Do you want to be a barrister when you are older? To be honest, I didn’t know then and I still don’t know. But undertaking work experience at Matrix gave me exposure to the different career paths anyone can follow within the legal profession.
The very first Monday morning, I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew about being a barrister was that they were self-employed. I also knew that Matrix is a renowned barrister’s chamber in the legal hub on Grays Inn Road. At the front door of Matrix, I was immediately greeted by the buzz of the intercom where I was welcomed by Lucy Hemmens – the most familiar face in the chambers at the front of house. After ten minutes, the two people I would be spending the next four days with walked in; I am proud to call Marcus and Kacy, the other work experience students, my friends.
At 10 o’clock we were greeted by James who led us to meet Christine and the Finance and Fees team. Here, we were given information about the important roles they hold helping barristers get paid and managing the expenses of the chambers. We learned about the several types of legal aid and how people in financial need can gain access to legal justice through legal aid. James gave us a tour of the chambers before going for coffee with two trainees: Zoe and Jessica. It was particularly insightful to talk to them because they had both completed law degrees outside of the UK before doing their master’s at Cambridge and Oxford, respectively. In the afternoon, we had a talk with Lindsay who was interested in our educational aspirations. Everyone at Matrix was eager to know about us as individuals both personally and academically, illustrating the positive community Matrix is. A key team we met was the Practice Team, who help the barristers come into work and communicate with solicitors. This was an eye-opening role in the legal field as it highlighted the jobs available without necessarily needing a law degree.
The next day, I was excited to meet Nicholas Gibson, a barrister at Matrix. Kacy, Marcus and I walked into his office at 9:45 where we were greeted by a friendly face. Nicholas walked us to the Competition Appeal Tribunal where we listened to his class action trial about competition law. Our walk in the morning on the way to court was the most invaluable 15 minutes as we had the chance to ask many questions about his career as a solicitor and switch to a barrister. Through this, we learned about his decision to qualify as a barrister in an EU country. Nicholas patiently and clearly explained his personal decisions to pursue law. I could feel his passion and genuine interest to guide us through the process of being a barrister. Although Nicholas did not advocate on this day, from listening to the defendant’s barristers speak, it was a useful opportunity for me to apply my A-Level Economics – a subject I thoroughly enjoy. It was also a useful first-time experience in court. A key takeaway I learned from court was to bow to the Judge and rise as they leave and enter.
On Wednesday, we walked out of the office as soon as we arrived. Iona, an office assistant, was kind enough to walk us to the Royal Courts of Justice to meet Mark Summers KC. Immediately I noticed that this court was different from the one the previous day. It was in an older building with enforced checks and security, and I noticed barristers walking around in robes and horsehair wigs. We sat down and watched a human rights case in which Mark Summers KC represented British nationals whom the government of Japan want to extradite. Watching Mr Summers defend his client in front of a feisty, experienced Judge made us realise his overwhelming academic knowledge and absolute professionalism. Mr Summers is a talented barrister and has inspired me to achieve my greatest potential within the legal profession.
On the last day, I walked in with bittersweet feelings. I met with the Legal Support Services and David who talked to us about his legal career in which he has taken time to work in different roles including as a Judicial Assistant and Legal Researcher before his aim to be a barrister. After, we met Lucy and talked to her about her law degree and passion for travelling.
Throughout my time at Matrix, I have spent time with like-minded, academic professionals. Many people here have a law degree but are not solicitors and barristers, including Jim who opened the door for me every morning. Leaving this work experience I have a broader understanding of different careers in the legal profession. I am very grateful to Christine who looked after us the whole week and acted as an inspiring mentor. To anyone who is looking to gain a placement on the work experience programme, my biggest piece of advice would be to ask lots of questions. You can gain a deep understanding of how a barrister works and how a chamber is run.