All those years ago, when I first envisaged starting a pupillage, I did not imagine dialling into Court hearings via my iPhone at a desk in my bedroom. But alas, we were hit with a pandemic and the legal landscape changed for everyone. Although I relish the thought of meeting my fellow pupils, getting to know the Barristers within Chambers and grabbing a coffee with new colleagues between hearings, there is something to be said with how Crown Chambers and the rest of the legal professional has adapted to the ‘new normal.’

I started my pupillage with Crown Chambers in January 2021, and by that time I believe Courts and practitioners had gotten into the swing of remote hearings. I sympathise with the many pupils who had their pupillage put on hold or who were undertaking pupillage at a time where hearings were at a standstill. However, I have been very lucky in that I have been able to start my training period at a time where the family courts are full steam ahead – which has meant that ultimately one of the only things I have missed out on is shaking people’s hands.

During telephone hearings, I have noticed that it can be hard to pick up on social cues you otherwise would be able to read in Court. Yet, members of the bar are able to exercise patience, respect other advocates when making their submissions and most importantly (and perhaps the biggest change of all) allow for flexibility when telephone technology decides to kick you out!

Luckily, I have still been able to see and hear lots of different styles of advocacy, be involved in a variety of hearings with a diversity of issues and gain new skills. I am happy to have been able to hit the ground running with pupillage and I look forward to moving towards a more hybrid version of the bar in the coming months. 

Jazmine Lee – Pupil