In this episode of Diary of a Barrister, I, Chelsea Brooke-Ward, Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, dive into the first of the Three Laws of Pupillage: Alignment.
This episode is all about cutting through the noise of pupillage applications and interviews to reveal what really makes a candidate stand out. Spoiler: it’s not luck, it’s not rehearsed answers, and it’s not a perfect CV — it’s alignment.
We begin with a candid discussion about what alignment truly means: the subtle but powerful connection between your habits, values, and ambitions, and the chambers you want to join. I share personal insights from my own journey, including mistakes I made when I thought “telling my story well” was enough, and the shift that happened when I started living out my values instead of just talking about them.
From there, I break down the practical side of alignment:
We also explore how alignment isn’t about being someone you’re not — it’s about living authentically and making sure your actions back up your ambitions. This applies not just to pupillage but to life at the Bar more broadly: clients, colleagues, and judges can all spot when you’re genuine versus when you’re performing.
Throughout the episode, I offer practical takeaways you can implement immediately. Whether you’re at the application stage, gearing up for interviews, or even just starting your bar course, this conversation will help you reflect on whether your current habits are propelling you toward or away from the pupillage you want.
Finally, we wrap up with a challenge: what is one habit you could adopt this week that would better align you with the chambers you admire?
✨ Alignment is silent, but magnetic. It attracts opportunity without you even having to ask for it.
Join me in this engaging and thought-provoking episode as we uncover how alignment can transform not just your pupillage journey, but your career at the Bar.
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