at a networking event for BPP at Newcastle University, where I spoke to a lot of ambitious aspiring barristers.

Wednesday

Following an early (and rainy) drive down to Middlesborough in the morning, I met my opponent and client in my first small claim RTA. On the papers I had not been optimistic about our prospects of defending the claim, but in cross-examination it became clear that there were inconsistencies in the claimant’s account, so I was pleased that the judge awarded a result of split liability. It was a nerve-racking but rewarding first case, and in the afternoon I went back to Chambers to switch my employment law brain on in advance of the next day.

Thursday

I spent the morning in our Leeds Chambers preparing for a mock employment tribunal run by Blacks Solicitors. Acting as counsel for the respondent two days into my second six in front of almost 100 professionals was a unique experience, but I thoroughly enjoyed cross-examining on the topical area of menopausal discrimination and luckily, Sophie Firth was a very fair judge.

Once again I took the opportunity to speak to aspiring barristers, this time at the BPP Leeds offices, where I sat on a panel together with three barristers from various Chambers, talking about life at the Bar. I enjoyed speaking to students about my experiences of the Bar course and pupillage applications.

Friday

The new age of virtual hearings meant that I was able to do my stage 3 telephone hearing from Chambers in the morning. I take great comfort in knowing my colleagues are only on the other side of the wall if I have any queries and thankfully, as my hearing was the first slot of the day, I was still left with plenty of time to work on papers and my cases for next week before enjoying a restful weekend.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first week ‘on my feet’, particularly beginning to develop my own style of cross-examination following six months of observing others. I look forward to building my practice and I am now receiving instructions in employment and civil matters. My pupil supervisors are Amy Rumble and Claire Millns.