Interview: Daniel Sokol, Barrister at 12 King’s Bench Walk

Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a barrister and what inspired you to pursue a career in law?

It was a non-conventional journey. I studied modern languages at university and, in my second year, lived with medical students. Their constant discussions about medicine sparked an interest in medical history, which led to a Master’s degree and then a fascination with medical ethics. I completed a PhD on whether doctors should always tell patients the truth and taught medical ethics in medical schools. After several years, I grew tired of marking exams and attending dull meetings. A school friend who was a solicitor encouraged me to retrain as a lawyer, and that is how I ended up at the Bar.

What made you choose your particular area of practice?

Clinical negligence combines medicine with the human side of the law. You feel you are making a difference for people who often desperately need help. I entered education law at the end of pupillage when a friend asked me to help appeal a failed PhD. After we won, I founded Alpha Academic Appeals. We now have a team of 14 barristers assisting students facing fitness to practise proceedings, allegations of sexual misconduct and academic misconduct. With the rise of generative AI, cheating is a growing issue, and allegations of dishonesty can be career-threatening for law students.

What does a typical day look like for you as a clinical negligence barrister?

There is no typical day. I may be in court, in conference with solicitors, visiting an injured client, researching a point of law, drafting an Advice on quantum, negotiating at a Joint Settlement Meeting, giving a lecture or writing an article. The variety is wonderful.

How much of your time do you spend in court versus doing paperwork?

In my early years, I was in court every day, sometimes twice a day. It was exhausting but invaluable for developing advocacy skills. As my practice progressed, paperwork increased, and court work reduced. Few clinical negligence cases reach trial, so most hearings involve interim applications, case management conferences and approval hearings.

Can you describe a particularly memorable case you have worked on and what you learned from it?

One memorable case involved a client with Klinefelter’s syndrome, caused by an extra X chromosome. He was diagnosed at 13 in 1968, but doctors chose not to tell him or his parents. They wrongly believed nothing could be done. He discovered the truth 50 years later after a life of misery. It was a tragic example of paternalistic deception. We settled the case for a sizeable sum.

What has been your most challenging experience as a barrister so far?

Catastrophic injury work involves regular exposure to human suffering, including the deaths of children. It can be emotionally difficult. I completed a Mental Health First Aid course to understand the psychological aspects better. I also work long hours, often until 22:00 and on weekends.

What advice do you have for law students who are trying to decide on a specific area of law to specialise in?

Do not feel pressured to specialise early. Keep an open mind. In my early years, I covered personal injury, land law and tax. I enjoyed areas I expected to dislike, including VAT law. Most barristers do not specialise immediately. It took me several years to specialise in clinical negligence.

How do you maintain a work-life balance in a demanding profession?

You must work hard, especially in the early years, but it is important to stay in perspective and make time for family, friends, sports, and hobbies. I recently helped a boxing coach pro bono and received personal training sessions in return, which improved my fitness and helped me switch off from work.

Tell me about your magic?

I discovered magic at 12 or 13. My father, also a lawyer, once agreed to represent a client with no money in exchange for a one-week intensive magic course for his children. I joined a magic club at university and performed in restaurants and at weddings. In 2014, I passed the examinations to join the Magic Circle. Magic even helped me secure pupillage. In my interview at 12 King’s Bench Walk, I borrowed a £20 note from a silk and transformed it into a £50 note. I still use magic occasionally, including recently for a 12-year-old client to help ease nerves before a conference.

What advice would you give to individuals hoping to obtain a pupillage but facing consistent rejections?

Be honest with yourself and ask why this is happening. Seek guidance from trusted third parties. Consider whether to persevere or explore other options. The world will not collapse if you do not secure pupillage.

What skills and qualities are essential to succeed as a barrister?

Sound judgement, clarity of thought, hard work, strong interpersonal skills, mental toughness and high ethical standards.

How do you handle high-pressure situations?

Preparation is key. In one high-value personal injury case, the silk leading me was stuck abroad and asked me to lead a conference with 8 experts. Because I was well prepared, the meeting went smoothly. Pressure is something you put on yourself. Once you recognise that, it becomes easier to control.

Is there anything you wish you had known when starting in your career?

It is all about the client. If the client sees that you have given your all, they will usually be grateful, whatever the outcome.