Career Clinic: Should I quit the magic circle to pursue my Bar ambitions?
"I'm currently doing a training contract at a magic circle firm - I really like the atmosphere, am keen to work for them and best of all, they seem to like me. However, I have always wanted to be a barrister. I did all the necessary CV garnishing while I was at university - mini-pupillages, debating, mooting etc, but I decided to apply for a TC instead because I didn't want to ask for financial help from my parents and I was scared off the Bar because qualifying is so expensive and uncertain.
November 03, 2009 at 06:53 AM
2 minute read
"I'm currently doing a training contract at a magic circle firm – I really like the atmosphere, am keen to work for them and best of all, they seem to like me.
"However, I have always wanted to be a barrister. I did all the necessary CV garnishing while I was at university – mini-pupillages, debating, mooting etc, but I decided to apply for a TC instead because I didn't want to ask for financial help from my parents and I was scared off the Bar because qualifying is so expensive and uncertain.
"Is it too late to backtrack? I have a good degree as well as relevant experience, and by the time I apply I will have two years' commercial experience at a top firm. Would a good set consider me if I apply after I finish my TC? Or will they worry that I lag behind in the advocacy stakes having missed out on useful experience?"
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