What happens on a mini pupillage?

Valentina, a Year 12 A-level student, recently completed a four day mini pupillage with Black Antelope Law. She was keen to get hands on experience of immigration law and human rights practice.

In her own words, Valentina wanted to share her experience of her time with us.

What did you do and learn on your mini pupillage?

I have learned a lot about immigration law, by researching guidance on how to deal with vulnerable clients and how to guide clients through the legal process. I have understood the amount of care that must be applied when dealing with all clients, especially those of which are vulnerable.

By learning how to guide immigration clients through the legal process, I have understood the many steps involved with the legal process, such as identifying the client’s situation and the client’s choice of provider. This has given me a better understanding of how the law works in practice and how complex the legal system is.

I was also privileged enough to gain a further insight on how the law works in practice by going to the Central London County Court. By going to court for the first time and watching Counsel Simao Paxi-Cato in action, I was able to understand the importance of the role of a Barrister, such as being on top of important details which a judge will focus on and updating the solicitor after court.

This experience has been incredibly beneficial as it also meant that I read the Prest v Petrodel Resources case in preparation for the hearing, in which I began to familiarise myself with important legal principles and terms. While reading legal cases can be overwhelming, especially as I am yet to begin my degree in law, anything I wasn’t sure of was clearly explained to me.

Although my primary interest was immigration and human rights when I applied for work experience, throughout my mini pupillage, I have been able to do work in different areas of law, which has provided me with a greater understanding of the breadth of law and it has also meant that I can start to think about which specific areas of law interest me most.

Finally, the experience has helped me understand how there are many significant jobs in a legal practice and that everyone in an organisation must all act together to ensure that cases succeed.

What was the benefit of completing a mini pupillage at this stage of your education?

Because of this experience, I was able to ask myself important questions about my future within the legal profession as to whether the Barrister route is suited to me.

I believe that the experience of going to court and reading legal documents has put me in a great position when applying for university and has cleared up any uncertainty, I previously had regarding studying law at university. Being able to see how the law works in real-life has increased my interest in law not only as a degree but also as a profession.

I have been able to see the reality of having a career in law and the amount of detail and care that it takes.  I have gained an excellent experience that I will carry with me throughout my academic journey as I complete my A-levels and begin university next year.