Why sit in Chambers?
Being offered to sit in a barrister's chambers is both a privilege and an opportunity.
Pupillage
A barrister (who is not otherwise a silk) with over 10 years experience at the Bar can take on a Reader in a pupillage relationship. The relationship of Mentor-Pupil is very special and is part of the great traditions of the Independent Bar.
The Mentor imparts his or her knowledge and experience by helping the Pupil to learn about the code of conduct and practice of a barrister.
The Pupil usually sits in the Mentor's chambers for between 6 to 12 months after completing a 2 months readership course. The Pupil gets to read the Mentor's briefs and assists in his or her cases.
The Mentor gets to share his or her knowledge, and shows the Pupil the way of the barrister.
It has been a privilege for William to have been in a Mentor-Pupil relationship as it has not only enriched his life at the Bar but has unlocked opportunities for collaboration and team work.
Silks now act as Senior Mentors to those who are undertaking their pupillage.
Mentoring
It is also a valuable opportunity for law students and graduates to be mentored by a barrister. The unique one-on-one relationship allows a push and pull strategy to work.
The Mentor pushes the Mentee to gain greater skill by engaging in experiential and applied learning. The Mentee also gets pulled into the Mentor's inner circle of influence.
For a successful and sustainable pupillage or mentoring relationship to occur, there must be the following commitment by both Mentor and Pupil, or Mentor and Mentee, to:
Reach out to the other for an opportunity to learn and share
Respect the status, talent, skill, and capability of the other
Recognise the value of the time invested by the other
Reciprocate by mutually giving, sharing, and learning from the other
Reward for the hard work and loyalty demonstrated to the other
Over the decade, William has had the good fortune to learn from and mentor many law students and graduates.
Some of William’s mentees have also become his legal research assistants.
All of his legal research assistants have gone to work for large-tier law firms.
Moving my former Senior Legal Assistant's admission in the Supreme Court of New South Wales
Mentoring and coaching Monash Law Students in Advocacy and Mooting Competitions
Sponsoring
While William has mentored many law students and graduates, fewer are nominated for awards and sponsored for internships or jobs, both in Australia and overseas (Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, London, and New York).
In assessing potential mentees, William looks for certain qualities and skills sets. First impressions do count but it is not all about academic brilliance.
William says,
‘I look for the WHY to see the HOW that has led to the WHAT. Attributes like being a self-starter, being pro-active, and having a 'can do' attitude are very important.
Having a drive and passion for community work are equally important. If you do not chase your goals, you have nothing to gain.
There are many people who are able but not willing to be involved in contributing to the legal profession or the wider community. Yet, there are those who are willing but not able because they are always finding short-cuts or back-doors to reach the top.
There is no substitute for developing a plan with passion and hard-work. Strategy always Trumps Talent.
You must be both willing and able to show up to learn, to engage by being pro-active, to contribute by giving back to important causes, to take constructive feedback, and to constantly strive for improvement. ‘
