Matthew Morrison

Name: Matthew Morrison
Employer: Serle Court Chambers
University: Oxford University
Subject: law
Graduated: 2000

Securing a mini-pupillage

I completed a mini-pupillage at 20 Essex Street in my second year as an undergraduate. The application process involved sending a CV and covering letter. I included references from my college tutors to offer an independent view of my abilities, as the selection was made without interview.

Mini-pupillage experiences

I sat with my mini-pupil supervisor throughout the mini-pupillage. I read sets of papers, researched discrete points of law and discussed how cases had been conducted and what the next steps should be. This gave me a good insight into commercial litigation. I also attended a hearing in the commercial court – this was my first experience of seeingbarristers on the front line. I was impressed by their ability to think quickly and coherently in response to rigorous judicial questioning and bring skeleton arguments to life. However, the most important element of the mini-pupillage was meeting a large number of tenants.

Life as a barrister

Serle Court is a very friendly set and I socialise with both senior and junior members at chambers’ events. I’ve experienced a wide variety of practice through rotating pupil supervisors. As a pupil I usually produce notes on discrete points of law and first versions of pleadings, opinions and other legal documents – it’s an opportunity to draft with a ‘safety net’. It’s satisfying to see elements of my work reach the final product.