From Bottom Sets to the Commercial Bar: Julius’ Journey to Pupillage

Would you like to start by briefly sharing your background and journey into law?

My name is Julius, and I am a Senior Paralegal at Overdales Solicitors and a Future Pupil Barrister at Exchange Chambers, where I will begin a commercial pupillage. I was born and raised in Germany and lived there until I was about 10. When I moved to the UK, I spoke very little English and was placed in the lower sets at school. Athletics played a big part in my life, and the discipline it gave me helped me progress academically.

Around the time I was preparing for my GCSEs, my school invited a group of students to a university activity day focused on law. We analysed a case problem and presented our findings to professors. They encouraged me to consider a career at the bar, and that moment set me on the path I am still following. When I start pupillage next March, it will be ten years since I made that decision.

What persuaded you to become a barrister instead of a solicitor?

My experiences at university shaped my decision. Mooting allowed me to research complex legal issues and present arguments to a judge, which I found rewarding. Mini pupillages reinforced this interest. During one commercial mini, I was asked to produce a research note on an unfamiliar area of law. The barrister I shadowed later adopted my note in arbitration pleadings, which gave me a strong sense of achievement.

I focused entirely on pursuing a career at the bar, and the solicitor route never became part of my plans.

You have completed a variety of mini pupillages; what were you able to learn from these?

I started with mini pupillages across broad practice areas, including crime, personal injury, clinical negligence and other civil work. Over time, I applied only to commercial sets because I wanted a commercial pupillage.

I learned that commercial practice is heavily paper-based. Much of the work involves drafting skeleton arguments, pleadings and opinions. I enjoy solving legal problems through detailed analysis, which is why commercial law appeals to me. I also observed CCMCs and appellate advocacy, which showed me the range of work available at the commercial bar.

One early criminal mini pupillage taught me a lot about advocacy. I observed a sentencing hearing where the two advocates demonstrated very different styles. It showed me how clarity, engagement and delivery can influence a hearing.

How do you think working as a paralegal has shaped your experience in law?

As a Senior Paralegal, I handle civil cases, mainly breach of contract claims for Claimants. I have a high level of autonomy over case strategy. Recently, I negotiated with a Defendant who initially relied on a limitation defence. I was able to resolve the matter shortly before the hearing.

The role has strengthened my drafting and submissions, but it has also developed my negotiation and dispute‑resolution skills. These are experiences I would not have gained solely through bar school.

What advice would you give to aspiring barristers and students planning on undertaking the Bar Course?

I completed the bar course part‑time while working full‑time as a paralegal, and I recommend that approach. Even with a scholarship, gaining practical experience alongside the course is valuable.

1. Mooting and debating Mooting develops research, analysis and advocacy skills. It made civil advocacy assessments on the bar course feel familiar.

2. Complete qualifying sessions early I completed more than half of my qualifying sessions before starting the course, which reduced pressure later.

3. Make thorough notes and study the White Book Make complete notes on the syllabus reading. For multiple‑choice exams, read the CPR and commentary carefully because questions often use exact wording.

4. Engage with your law society Undergraduates and GDL students should take advantage of opportunities offered by their law societies. Building experience early helps when applying for pupillage.

5. Get a mentor My mentors were instrumental in helping me secure pupillage. They reviewed my applications, strengthened my CV and guided me through the process.