Finally you also get a refresh. Seeing the pupil’s enthusiasm and appetite for the job is a tonic.

Make the most of it. 4/4

In addition you pick up other skills. We do not work together as barristers quite a lot of them time. Suddenly you are a unit. And you have to garner the skills involved in that. 3/4

You learn so much by supervising a pupil if you do it properly.

Firstly it is a good method of “reflective” practice. You look at what you do, how you do it and why you do it. It improves you as a barrister. 2/4

If someone complains that your pupil was not at their desk at 7am, you can say “that’s because I have told them to be there for 9.”

And always be prepared to defend your pupil. 3/3

If there is a way you want something doing, be clear and precise.

By setting the ground rules you are only being fair to the pupil. Also be prepared to defend the pupil on the basis of the clear understanding between the two of you. 2/3

Also find out about the policies in chambers. Things like how expenses are reimbursed, grievance are dealt with etc.

I told you it involved a fair bit of work…. 3/3

(and don’t start thinking about it the week before the end of second six…)

Also make yourself aware of the regulations that apply to pupillage. You will need to know how what the rules are for absences, holidays, absences etc. 2/3

If you are not prepared to put this work in, do not accept the privilege of having a pupil.

And hopefully your pupil will turn to you throughout their career for advice. 6/6

This bit is hard work. Sometimes you end up reading their papers from start to finish. You may take a phone call before court. In the middle of court.

But these hard yards are the most important. You are supervising a trainee. Your experience is the safeguard. 5/6

I am afraid that means you need to be speaking to them about what they have in their diary. You need to be helping them prepare. Checking their work.

You also need to act as a bit of a filter to make sure that they are not being asked to do things beyond their ability. 4/6

You should still set them exercises. You should still train.

But it is now so much more than that…

You need to know about the work they are doing for real. You are supervising that work (and if good practice doesn’t make you, then don’t forget they are on your insurance). 3/6

All the sort of things you would have done in the first six, apply to the second six months. You are still teaching and training, not just keeping an eye on them.

The days they are not in court should be engaged in being trained in the same way as the first six. 2/6

It really is tricky.

Be kind. Be compassionate. Be understanding. Be accommodating. Be nice. Be helpful. Be welcoming. Be inspiring. Be polite.

But friendship can wait.

Keep in mind that teacher/pupil relationship.

They are, after all, your pupil.

3/3