The transition from second six pupil to tenant may seem like a subtle one on paper, but in reality it brings a profound shift in responsibility, independence and identity. While the relief of officially becoming a tenant is real, so are the challenges that follow. Now that I have completed my first year of tenancy, I have had time to reflect on the highs and lows – of which there have been many. It has been a journey of contrasts filled with constant learning in between. I am incredibly fortunate to be in a Chambers that feels like a family, where every single colleague has offered support and encouragement. That sense of belonging has personally made all the difference. For those about to make the leap, or simply wondering what the journey looks like from the inside, here are a few reflections on the past 12 months.
The Highs
Client satisfaction
Few things compare to the feeling of achieving what a client needs or wants. Whether it is securing a favourable outcome or simply providing clarity and reassurance, making a difference in someone’s life is incredibly rewarding, and the feeling of having made a tangible difference is hard to beat. Client satisfaction is often the most immediate and clear signal that you have done a good job.
Learning from others
Even after pupillage, the learning never stops. This career provides a continuous cycle of growth. Over the past year, I have had the chance to work with and learn from some remarkable advocates. Even in challenging cases, senior barristers have taken the time to offer me positive feedback and encouragement, often at times when I needed it most. Those moments stay with you. They remind you of the value of collegiality and the fact that many of the most important lessons in this career can’t be found in a book.
Continuous growth
One of the most exciting aspects of this career is the pace of professional development. New case law, evolving procedures and complex legal issues ensures that no two days are ever quite the same. Each case, hearing and conference improves your skills, strengthens your advocacy and builds your confidence.
Autonomy
During pupillage, your work is shaped and overseen by a supervisor. As a tenant that safety net disappears, bringing with it a new level of independence. While that responsibility can feel daunting at first, it allows for a real sense of autonomy and professional ownership. Self-employment also offers flexibility; some days you’re finished by lunchtime and other times you aren’t required to attend court until the afternoon. This helps offset the more demanding periods of long hours and intense preparation for more challenging cases.
Sharing knowledge
It has been rewarding to begin supporting new pupils, just as others supported me. It is a reminder of how much you have learned and how important it is to give back to the ever growing junior Bar, and it builds a culture of support in what can be a high-pressure and sometimes isolating profession.
The Lows
Being seen as a pupil/junior
One of the toughest aspects of being a new tenant is shedding the perception of still being a pupil. Whilst there is nothing wrong with being at that stage, from personal experience you can be treated differently – whether that be positively or negatively. You may be questioned more rigorously or dismissed more quickly than your more senior colleagues. Not everyone at the Bar, or even the wider legal profession will treat you as you treat them, or how you hope they will treat you. There will be times when you are spoken down to, overlooked or unfairly criticised. These experiences can have an effect on your confidence but they are the greatest opportunities for self-reflection. There have been occasions when I left court feeling disheartened by how I had been treated or spoken to by more senior professionals. These experiences can dent your confidence but they are also moments of growth. In hindsight, those setbacks have helped shape me into a more resilient advocate.
Long hours and burnout
The hours can be relentless with early mornings, late nights and weekends spent preparing for hearings. As a new tenant, tasks naturally take longer as you build confidence and competence. The desire to prove yourself and say yes to every opportunity can come at a cost, and burnout is a real risk. While the flexibility of self-employment helps, maintaining a work/life balance is an ongoing challenge.
Pressure to build reputation/imposter syndrome
There is significant pressure to establish yourself and maintain a steady stream of work. While this begins during second six, it intensifies once you become a tenant. Your reputation for reliability, professionalism and results all matter, and it is those repeat instructions that help build a sustainable practice.
Even after months on your feet, imposter syndrome can creep in. The learning curve is steep and it can feel as though everyone around you is more confident and accomplished.
Emotional toll
Working in family law means dealing with highly sensitive and emotionally charged matters. While I have learned not to ‘take work home’, some cases inevitably stay with you. It’s the nature of the profession, it is personal, impactful and at times, emotionally draining. It is a privilege to do the work, but it does take its toll.
Looking Ahead
There are significant challenges in this profession, especially early on, but there is also great purpose and reward. I am proud of how far I have come and grateful for the lessons learned. Most importantly, I have discovered that while the path is demanding, it is incredibly rewarding. The first year of tenancy is a rollercoaster, there are days when everything is positive and the judgment goes your way, and there are days when you feel overwhelmed and uncertain. Even in the toughest moments, this profession offers something unique, the opportunity to be challenged, to constantly learn and to make a difference. This career is like no other – it is intense, demanding and constantly evolving, but ultimately the highs significantly outweigh the lows.
Author: Nakita Bell
Nakita Bell can be instructed by emailing her clerks at clerks@northampton-chambers.co.uk or by telephone at 01604 636271.