Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
Southampton Law School

Jun Wei Quah describes his experience of the Kings Chambers Mini Pupillage

Published: 24 April 2017
 Kings Chambers Mini Pupillage
Kings Chambers Mini Pupillage

In June 2016, I was selected to participate in the Kings Chambers’ mini pupillage programme. For me, this was an excellent opportunity to interact with and learn from the best silks and junior counsels.

I decided to apply for three reasons. First, I wanted an insight into a high quality set with expertise in civil and commercial law. Looking at cases which Kings publicised gave me an indication of the nature and quality of their instructions, affirming my interest. Second, the opportunity to network with distinguished barristers was a great incentive. Finally, the holistic structure of the programme (court visits, workshops in topics such as advocacy, talks from judges, senior and junior practitioners about their work, opportunities to meet and discuss issues with members, pupils, barristers’ clerks and others involved in the management of Chambers) demonstrated that Kings put effort and thought into making this an enriching programme.

Jun Wei Quah
Jun Wei Quah

During the programme, I attended talks by chancery, commercial, professional negligence and planning barristers and was much the richer for it. Interacting with the students in the mini pupillage was an interesting experience as most of them were from Northern universities like Manchester, Liverpool, Durham and Edinburgh. I’ve kept in touch with a fellow participant Cedric, who will be taking up an internship at the International Criminal Court this summer.

One of the highlights of the experience was speaking with Nigel Poole QC, who was refreshingly forthcoming on the challenges facing barristers and the rather lofty, but understandable, expectations clients have of silks. Nigel was elected head of Chambers just last week. The programme definitely delivered on its promise of providing ample opportunities to speak and meet with barristers. During my time there, I formed the impression of a close knit but highly professional and well instructed set which had an open door policy.

Apart from the excellent programme provided by Kings, the set is located in the centre of Manchester. This naturally means that after a long day, you can either choose to explore the city (Old Trafford or Manchester’s cultural quarter) or go for drinks with the barristers and students. Both were extremely enjoyable. Manchester is a lovely city which adds to the overall positive experience.

This programme provides an insight and a platform into further opportunities in law. It was an enriching experience and I encourage my fellow law students to apply.

Privacy Settings