Before my experience at Matrix Chambers, I was keen on becoming a solicitor; however, after gaining insight into a barrister’s role, I see it as a potential pathway in the future. This has solidified my aspiration to pursue a career in law and further motivated me to continue developing the skills and knowledge required for the profession.

On my first day at Matrix Chambers, I began the day by reading a skeleton argument and learning about negligence law ahead of our day in court the next day. I learnt to pick out key pieces of information and take notes to prepare for the next day’s proceedings. I also completed a research ad hoc task on what it takes to become a barrister. I was then introduced to the various teams at Matrix, including Fees, the Legal Support Service (LSS), and the Practice team. From the Fees team I learnt that barristers sometimes don’t get paid for months after completing work and that this team chases solicitors for payment. From the practice team I found out that barristers can choose their own hours and the fields they work in, but their schedules can be unpredictable, sometimes very busy and sometimes very quiet. During my time with the LSS team, I learnt about pathways to obtain pupillage and about the work of the team conducting legal research for Matrix barristers. Not every chamber has a built-in legal support team, so Matrix is fortunate in that respect. I also learnt about KCs and their significance. After lunch we had coffee with Catherine Dobson, a barrister and a fellow at Cambridge. She also has a passion for environmental law, so we had an engaging discussion about it. I learnt about the day-to-day reality of being a barrister, her path into the profession, and why she chose this career. I ended the day by posting letters to the barristers and helping around the chambers generally.

On Day 2 we went to court to shadow Jesse Nicholls on a case concerning suicide and gambling addiction and had pasta at Guido’s for lunch.

I learnt about court etiquette, including security checks, no liquids, food, or drinks except water in court, phones on silent; and standing and bowing when the judge enters and leaves. I got a feel for the courtroom and saw a witness cross-examination. I also learnt that courtrooms could have open and private hearings to protect confidentiality. We then completed a marketing ad hoc task.

On Day 3 we had another day in court. We were initially scheduled to attend a land dispute case involving a Muslim association that had bought land from a council, on which there was a Hindu temple. However, over 100 people showed up in support of the claim, so we were unable to attend. This showed me how much community support a case can generate and how a courtroom can bring communities together.

Instead, we attended a case regarding a flood in Malawi, brought against a company responsible for building an embankment that had caused the flood. This case was fascinating, and we were able to see the proceedings over the entire day. All barristers I observed were highly skilled. Edward Craven KC was excellent, and it was clear why he was a KC. The barrister for the other side was equally talented, leading to extensive back-and-forth in the courtroom, which taught me that lawyers need to think on their feet.

Our final day at Matrix began with the future lawyers’ interview, which was invaluable. We then had coffee with one of the trainees at Matrix, which was so helpful and insightful, and she gave us very honest and detailed answers about what it is truly like to work as a barrister. Through our conversation with her I was able to understand how the profession itself worked and the intricacies of it, like how the pupillage process works and the differences between a barrister and a solicitor.

Overall, it was a valuable experience that enhanced my appreciation for the teamwork and organisation required within the legal profession.