Durham Law Students Represent Law School at Lincoln’s Inn University Information Afternoon and Dinner

The evening began with a panel discussion hosted by Anna McCole, featuring Jack Meek, a barrister at the Government Legal Department, Mary Collingridge, a pupil barrister at 9 Bedford Row Chambers, Charlotte Wilk, a barrister at Gatehouse Chambers, and Anita Arora, a District Crown Prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service. The panel offered valuable insight into their different journeys to the Bar, the distinctions between the self-employed and employed Bar, and practical advice on securing pupillage. Anna McCole also provided helpful guidance on the scholarships available through Lincoln’s Inn and explained the interview process in more detail.

Following the panel, the Durham students attended a reception where they had the chance to network with barristers and students from other universities. In particular, we spoke with Ethan Naish, a future barrister at East Anglian Chambers and Jennifer Jones KC from Atkin Chambers. These conversations gave us a better understanding of different chambers’ practice areas and offered useful advice on how to continue developing our advocacy skills.

The evening concluded with a three-course dinner in the Great Hall, where students were seated alongside practising barristers, pupil barristers, and judges. We were fortunate to be seated with Durham alumnus Joel Donovan KC, whose experiences and reflections made the occasion especially memorable.

Reflecting on the event Grace commented:

‘I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lincoln’s Inn and found the evening incredibly insightful. Hearing from so many barristers about their different journeys to the Bar was particularly valuable, especially as it highlighted how important skills can be gained from a wide range of experiences, even those you might not immediately associate with a career at the Bar.

During the dinner, I had the privilege of being seated beside Robert McCracken KC of Francis Taylor Building. With a career spanning more than fifty years, it was fascinating to hear his perspective on how the Bar has evolved and where he feels the profession is heading next.’

Sophie continued:

‘I cannot thank the barristers we met enough for taking time to share their journey to the bar and bestowing invaluable advice upon aspiring barristers such as ourselves. Throughout the whole evening we felt warmly welcomed, and were given the key takeaway that with enough perseverance and resilience, we can excel on our own journey to becoming a barrister.

During the dinner, I sat next to Joel Donovan KC who offered insightful outlooks on his own progression to the bar, the university experience, and many more engaging conversations. His kindness, humour and openness were a highlight of the evening, and we would like to thank him for his enthusiasm and advice’.

Alison added:

‘It was inspiring to be able to meet a Durham alumnus, Joel Donovan KC. He spoke about his path from studying law to the Bar. I learned about how different the law school was previously and heard many stories in his career.

It assured me that a barrister is what I would like to be in the future. I am more than grateful for this opportunity to visit Lincoln’s Inn and receive the valuable advice.’

Shermin concluded:

‘The Lincoln’s Inn Dinner consisted of a panel of speakers, from a range of backgrounds, who offered insightful and encouraging perspectives on their journeys to the Bar. At the dinner, I had the pleasure of speaking with Joel Donovan KC, who shared his experiences at the Bar and reflections on his university experience.

I am grateful to Lincoln’s Inn for hosting such a valuable experience, and to Durham Law School for their support in connecting us with this opportunity’.

Grace, Sophie, Alison and Shermin would like to extend their gratitude to Lincoln’s Inn for the opportunity to attend such an insightful and rewarding event. It was an invaluable experience for all of us, and we greatly appreciated the chance to learn from practitioners from across the profession and connect with fellow aspiring barristers.

Notes:

More about Durham Law School here

More about Lincoln’s Inn here

More about Joel Donovan here