I Got Hired: Pupil Barrister at 7 Harrington Chambers

Posted on: 1 January 2020 in Graduate stories

Holly Menary graduated with a first class LLB (Hons) Law degree from the University of Liverpool in 2018. She is currently training to be a Barrister at 7 Harrington Street Chambers in Liverpool.

She discusses how her degree prepared her for her career, what activities she took part it whilst at University and what advice she would give to students wanting to follow in her footsteps.

What has been your best experience while studying your course at the University of Liverpool?

I attended a number of inspiring careers talks from guest speakers. These inspired my legal career.

Which aspects of your course do you think have been the most beneficial to your career development?

I am currently a pupil barrister at 7 Harrington Street Chambers in Liverpool. I achieved a 1st class law degree at the University of Liverpool with the support of my lecturers. Alongside this, the careers department assisted me with initial CV development and gave me the opportunity to attend the Liverpool Law Society Dinner and make some initial contacts in the industry.

Do you have any top tips to share with future and current students?

In relation to those current students who have the inspiration of pursuing a career as a barrister I would have a number of top tips;

1. Get some mini-pupillages done in the city you would ultimately like to practice in, in order to show a commitment to the region
2. Start mooting and public speaking as soon as you can, getting used to hearing your own voice is the start of a long journey
3. There are lots of scholarships available, make sure you apply for them, don’t think you are not good enough
4. Make sure you stand out - I worked for Chester Zoo for a summer and this was often the first thing that was pointed out in interviews

What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the University of Liverpool?

When I think of the University of Liverpool I think of the city of Liverpool as a whole. It very quickly became my home and allowed me to put roots down, that ultimately assisted me in securing my current position.