Barristers In Their Own Words

Get a snapshot of what some of our alumni have been getting up to via this selection of video interviews. Originally filmed for Lawbore Future Lawyer, we're sharing them on Learnmore too!
These demonstrate how following the barrister pathway can open up the way to many different roles.

Hear from Tom Cross, Jane McNeill QC, Nick Oakeshott and Georgina Wolfe.

Tom Cross

Tom Cross completed his GDL at City in 2006 and gained tenancy at Francis Taylor Building. This video was filmed just before he began a one-year post at the Supreme Court, where he had a post as a first Judicial Assistant until July 2010, working for Lord Collins of Mapesbury and Lord Saville of Newdigate. Exciting stuff!

In his interview Tom talks about the GDL and BVC (now BPTC), his role at FTB, pupillage interviews, teaching law and crucially, passes on some top tips to current students.

To find out more about Tom's legal experience and publications, click here to see his Chambers profile.

Jane McNeill QC

Jane McNeill QC, barrister at Old Square Chambers completed her GDL (then the CPE) at City in 1980 and specialises in the fields of employment and personal injury law. Ranked as a leading silk in the latest edition of both Chambers and Partners ("never less than fully prepared to bat off the slings and arrows") and in the Legal 500 ("methodical" and with "an edge in defending discrimination cases").

Alongside acting in some very high-profile discrimination cases, Jane also sits as a Recorder in the County Court, is a part-time tribunal judge and is the editor of the Equality and Diversity Code for the Bar.

Jane kindly did a great interview with the Lawbore blog, touching on how she reached where she is today, achieving a work/home life balance and what the Inns can do for you. She reflects on the Legal Services Act and how this may affect the Bar, and gives some tips on developing a specialism, getting experience and offers some insight into how different sets can differ tremendously.

Nick Oakeshott

Nick Oakeshott completed his GDL at City in 1996, and now works as a barrister at Asylum Aid. Nick tells us about his passion for human rights and details his path to Asylum Aid, previously working for Refugee and Migrant Justice. At Asylum Aid he works as Casework Manager - a massive role which on top of the very demanding casework, he is involved with high level policy engagement with the UK Border Agency and lobbying government policy.

If you're interested in working within human rights Nick's interview will answer a lot of your questions, passing on a detailed view of what his job involves, what kind of skills and experience you'll need and the challenges you're up against.

You can tell the offices of Asylum Aid are at Highbury Corner by the number of sirens!

Georgina Wolfe

Georgina Wolfe graduated from City in 2006, after completing her GDL and BVC (now BPTC) with us. She is a barrister at 5 Essex Court where she specialises in Police Law, as well as undertaking a lot of work in the public law, employment law, personal injury, licensing and commercial law.

Georgina co-authored the fantastic Path to Pupillage - highly recommended for anyone seeking to progress to the Bar. Georgina has also assisted in updating the latest edition of Police Law by Jack English and Richard Card (OUP, 2008) and Defending Class Actions (McCarthy Tétrault, 2008).

In this video Georgina gives an insight into her career path, and offers many tips on pupillage interviews and applications.