Reflecting on my first six months as a Crown Chambers Pupil – Kirsten Lowes
Reflecting on my non-practising period of pupillage, I cannot believe how the time has flown and that I am almost ready to start receiving my own cases. I am feeling such a mix of emotions of excitement and nerves. I have been incredibly lucky to have Naomi Maddison KC as my pupil supervisor as she is not only an incredible advocate and someone to aspire to be like in my future practice but has been amazing at calming my nerves and being a member of chambers who I can go to for any questions or extra support.
Looking back to my first day of pupillage, I remember going to Grimsby County Court with Grace Flint, excited to start my journey as a barrister but also utterly terrified that I wouldn’t make a good impression, the imposter syndrome well and truly kicked in. When I look back at myself on the first day of pupillage, I just needed to give myself a shake and say, ‘you’ve worked so hard to be here you have earned this’. I am grateful that I was able to spend my first day with Grace as she was extremely helpful and a calming presence. We observed a Case Management Hearing, and a remote FHDRA, which 20 minutes before hand, my internet decided to shut down. I could not believe this was happening on my first day. Luckily, my internet decided to kick back in and was able to join the hearing. It was at this point I knew if I could make it past this crisis, I could do anything.
Crown Chambers is a common law set, which appealed to me when applying as I would have the opportunity to have such a wide-ranging practice. Over the last 6 months I have had the opportunity to observe such a wide variety of cases in crime, family and civil, ranging from junior work to some of the most complex cases.
For my first 3 months of pupillage, I was shadowing members of chambers who practice in family law. I have witnessed a wide variety of family law matters from public and private children’s law to financial remedies. With my supervisor being Kings Counsel, I was lucky enough to observe some of the most complex family law hearings in the jurisdiction and being able to assist Naomi with these cases was a surreal moment for me and something I will look back on in my future practice.
During my time observing criminal law, I shadowed David Godfrey during 4 separate trials, both prosecuting and defending. I was able to witness David successfully prosecute 3 complex matters all of which involved multiple complainants. David challenged me with preparing opening speeches and planning cross-examinations which I dove straight into. Alongside shadowing David, I have had the opportunity to shadow junior members of the criminal team, on a wide variety of criminal matter to prepare me on what type of work I will be doing when I am on my feet. This experience has been immensely beneficial to my future practice as it has helped me develop my own style of advocacy which I will take into my second six of pupillage.
Everyone at Crown Chambers have been incredibly supportive of me and my co-pupil, Poppy, on our pupillage journey. Though I have moved away from my hometown of Sunderland, I feel at home here in Hull and at Crown Chambers. Members of chambers have made me feel extremely welcome at Crown and I know that I am able to reach out to anybody at chambers for any help or support I feel I may need.
Reflecting on my first day of pupillage, if I could give out one piece of advice, it would be that it is ok to feel nervous, everyone feels that way but to fully immerse yourself into the experience because before you know it, you will be in second six. Pupillage so far has truly been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I am extremely grateful to Crown Chambers for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing pupillage, and I am excited to begin my second six of pupillage.
