I promised them…
I am a barrister practising from St Paul’s Chambers in Leeds on the North Eastern Circuit for crime and from Byrom Street Chambers in Manchester on the Northern Circuit for civil. I was suitably prepared for life at the bar by the constant, grinding, ceaseless and unremitting study of law.
I graduated in 1984, married Nicole in 1987 and moved from London to Leeds at the same time. Since then I have developed some sort of a practice, had 4 children (all girls as you can see above. And is that a CUTE photo or what?) and put on 2 stone and (according to my family though I can’t myself see it) another couple of chins. I feel that I now conform to the public ideal of my profession, although I don’t recall being an evil parasite who is only interested in bankrupting the Treasury. I simply strive towards four weddings and a bankruptcy.
We have a dog called Sally who is an outstanding example of the Heinz breed.
For my sins I support Leeds United – if you are tempted to laugh just remember that I sit as a Recorder, so I can send you to prison. The consolation used to be that the rest of my family is bound to Middlesborough AFC, which conclusively proved that every cloud has a silver lining. Now Middlesborough have been in Europe (and there wasn’t even a war) there is no consolation – no wonder people turn to religion.
You are reading this because you want, you mad fool you, to be a barrister. There are no guarantees but this will, I hope, help. Field testing suggests that it does – hence the strapline above which Ronseal (who do not pay me) should take as a compliment. If they sue I will post an appeal for a fighting fund.
I have included some useful links on the front page and some less than useful jokes on their own page. The excuse is that it is everyone’s job to wring as much pleasure from life as they legitimately (important word that) can and thus there should be the minimum possible divide between business and pleasure…
11 responses so far ↓
Alexander Hleb // October 14, 2008 at 6:12 pm |
Simon! You’re a legend!
simonmyerson // October 15, 2008 at 8:00 pm |
Thank you, I think. And you’re a professional footballer from Belarus so congratulations on the law degree. If, on the other hand, you are merely an Arsenal fan, commiserations. Although Hull is a nice place…
Ashley Wright // April 21, 2009 at 11:19 am |
Hello Simon. I am not a lawyer or wish to be one BUT like you I also support Leeds United. Fourth time lucky in the play-offs, fingers crossed.
Cheers,
Ashley
http://ashleywright.org
Mr N.Terence // June 17, 2009 at 3:28 pm |
I would like to know how I could obtain pupillage. I was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in November 2004. I am a very hardworking person. I can send you my CV if you let me know.
I look forward to hearing from you
With regards
Ed // June 17, 2009 at 4:20 pm |
Mr Terence, if you need to ask here about that, you haven’t a hope.
Fink Floyd // July 10, 2009 at 8:36 pm |
Simon, congratulations on the result in Levi v Bates – the right result, I fancy, from what I read of it. Did you ever feel that you were conflicted, however, as a Leeds United supporter who was representing the person suing their chairman?
Tony // July 30, 2009 at 1:26 pm |
Giz a job
Ezhi Opfu // August 22, 2009 at 8:40 am |
A non-practicing Barrister is challenging the Bar Council in the Employment Tribunal over compulsory funding of pupillages rule. The Claimant alleges Indirect Race Discrimination against the Bar Council. The Claimant is Black African!
Venue : London Central Employment Tribunal
Hearing Dates: 26-28 August 2009
white rabbit // August 29, 2009 at 1:16 pm |
Ashley Wright – bugger the playoffs. what’s wrong with automatic promotion?
bedroom barrister // September 17, 2009 at 8:42 am |
Hi Simon,
Your blog is invaluable, and I have been observing from the wings for some time. I now however would appreciate your thoughts.
I completed the BVC in 08, and since then have had 7 interviews. I missed out on my 1st choice chambers (provincial) on a vote of 2-1, and was placed on the reserve list for another chambers in London.
I do, I believe, tick all the ‘barrister candidates must have’ boxes: I have 2x scholarships, a masters, ran my own company, undertook several minis, taught Westlaw for Sweet & Maxwell for 2 years, and had a career as a rugby player before coming to law earlier than originally planned through injury (I am 28)
My first choice chambers have re-interviewed me and turned me down for a second time. what I would like to know is, what the chuff can I do to go one step further and obtain an offer?
The one thing I have lacked to date is real advocacy experience, so I put myself through FRU as an employment rep and took up a position as a county court advocate (solicitor’s agent) to gain experience (although this is relatively recent).
I am, I believe, a friendly chap, I get on well with most, and I have a genuine, not rehearsed, interest in law and current affairs.
Friends tell me ‘if you’re good enough to get interviews you’re good enough to get pupillage’ but I am truly concerned that this isn’t the case. My entire life has gone on hold while I send out applications, my poor girlfriend has to put up with my cloudy moods, and I find myself for the first time not knowing what to do!
Any thoughts would be gratefully received!
Dianne Lai // September 26, 2009 at 3:24 pm |
Hi there! I had a quick browse through your website and loved it so thank you for the time and help you put up there for me and everybody! I just had a quick question and I didn’t really know who else to ask….I completed a law degree, graduated in June, now I am doing a masters at Manchester University in MA Crime, Law and Society…I am determined to go into the criminal law field…eventually as a barrister…..although I know that my CV is probably at the bottom end so it will be tricky…and I was just wondering out of a MA in crime, law and soceity, a candidate who has obtained a Masters in Research in Criminology and socio-legal studies and a Masters in Law…which one would be better received? sorry lengthy way to ask a short question, hope you can decipher some form of meaning and help! thanks again, hope to hear from you soon xx