Pupillage at Castle Gate Chambers, A Pupil’s Perspective by Amelia Trem
I was asked to write a “day in the life” of a pupil at Castle Gate Chambers, but for me pupillage was so vast and varied that picking one single day would not fairly capture the experience. Having only recently completed pupillage, I felt it would be helpful to reflect instead on the key points that I took away from my time as a pupil at Castle Gate Chambers.
FIRST SIX MONTHS - THE LESSONS
1. Bar School is not Practice
I began pupillage immediately after completing the Bar Practice Course, and with course content still fresh in my mind I assumed that the reality of criminal practice would not be too far away from what I learned on the BPC.
Studying criminal law on the BPC is a structured, academic simulation with clear facts, signposted issues, and an emphasis on technical competence. Practice is far more unpredictable and human, involving messy evidence, vulnerable clients, time pressure, and real consequences, where pragmatic judgment and resilience matter just as much as legal knowledge.
The BPC teaches you how criminal law should work; practising at the Criminal Bar teaches you how justice actually operates under pressure, scarcity, and human complexity. It takes time to adjust to that reality and to become comfortable with the fact that learning continues well beyond formal education.
2. Be a Sponge
During first six, pupils work closely with their supervisors but also get the chance to observe a wide range of members across chambers. One of the real benefits of a smaller set like Castle Gate is the breadth of exposure this gives, and by the end of first six I had seen almost every member in action in one capacity or another. This included observing prosecution and defence work, different advocacy and preparation styles, client handling, and interactions with judges, opponents, and court staff. Seeing such a range of approaches was invaluable while developing my own professional style. To make the most of it, I kept structured and detailed notes on what I observed, focusing not just on the law but also on courtroom dynamics, advocacy techniques, and the subtleties of how the court really works.
3. You don’t know what you don’t know
One of the strongest takeaways of pupillage is to say yes to opportunities, get stuck in, and push yourself outside your comfort zone. Pupils are encouraged to have a go at everything, whether that’s written work, research, or advocacy, and doing so early undoubtedly builds confidence. Perfection is not expected and mistakes will happen both in first and second six; what matters is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Making mistakes in a supportive environment - something Castle Gate truly prides itself on - is part of the process, and often the best way to discover what you don’t yet know.
SECOND SIX - THE HIGHLIGHTS
The second six months of pupillage is where things really start to change as you move from watching others in court to being on your feet and running your own cases. At Castle Gate, pupils are given a varied and busy workload from the outset, with growing independence but plenty of support from supervisors and other members of chambers always close by.
1. The Type of Work
Most of a second six pupil’s work at Castle Gate is split between the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court both prosecuting and defending. From my own experience, one day you could be prosecuting a Magistrates’ Court list of 10+ trials, and the next managing administrative matters in the Crown Court.
Magistrates Court
The Magistrates’ Court is where pupils cut their teeth. You learn to digest enormous amounts of case papers quickly and churn through the workload efficiently. You will also learn to hold your own against experienced solicitors, legal advisers as well as how to handle vulnerable witnesses and litigants in person both in court and out.
Crown Court
A single day in the Crown Court can mean multiple hearings across different courtrooms, switching quickly between cases and adapting your advocacy to each judge (knowing your tribunal is key!). You will also shift between prosecuting and defending, learning to pivot your style and thinking quickly from case to case.
2. Preparation
Although second six is court-heavy, a significant part of the workload happens outside the courtroom. Preparation includes digesting case papers, drafting submissions, anticipating and preparing responses to judicial intervention and researching legal issues, all often under time pressures. Cases are often listed at short notice, adjourned or moved, so pupils quickly learn the importance of preparing efficiently and staying organised.
3. Managing a Busy Diary
One of the biggest challenges of second six is managing your diary. Pupils are in court most days, juggling multiple cases or travelling between court centres, while also completing mandatory examinations and training like the BSB Ethics Exam. Amid all this, balance is key. At Castle Gate Chambers, pupils are encouraged to prioritise wellbeing alongside practice, keeping open lines of communication with your supervisor and clerks; after all, a burnt-out operative isn’t an effective one!
REFLECTIONS
Criminal work can be emotionally demanding, particularly for pupils encountering vulnerable defendants, distressed witnesses or serious allegations for the first time and learning how to balance professionalism with empathy is an important part of the learning process.
A career at the criminal bar is a vocation and the work you do, even as a pupil, is immensely important and has real impact. I can think of few careers that are as intellectually challenging and emotionally fulfilling as the Criminal Bar.
Pupillage at Castle Gate Chambers is demanding, immersive and highly gratifying. The variety of work, the quality of training and advocacy, and the supportive culture within chambers create an environment in which pupils are encouraged to learn, reflect and organically develop the skills required for a long and fulfilling life at the criminal Bar.