Advocate welcomes new second six pupils!

Congratulations to all pupil barristers who have just begun, or are due to shortly begin, your second six months of pupillage.

We hope you are looking forward to getting out on your feet, and one great way to do this can be to take on some pro bono work with Advocate!

Sign up here and we will be in touch with more information.

In summary:

• Sign up to browse our full case list, the choice of what to take on and when is yours.
• Opt in to receive a weekly email of cases and receive access to the members’ area of our website.
• All work has first been reviewed by a senior barrister and they recommend the level of call required to take on the case. Second six pupils are looking at cases with “Any Call” or “1+ call”.
• You can have 48 hours with the papers before confirming your assistance. You will also have the review decision that you can take to your pupil supervisor, showing the case is eligible for pro bono assistance.
• You can request the support on a mentor when working on the case, through Advocate’s mentoring scheme, Collaborate. Someone will be on the end of the phone for you should you have general or procedural questions about the pro bono work.
• Our wonderful casework team is on hand to support you throughout, and simply mention to them if you want the support of a mentor. You can also read our Top Ten Tips for Pro Bono Work.

Here are some fantastic reasons for building pro bono work into your career:

• Help the growing number of people who are in desperate need of legal assistance but cannot afford to pay and make a real difference to their lives.
• Gain valuable advocacy experience and develop key skills around managing clients with the sort of hands-on client experience you might not encounter in your day-to-day practice.
• Develop all round great experience that could assist with tenancy decisions.
• Get your pro bono work recognised through our Pupil Pledge initiative! Taking on just one piece of pro bono work, and we will send you the celebratory Pupil Pledge logo for your email signature and Chambers profile. Sign up here today!

Online seminar for the Young Bar, Thursday 27^th of April, 6-7pm.

Finally, we would love to see you at our upcoming online seminar for the Young Bar that we are holding in partnership with the Young Barristers’ Committee. With perspectives from both the judiciary and the young Bar.

This is a great event for young barristers to learn about the different ways to get involved in pro bono work, and the reasons to do so. All the information is found here: Perspectives on Pro Bono: from young lawyers to judges. We look forward to seeing you there!

“As a barrister two years into my tenancy, I have made pro bono work a central part of my practice. Through pro bono work, I have had the chance to develop my legal skills and knowledge in a practical setting, while also making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The impact of pro bono work goes beyond just the individuals being helped. By providing access to justice to those who might not otherwise have it, we are helping to build a more equitable and just society for all.”

Aaqib Javed, Chair of Young Barristers Advocate, Spire Barristers