Interview with Zaina Liaqat: Building Advocacy Skills, Securing Mini‑Pupillages and Preparing for the Bar

Your Background and Journey into Law

Thank you for reaching out and for this opportunity. I recently graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a First Class Honours degree in Law, and I currently work as a Paralegal at Drummond Solicitors.

My first legal experience came during high school when I completed the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. My expedition leader recommended me to Haighs Solicitors, where I undertook a week-long placement. In sixth form, I joined the Pathways to Law scheme and secured a mini‑pupillage with Exchange Chambers and a placement with Thompsons Solicitors.

During my first year at university, I worked at the Ministry of Justice as an Admin Assistant at Leeds Magistrates Court. In my second year, I became a Legal Advisor at the Huddersfield Legal Advice Clinic and was an active member of the Mooting Society, competing in internal and national moots.

After completing my degree, I obtained four mini‑pupillages at Parklane Plowden Chambers, Park Square Barristers, New Park Court Chambers and 18 St John Street Chambers. I am also an active member of the Leeds and District Medico‑Legal Society. I was previously a COMBAR mentee and am currently mentored by a barrister at New Park Court Chambers.

Did You Always Know You Wanted to Become a Barrister?

After my placement at Haighs, I realised I preferred advocacy and court work to office-based tasks. My mini‑pupillage with Exchange Chambers confirmed that advocacy and self-employment were two aspects that drew me towards the Bar. I knew I wanted to pursue a career as a barrister even before starting my LLB.

Advice for Students Interested in the Bar

My most important advice is to build a strong LinkedIn profile and consistently post law-related content. Sharing work experience or writing short blogs attracts barristers, solicitors and mentors. Networking is essential because opportunities often arise informally.

Stay involved with lecturers, as they may nominate you for scholarships or mentoring schemes. Join mooting or law societies to build advocacy and confidence. Networking also develops social skills needed to liaise with clients and professionals.

Organisation is key. Keep a diary of deadlines for mini‑pupillages and chambers events. Apply early to maximise your chances of securing experience.

Your Experience as a Mooting Advocate

Mooting involved preparing bundles and skeleton arguments as part of a team, then presenting them before a judge.

I represented the first appellant in a criminal moot presided over by HHJ Roger Thomas QC. I argued that the appellant could not be considered a child of the family or a half-sibling under section 25 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. I won as junior counsel and received feedback describing me as “a quick thinker and an advocate to be taken seriously.”

I also represented the respondent in a commercial moot presided over by DJ Karen Woodhead. The case involved negligent delivery of PPE during the Covid‑19 outbreak. My lead counsel and I won by applying statutes and case law successfully. My feedback described me as “well dressed and composed, audible and confident.”

Competing at the UK Supreme Court

I recently advocated for the appellant in a murder appeal before Lord Justice Richards of Camberwell. I argued diminished responsibility due to paranoid schizophrenia and successfully requested a re‑trial. The judge granted it because the trial judge gave improper directions. My performance was described as “excellent,” and the director of mooting said it justified my selection.

The main difficulty was persuading the judge that the trial judge erred in law when defining “substantially impaired.” Appeals are challenging because you are asking a judge to disagree with another judge. Re‑trials are rarely granted because of the delays they cause.

My main takeaway was that stepping out of your comfort zone leads to greater successes.

Your Interest in Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury

I chose these areas after exploring cases during placements and mini‑pupillages. My time at Thompsons Solicitors was compelling. Seeing the physical injuries made me empathise with clients and work harder to achieve the right outcome. In contrast, commercial disputes felt less relatable because they involved financial issues rather than human harm. This contrast confirmed my interest in Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury.

I think students should narrow their goals after completing a few placements. This helps with pupillage applications, where you must explain your preferred practice area and how your experience supports it.

When Do You Plan to Start the Bar Course?

I plan to start the Bar Course in September 2023. I am open to new opportunities such as scholarships and memberships. I work full-time as a Paralegal, so I don't currently have capacity for full-time internships.