Life as a Pupil at Crucible.

Welcome to the first update from Crucible's pupils, Roxanna and Victoria: a brief insight into life as a pupil during their first month on their feet.

Roxanna Whittaker-Lewis.

As I finish my first month, I'm reflecting on the strides I've made and the experiences I've gained. Under the capable supervision of Ben Rowe, who took me from first to second six, my first day was at the Old Bailey, where I remember marshalling while considering a career as a barrister. Walking into one of the historic courtrooms in my wig and gown was one of the highlights of my first month. Representing clients and engaging in advocacy has been intense but thoroughly enjoyable. My first six set me up well for having the confidence to make sound decisions and solve problems. Instead of nerves, I've found my focus drawn to the work at hand. Beginning in the magistrates' court with my clients has provided an opportunity to dive straight into the fray. The atmosphere is indeed bustling, but it's clear that everyone is committed to doing their best for the individuals whose lives hang in the balance. I've learned that one of my strongest attributes is problem-solving, and it's been a big feature of my first month. I've had the chance to handle a range of cases, including extradition matters and youth court matters and some prosecution cases. While I take pride in managing my caseload, I also value the chance to collaborate with chamber members. Assisting them with research and casework has been instrumental in building up my legal experience. Equally, I am looking forward to continuing our advocacy sessions from the perspective of being on my feet.

Victoria Taylor.

Getting ‘on your feet’ is a crucial point in pupillage. You have been building up to this moment in your first six, through shadowing, advocacy exercises and drafting practice.

Just before getting on our feet, we were lucky enough to get some real courtroom experience during an advocacy evening at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Crucible pupils, along with three other criminal sets, appeared in front of two Crown Court judges in mock hearings. We were given pretend clients, witnesses, police officers and probation officers to deal with outside of Court. This experience allowed us to get the nerves of being in a real court, in front of a real judge, out of our system. We were able to make the silly mistakes (note to self – never walk in front of the Bench while the judge is sitting!) and feel like we’d got the first day on our feet out of the way before we actually did it.

When the real first day came along, I was terrified but excited to be at Inner London Crown Court. I got there ridiculously early, with my freshly starched collarette and my bright white wig. I was instructed to appear for the defendant while the prosecution offered no evidence. I said about three words, but I was relieved to know that words did actually come out of my mouth!

Fast forward to today, and I am six weeks in. I no longer feel the abject terror of speaking in court (except sometimes in the Crown Court). I have learned some lessons the hard way and I have been saved from others by our junior tenants in chambers.

The best lessons I have learned are that I actually can do this job, and that despite the chaos, I absolutely love it!