Pupillage at 7 Bedford Row

Patricia Leonard
(Pupil 2007-2008.  Tenant from October 2008).

We’ve all heard the horror stories about Pupillage- standing in front of the window to shade a pupil supervisor’s eyes, making endless cups of tea for all and sundry, working through endless piles of photocopying – no wonder I was apprehensive! Thankfully, Pupillage at 7 Bedford Row was a complete contrast to these scenarios. 

I spent my first six months with a Pupil Supervisor who specialised in personal injury and clinical negligence. He suggested that we had a first meeting a few days before I started so that I could hit the ground running on day one. Running would become familiar! From the very beginning, I was drafting advices and pleadings, as well as attending trials, inquests and various other hearings. I also had the opportunity to shadow other members of chambers if they had a particularly interesting trial and while I frequently did work for other members of Chambers, my Pupil Supervisor was careful to manage my work load. 

Throughout Pupillage, 7 Bedford Row would set a range of exercises for the pupils. This was clearly to benefit the Pupils - Senior Members of Chambers certainly did not need practice at being a witness or making a bail application! However, these exercises were great confidence builders and taught us how to deal with practical and tactical problems we subsequently encountered in court. 

During the second six, I had a second Pupil Supervisor. As he was involved in a multi million pound fraud trial I received an unparalleled opportunity to see the mechanisms of a large trial in action. I watched the cross examination of expert witnesses and heard the speeches and submissions of Silks. I also had my own cases and relished being in court. The variety was hugely enjoyable – my first few cases included an application in the High Court, defending a dangerous driving charge and conducting a trial involving a road traffic accident. 

Although 7 Bedford Row is one of the largest common law sets in the UK, its size is still comfortable. Members take time to introduce themselves and develop good working relationships with Pupils. The atmosphere is very open and collaborative, everyone is very approachable. Within weeks of starting my Second Six I approached one of the top Silks in Chambers to ask his advice on an area of law - he took the time to sit with me and outline his experience and recommended approach. Even today, as a tenant, I regularly benefit from asking other Members’ advice. 

Although Pupillage is a challenging experience, Chambers will provide you with support and advice, as well as kind words as the Tenancy decision looms closer. I was also fortunate to benefit from the support of my fellow pupils and forge strong relationships with them during our pupillage year. Now that all three of us are Tenants at 7 Bedford Row, we will continue to support each other as our careers develop. 

If you are someone who wants to be challenged in a supportive environment I would encourage you to apply to 7 Bedford Row.