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WILLIAM REES MOGG:

I went into my practicing period as a pupil with a mixture of excitement about being ‘on my feet’ and managing my own clients and apprehension about the challenges I would face when appearing on my own for the first time. My first hearing was a small claims track trial. Beforehand, I received all the support I needed to prepare, both from my supervisor and other members of chambers.

I remember the rush of adrenaline I felt when I began my first cross examination. I particularly enjoyed catching out the Defendant’s witness in a lie he had told, leading the witness to say that it was fair enough – I’d got him.

Throughout my practicing period I continued to work with my supervisor, including on a High Court trial in the King’s Bench Division. There was a good balance of my own court work and paperwork for my supervisor’s cases. There was always something new to do – whether it was researching and advising on the finer points of gambling law or drafting a skeleton argument for my next case. I was also encouraged to work collaboratively with my fellow pupil, making my practicing period a co-operative rather than competitive experience.

As I progressed, I was given more work to do, including applications for relief from sanctions and to set aside default judgment. I worked mainly in London and on the South-Eastern circuit but occasionally found myself going further afield – to Manchester, Mansfield and Plymouth. I also worked with Chambers’ key aviation clients, dealing with claims against airlines pursuant to EC261/2004. It is common to be dealing with litigants in person in these matters, which brings its own challenges, but does tend to keep you on your toes wondering what they will do next!

Chambers is very ably managed by the Head of Legal Operations, Robert, and by the Head of Chambers, Lawrence, who will make sure that you are supported in the work you are given. This ensures you can keep developing throughout your practicing period, without ever being forced to take on work you aren’t ready for.

My favourite memory of my practicing period will be winning my first case. I was convinced that the Judge was not with me at the end of my closing speech, so hearing her find that my client’s evidence was to be preferred and note she was assisted by my skeleton argument was brilliant.