Introduction – Why I Chose Lamb Chambers for My Probationary Tenancy
When I first commenced upon my Probationary Tenancy applications I specifically sought a Civil Law chambers that has a good variety of work. At such an early stage of my career I thought it would be best for me to experience as many different types of clients and issues as possible. I also did not want to have to choose between developing either my Property or Commercial practices as I enjoyed and was confident with both. Lamb Chambers offered me a great variety of work in these two areas, and I looked forward to gaining exposure to new types of matters.
The Early Days: Settling In
Lamb Chambers has a very friendly environment and has a fantastic clerking and staff team. From the beginning I felt that I would be well taken care of there. I was happy that it was easy to speak to my clerks, and that my diary was managed well. There was a busy events calendar that allowed me to introduce myself to Chambers’ clients in an accessible way. Chambers also has an active online presence, which was also good for getting my name and face in front of clients. Members made an effort to introduce themselves to me and invited me to drinks and social events. I appreciated that there were always people in Chambers to speak to, especially since so many barristers work remotely now following the Pandemic.
Mentorship and Support
I had two Supervisors during my Probationary Tenancy who provided me with support and guidance – I still needed it so soon after pupillage. They encouraged me to speak to current members and ask them for work, and also wrote supporting references for my tenancy application. It’s always nerve-wracking being new, but I didn’t feel like I was doing it all alone.
As well as the support of my two supervisors, I was also added to the Juniors Whatsapp group, a safe space to ask questions, vent about frustrating days at court and learn from the discussions of others. There were no silly questions and I felt confident knowing I could drop a message into the group when I needed some pointers.
Cases and experience
My court and paperwork practice was busy as a Probationary Tenant. I was in court for possession hearings, small claims trials, applications, housing appeals, EPA hearings, charging orders, bankruptcy petitions and directions hearings. I also completed a healthy amount of paperwork including advisory work and drafting pleadings. I wasn’t doing the same types of cases every day and my workload didn’t feel repetitive. I was also able to communicate my preferences and was pleased to see that my feedback was heard and applied wherever possible.
Why Choose Lamb Chambers?
You should consider Lamb Chambers for Probationary Tenancy if you want to be part of a reputable chambers with a diverse stream of work. Chambers is a great place to launch your Barrister career, and it stands out for having such approachable members and staff. The range of clients is also a plus, and Chambers offers you many opportunities to meet them and build your own relationships. If you have clients who you’ve built a rapport with during pupillage, you can feel comfortable bringing them with you. Chambers supports ambitious Junior members with drive that wish to be proactive about their career. I had ideas of how I wanted to use social media and offering education and training sessions to clients, and I felt supported every step of the way. Not all chambers are positively receptive to Juniors with new ideas, so Lamb Chambers was a great environment for me to be a part of at the inception of my career.
Tenancy Application Process
The process of applying for Tenancy begins towards the end of your Probationary Tenancy and involves a written and oral assessment. The written assessment is marked by your supervisors and the oral assessment is conducted in front of all members of Chambers. For our year it was an opposed High Court application with the two Probationary Tenants acting for the Applicant and Respondent. You also submit examples of your written work and references in support of your application. Although there were two Probationary Tenants, we weren’t in competition and our individual applications were considered separately.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my time at Lamb Chambers as a Probationary Tenant, I believe I made the right choice for my career. Being self-employed means having total ownership over your career and Lamb Chambers is the right environment for an enterprising Junior Barrister who wants to make the most of what the Bar has to offer.
After such a long journey to the Bar, it was important to make decisions that were right for me and my business and since becoming a tenant my practice has only grown from strength to strength. Whether it is getting more High Court experience, or work for specific types of clients, it has been satisfying to be ticking off my career goals at a steady pace. Lamb Chambers is modern, friendly and welcoming. Ultimately, I would recommend Lamb Chambers to anyone who is looking to maximise their career at the Bar.
Written by Blessing Mukosha Park
21 August 2024