Pupillage Top Ten: Recovering from an Unsuccessful Year
The season is over, and the offers are now out. For those who secured pupillage, a huge congratulations. If you are one of the many for whom it has not worked out, this piece is for you. There are others of you still waiting on reserve lists who may feel like your future is dependent on decisions made by somebody else – I hope this can give you some comfort also. I also wish you the best of luck over the coming days/weeks.
In preparation for this post, I spoke to a number of my peers who had secured pupillage on their second, third or fourth attempt. I want to share our collective advice on how to get through this difficult period.
IN THE SHORT TERM
1. Self-care. You are dealing with what can feel like a significant loss. For many of us, this is the first time we have dealt with this amount of rejection. It is okay to feel devastated. You have probably been going through this process for 4 – 6 months. If this is your second or third time, it may feel like it has already taken up years of your life. Take some time away from it all and return to other things you enjoy. Eat good food. Binge on Netflix. Read a non-law book. Spend time with friends and family (in whatever way the law permits). Pick up your hobbies again. Rest. For me, continuing to perform comedy was absolutely key.
2. Remember it is a job. I recognise this is much easier to say when you do have pupillage and much harder to hear when you do not. The point I am trying to make is that when going through this competitive and all-consuming process, it can be easy to let being a barrister completely define you. However, there is more to life than getting pupillage. An unsuccessful year does not dictate your intelligence, abilities and self-worth. It does not take away from how much you have achieved up to this point.
3. Do not be disheartened. As somebody who received a number of final rounds and more reserves than what seemed normal, I remember being told if you are good enough to get final rounds, then you are good enough to get pupillage. Realise that at the final stages, the difference between your “failure” and another candidate’s “success” can often be minuscule. Some of the best barristers and top QCs had to apply more than once – it is the nature of the beast.
4. Talk to others. Reach out to your peers who may be experiencing this too. Go back to your Inn and speak to members of the profession who have been through this before you. It is time to take advantage of the collegiality of the Bar. You do not have to experience this alone.
5. Let this year go. Let it die a death and look forward to next year. It is permissible to grieve for what may have been but do not let yourself wallow in your misery. Understand that every year is different, even if you apply to the same sets. The competition is different, and you will be asked different questions from different people. Most importantly, you will be different!
IN THE LONGER TERM
6. Feedback. Ask for it. Not all sets give it but you lose nothing by asking. Some good detailed feedback from even just one set can really help you figure out your next move.
7. Make a game plan. But only once you are ready. This could be mere days or weeks from now and that is okay. Reflect on the feedback. Think about gaps in your CV and if there is something you could do over the next year to fill them. Reach out to your Inn and to your mentors for help and advice. Do mock interviews, stay on top of legal developments and improve your application. Remember, next year is not this year and you now have some time to get back in fighting shape.
8. Advocacy. After the BPTC, it can be challenging to keep up your advocacy skills. Keep your eye open for opportunities that ensure these do not slip. Examples include the Free Representation Unit, becoming a school governor or volunteering with a legal advice clinic.
9. Keep a life outside of the Bar. Remember the point earlier about not letting it define you? It is absolutely necessary to maintain your interests outside of the law. Not only will it make you a more interesting candidate, but it will also keep you sane and happy, which is the real benefit.
10. It is ok to be done. Just because you have five years from completion of the BPTC to apply for pupillage, it does not mean you have to keep going for five years. We all have different personal circumstances that mean this choice is not the same for everybody. If you have reached the end with the process, that is completely understandable. Being a barrister is just one type of job. There are many good careers (law and non-law) beyond being a barrister that you will find fulfilling and at which you will excel. Make the decision that is right for you.