“It must have consequences”
3 days ago
Friday, 28 November 2008
Deluded
On a sad note I have recently been finding myself wondering if I have got what it takes to be a barrister. Just the thought of becoming a barrister at the moment is becoming increasingly stressful. What with an increasing amount of debt, lack of decent grades and a frivolous appreciation of money combined with the hyper competitive nature of the bar, the lack of pupillages available and in particular criminal work being scarce, I am seriously thinking of giving up on the barrister idea. I don't think I really have what it takes and perhaps a serious think now will later mean that I am not one of those deluded who never get a pupillage.
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10 comments:
Lost, I have had the same doubts from time to time.
Don't make any rash decisions. Give it time, keep plugging away, and with luck your enthusiasm will return.
I agree with Swiss dont make any rash decisions.
If you want something in Life go for it..its to short to have regreats. I would go for it - and grade help but there not the be all and end all. ;)
Or become a criminal solicitor and get your higher rights of audience... I'm just sayin'
It is a gamble but you have to be in it to win it. It's a gamble even for those with the highest academics. The Top Oxbridge First I knew on the BVC hasn't got pupillage. I do know some people from the BVC who were frankly rubbish (poor academics + Competent + no USP) who got pupillage.
Take the advice of John Maynard Keynes that paupers should never gamble but millionaires should gamble all the time. Of course, when we talk about "wealth", "The Young" are allowed to capitalise their future earnings (people forget this when they go on about debt).
... and as a pupil of a few weeks' experience, is it worth it? Oh yes!
My Dear Lost,
Becoming a Barrister is , it has to be admitted, a HUGE leap of faith, these days - faith in YOURSELF, and in your abilities. That you are in two minds at the moment is understandable; theres that horrid programme' the barristers' (which is so far removed from reality Albert Einstein is turning in his grave) tis the cold and bleak midwinter, and theres the horrid HORRID BVC online app form to contend with, to say nothing of apps for minis, Inns and, indeed the real deal of pupillage itself. Taken in the round, with study which is an increasing GRIND in the Third year, I can see why you question yourself - but you are not alone in that respect, far from it.We've all been there, wondered if what we are putting ourselves through is worth it; but it IS!! :) Go with 50YOP's comments - he REALLY knows what he's talking about, and feel encouraged by them. I know I most certainly am! :)
Do remember, too, that if ya wanna drop a line to talk about it all, my email's out there! :)
Chin up LLLS.
I think the overwhelming tendency on the BVC is for students to feel in personal competition with themselves and everyone else. A battle for pupillage, a battle for pride and status etc etc.
It's just a job, it would be a bloody fun one- but not by any means the end of the world if we don't end up with it. Do try to relax, there are 5 post BVC years to play with. Might be more healthy to see it as a career that one can apply for constantly over those 5 as a bonus... on top of normal dreary jobs that everyone has to pay the bills.
...oh and who gives a stuff about cash?! Nobody hoping to spend their days with rapists and paedophiles (I am in this category) should be worrying about cash!
Writing as a maturer type, and with the benefit of seeing other professions and having some cash behind me because I have worked for two decades, I have to say that I seriously question the sanity of the typical 22 or 23 year old who gambles on a career at the Bar. For the student with family money behind them it might be different, but it concerns me that there are too many people racking up way too much debt in the hope of a career, success at which seems to be little more than a lucky dip.
The answer, imho, is to have a fall back strategy before going into the BVC. Only do the BVC if the skills would also have value in another career (which includes being a solicitor but probably a lot more besides) which the student is interested in. Then, if pupillage (and tenancy) are not forthcoming, give up and move into another career sharpish.
Remember that the professions are not all there is. Remember that you are never beaten until you say "I quit". At that point apply to Large Oil Co PLC (or similar) to go on their graduate scheme. What you lose in freedom you will gain in security but ... hey! Swings and roundabouts.
Did they ask you that at school? Profession or business? It's a telling question.
I have to second RnL's comment that it is just a job. If you want to do it, go for it... if you don't think you really want to do it then don't. That simple. I had a blast on my BVC year and learnt a lot of things that will be useful for other careers... Was it worth the cash? Probably not pound for pound, but I am very glad of the experience.
If you are a fairly bitter person then don't risk it; I have a friend who hasn't got pupillage and all she does is go on about how she was mislead about the BVC stats, and how she is so amazing and will never get a chance, and she's paying back her loan now and will be debt for ages, etc.... Nothing is worse than hanging around with someone like this, except being someone like this!!
If you think you have what it takes and want the job so much that you are prepared to risk £20k then go for it - like the rest of us lunatics!
Chin up!
LL
Hey y'all. Thanks for the uplifting comments, I am particulary in a bad mood this week as I have been ill! (when am i not f'ing ill!)
Swizz and Looney - I'll give it a good think of xmas. Talk to some tutors about it to see if I would make it at their chambers.
Android - criminal solicit(or)? Why would i want to solicit criminals? How ghastly! I think we should hunt them down much like the Posh do to Chav's (see http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=N9_YhKbrhnY)
50 yr old pupil - no one told me about business or profession at school!! Nice to know that some people have got pupillage when they are not seen as "stars" by their peers!
Minx - third year is tough as old boots, and I know because im wearing them, (student loan has gone) it's shit.
RocknLaw - rapists and pedos? I'm sure in a few years time you will be saying that you only do "white collar crime - fraud and that type rah rah) As I have never met a pedo or a rapist I'll just ha ve to wait and see if I want to do that general what is referred to as "dirty" crime.
Barboy - debate between myself and other wannabe barristers is leading me to have a fall back plan before I start the BVC so in the case that I do not get a pupillage I can easily slip back into something else. I hear the Game pays good nowadays?
Ah Legal Lass - I am fairly bitter... perhaps it would be wrong of me to take the BVC.. hmm
Thanks for your comments guys I shall retire to consider my really crap judgement on the matter.
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