I have never felt so motivated or inspired before my weeks work experience at Matrix. The diligence of the staff and barristers accounts for their outstanding reputation as an excellent, innovative provider of legal services. The atmosphere which emanates throughout the Matrix building is one of warmth and eloquence. This feeling was not only stipulated on the first day, but it remained throughout the whole week. This communicated to me the first-class treatment which anyone, whether client or worker is given as they walk through the doors of Matrix. Without this experience, my desire to pursue Law as a chosen degree would not have been confirmed. Watching the barristers and the barrister support team in action has set a concrete grounding of the high level of work which I want to be part of one day.
The first day began with a welcoming induction given by Lindsay Clarke who then proceeded to introduce the various different teams which support the barristers at Matrix. After this, we were straight to work with an admin task which required a high level of organisational skills and efficient time management, something which I found most fulfilling. After lunch we worked with Shams Rahman who is the Legal Support Manager of the Legal Support Service. This gave us an insight to the research support which is provided to Matrix’s members. This is through finding legal information and carrying out substantial research. Along with my fellow work experience partner, Annabelle, we researched cases, analysed the detail and reviewed the verdict. We also investigated and examined a number of the Human Right’s Acts which gave us further insight into the importance of Matrix’s work in equality and discrimination. This is something which has involved Matrix in momentous cases since its formation.
The rest of the week was filled with attending cases at The Royal Courts of Justice, which for me, was the highlight of my experience at Matrix. This is because this was my first acquaintance with top barristers in a court setting. Shadowing and being given advice from expertise like Mark Summers, a QC and specialist in extradition law was truly invaluable. To watch an extradition case by someone so knowledgeable and passionate about their work is what I aim to be like as a barrister. Similarly, the ways in which Karon Monaghan QC and her junior Sarah Hannett were able to clearly articulate their arguments was so engaging, and I have never seen anything like it. The case which was had been heavily talked about in the media must have put enormous pressure on the barristers yet the way in which they spoke was so punctual and explicit. Something which stood out for me with all of the barristers was their rapport with the clients which I saw before and after the cases. It was clear that they truly cared for and had their well-being at heart. This was something I found most admirable. Equally, I found our last day at the Old Bailey, where we attended a murder trial most captivating. Here, my appreciation of the barristers work was heightened as I observed how thorough and rigorous the barristers must be in their points and reasoning.
My week at Matrix has left me feeling driven and excited about my dream to pursue a career in law. Not only this, but I also aim to work in a place like Matrix where a small network of hard working and good-natured staff would make such a profession rewarding and enjoyable.