Meet Robin

Please describe your journey up until pupillage (education, employment, work experience, mooting, mini-pupillages, pupillage application process etc)  

My journey to the Bar was a slightly winding route which ultimately gave me a solid foundation to undertake pupillage. My studies consisted of a law degree, followed by an LLM in public law. After completing these courses, I worked as a Research Assistant at the Law Commission, which enhanced my ability to draft documents and, as the title suggests, conduct legal research. This experience was followed by a stint as a Judicial Assistant in the Court of Appeal – it was invaluable to observe top KCs argue about complex legal issues and see how they responded to probing judicial interventions. 

During and following my studies, my advocacy skills were honed through mooting and, perhaps even more importantly, by undertaking social security and employment cases with the Free Representation Unit (FRU).  

I also undertook non-legal roles, such as working as a support worker in a supported living home and spent time in Spain as an au pair. Being approachable and communicating effectively with the public, and your instructing solicitors, is crucial for success at the Bar: I would therefore highly recommend non-legal roles to broaden your horizons. 

It took me several application cycles to secure pupillage. I was fortunate to receive reserve places during my unsuccessful attempts, which gave me confidence that I was on the right path. Nevertheless, the time between cycles is tough: it feels like treading water. Once you regularly secure interviews, my advice is to seek experiences that will enable you to perform to the highest standard in an interview setting – securing a role that involves advocacy or, if possible, undertaking FRU cases will give you confidence to shine at interview, and hopefully go on to secure pupillage.  

How did you find the transition from pupil to tenant?  

The transition from pupil to tenant was, at first, a challenging experience, as my initial pupillage was non-practising (with the exception of pro bono cases). During pupillage, I developed substantial drafting experience, which included drafting pleadings, advices and skeletons for use in live cases. I was also assessed by way of advocacy exercises. 

Once I joined 3PB as a probationary tenant, my clerks were supportive during this transitional period. During my first weeks, I was typically instructed on case management hearings rather than full trials, which gave me an opportunity to be on my feet in simpler matters. These cases enabled me to build relationships with instructing solicitors and, following these hearings, I was often retained for the final hearings. I also had a busy paper practice, which built on my experience during pupillage. 

During my probationary tenancy, I developed my skills through assisting members of the Employment and Discrimination Group with their cases. The collegiate environment within Chambers provided me with an excellent support network, which made the transition to full member a smoother process than it might otherwise have been. 

Please describe what your practice is like now (professional development, mentoring schemes, typical working week, caseload, court exposure, work hours, work/life balance, future ambitions)  

My practice consists of regular appearances in the Employment Tribunal across the full span of employment law. This includes undertaking case management hearings, open preliminary hearings (such as disability status, worker status and applications for strike out) and full merits hearings. 

I have also spent the last 6 months on a secondment to a law firm, which has involved drafting Grounds of Resistance and significant input into case strategy, including around settlement. This experience has given me a deeper appreciation of litigation and how I can support my clients once I return to self-employed practice on a full-time basis. 

Inevitably, there are periods of long hours, but 3PB has a positive attitude towards work/life balance, and I have had relatively lengthy periods of leave around major life events. My clerks are also keen to ensure that the volume of cases in my diary does not compromise on the high standards of service that clients deserve.  

My future ambitions include undertaking employment law cases in the High Court and representing clients in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal (as I have done in pro bono matters previously). There are endless opportunities for growth at the Bar, while assisting people with real issues, which is why I feel privileged to be a barrister.