Chelsea Brooke Ward, an Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, hosts the podcast "The Diary of a Barrister." She is dedicated to inspiring both professionals and law students, aiming to help lawyers become the best versions of themselves, both professionally and personally. The podcast seeks to demystify the legal world, covering topics from courtroom advocacy to the challenges of building a career at the bar.

In a recent episode, Chelsea speaks with Charlotte, a current Bar Practice School student who is also a full-time paralegal in conveyancing. Charlotte shares her experiences of juggling her studies with her demanding job, noting the challenges of transitioning between "solicitor mode" and "barrister mode." Despite the difficulties, she finds the skills she is developing to be highly transferable and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in her journey.

When asked if she would change anything about her current path, Charlotte reflects on her workload and suggests that working part-time instead of full-time might allow her to focus more on her studies. She acknowledges the volume of work required for the bar course and the challenges of fitting in extracurricular activities like mooting and mini-pupillages.

Charlotte expresses gratitude for her supportive boss, who has been accommodating of her commitments to the bar course. She describes her workplace as a small, traditional firm where she feels valued and given responsibility, contrasting her experience with that of peers in larger firms who may not receive the same level of flexibility.

The conversation shifts to Charlotte's educational background, where she discusses her undergraduate studies at Leeds Beckett University and her current studies at the University of Law. She notes the differences between her law degree, which was heavily theoretical, and the practical focus of the bar course.

Charlotte recounts her early interest in becoming a barrister, sparked by a work experience opportunity at Mould Crown Court during her A-levels. However, she admits to feeling unprepared for the journey ahead, lacking guidance on the steps necessary to pursue a career at the bar.

As they discuss the challenges of applying for pupillage, Charlotte shares her experiences with rejections and the emotional toll it can take. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and the need for support from the legal community, highlighting the positivity she has encountered at events like the International Women's Day panel.

In closing, Charlotte offers advice to others in her position: to ignore naysayers and to believe in their ability to succeed. Chelsea echoes this sentiment, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their journeys and that perseverance is key. The episode concludes with a message of encouragement for aspiring barristers, reinforcing the idea that with determination, success is attainable.

Sign up to the mailing list for the Pupillage Programme:

https://mailchi.mp/483601e8219a/diary-of-a-pupil

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofa_barrister/

Follow us on Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofa_barrister

Follow us on Twitter

https://x.com/diaryofa_Barris

Follow us on Threads

https://www.threads.net/@diaryofa_barrister

Follow us on Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward500/

Support the sho

Support the show

Chelsea Brooke Ward, an Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, hosts the podcast "Diary of a Barrister." She is dedicated to inspiring both professionals and law students, aiming to help lawyers become the best versions of themselves, both professionally and personally. The podcast seeks to demystify the legal world, covering topics from courtroom advocacy to the challenges of building a career at the bar.

In a recent episode, Chelsea and her co-host, Jodie Hill, Managing Partner at Thrive Laws, shared their experiences from a yoga retreat where they focused on self-care and setting boundaries. They discussed the challenges professionals face in switching off from work, especially in high-demand careers like law. Chelsea emphasized her advocacy for mental health and self-care, noting how yoga has played a crucial role in her well-being.

During their retreat, they engaged in numerous yoga classes, surf lessons, and spent time in nature, which helped them realize the importance of taking breaks. Jodie, who has ADHD, shared her struggles with switching off and the necessity of saying no to various demands on their time. They both acknowledged that saying no is vital for maintaining personal boundaries and ensuring they can focus on their creative projects, such as the book they are writing together.

The duo reflected on the importance of managing expectations and communication with clients and colleagues. Chelsea noted that it took her time to relax during the retreat, highlighting the need for extended periods away from work to recharge and foster creativity. They discussed how busy professionals often feel pressured to respond immediately to messages and emails, which can lead to burnout.

Throughout the episode, they shared practical tips for self-care, including the significance of a balanced diet, gratitude practices, and the benefits of disconnecting from technology. They encouraged listeners to identify their stress triggers and the activities that bring them joy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in managing stress and enhancing productivity.

Chelsea and Jodie concluded the episode by discussing the lessons they learned about patience and the value of slowing down. They recognized that taking time to appreciate life and the world around them can lead to greater fulfillment and creativity. They expressed their commitment to sharing more insights on mental health and entrepreneurship in future episodes, inviting listeners to engage and share their own experiences.

Sign up to the mailing list for the Pupillage Programme:

https://mailchi.mp/483601e8219a/diary-of-a-pupil

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofa_barrister/

Follow us on Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofa_barrister

Follow us on Twitter

https://x.com/diaryofa_Barris

Follow us on Threads

https://www.threads.net/@diaryofa_barrister

Follow us on Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward500/

Support the show

Support the show

In this episode of Diary of a Barrister, Lawyer Diaries your host Chelsea Brooke-Ward, delves into a topic that is often shrouded in mystery and concern for aspiring barristers: the financial realities of making a living at the bar. As an Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, Chelsea aims to provide insight and clarity on what it truly means to earn a living in this profession, particularly for those considering a career in civil private practice.

Chelsea begins by addressing a common question posed by law students and those on work experience: "If you get pupillage, will you be able to afford to live?" This question is crucial, as many junior barristers face financial challenges, especially in the early stages of their careers. Chelsea emphasises that earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as location and practice area, particularly between those who work in legal aid versus private practice.

Throughout the episode, Chelsea shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting that approximately 80% of barristers are self-employed. This status comes with both advantages and disadvantages, including the responsibility of managing one's own finances, tax returns, and expenses. She discusses the importance of budgeting for taxes, the implications of being VAT registered, and the various costs associated with running a practice, such as chambers fees, insurance, and practicing certificates.

Chelsea also touches on the unpredictability of income in the barrister profession, explaining how billing does not always equate to immediate payment. She shares her own journey through pupillage, detailing the financial grants available and the transition from shadowing to earning during the second six months. She discusses that her first-year earnings serve as a benchmark, illustrating the potential for growth and the variability of income based on hard work and dedication.

Moreover, Chelsea candidly discusses the challenges of self-employment, including the lack of benefits such as sick pay and holiday pay, and the necessity of planning for unexpected events. She stresses the importance of hard work, networking, and providing value to clients as key factors in achieving financial success at the bar.

By the end of the episode, hopefully she demystifies (in civil practice) the financial landscape of being a barrister and provides a realistic expectation for those considering this career path. Chelsea encourages listeners to understand that while the journey can be daunting, with determination and effort, it is possible to earn a comfortable living in this prestigious field.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Diary of a Barrister. If you found this discussion helpful, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to explore the intricacies of a career in law.

Sign up to the mailing list for the Pupillage Programme:

https://mailchi.mp/483601e8219a/diary-of-a-pupil

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofa_barrister/

Follow us on Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofa_barrister

Follow us on Twitter

https://x.com/diaryofa_Barris

Follow us on Threads

https://www.threads.net/@diaryofa_barrister

Follow us on Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward500/

Support the show

Support the show