Look left, and you'll see a new menu item has arrived. Its a news aggregator, which takes news from many law releated web sites and puts them into one big list, on one page.

You should be able to get a feel for the article from the news agrigated on this page, to decide if you want to go to the site and read on.

I know a few Blog writers have the opinion that sending people off to other blogs is silly, as they may not come back to the original site, but my plan is to make the site usefull, and missing out content doesn't work for me.

If there are any sites you do visit frequently and would be of use to other readers, let us know, and we'll add it.

Then all you have to do, is take a look at the 'news aggregator', and choose the articles you wish to read. It will save you alot of web hunting and time in the long run!!

If this concerns you, chances are you know about this already!

'Due to the unprecedented volume of data being submitted to the system the applications DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED.
The application deadline is now 1.00 pm Friday 1 May.'

So, everyone has an extra 23 hours to submit their OLPAS applications, SO get typing!

Whilst searching for information on chambers for my pupillage applications, I spotted a few sites that claim to provide a service helping write responses for your application form.

This in turn drew my attention to the Bar Council's warning on the front page of the pupillage portal.

"The Bar Council is aware of companies operating via the internet who offer to write pupillage applications and provide other services to assist with applications and interviews. We strongly advise applicants that it is likely to be detrimental to their applications to use any service containing customised model entries or answers on application forms or for interview. We have warned chambers about their existence and to be alert to their use."

It strikes me that anyone using these services, is going to have a problem the second they get to the interview stage, as a good interviewer is likely to ask them about the content of the their application, in depth, to get a real feel for their beliefs or values, which will either come over insincere, or conflict with their application.

I know I've been a bit missing lately, as you all know its OLPAS time, so every ounce of my effort is going into that, dont worry I will be back soon

promise

If you were not successful in the first round offers for the BVC please remember that there is still time to make an application for the clearing pool which will be available for providers to review from 14:00 on 3rd April 2009.

Good luck everyone.

Earlier today I received confirmation from the College of Law that they now have copies of the handbook for collection from the careers office.

No doubt this is the case for the other handbook suppliers.

There appears to be a delay in the distribution of the Pupillage Handbook 2010.

I have been unable to get a copy from the College of Law, Middle Temple or the Bar Council.

However after contacting the distributors of the handbook, they have ensured me that copies will be sent out and available to students any day now.

The Bar Council has just confirmed potential changes to the OLPAS form for 2009.

Instead of the two seasons, Summer and Autumn, there will now be just the Summer Season and then a Clearing Session replacing the Autumn Season.

The changes will include:

1. A new application form - This is essentially the same as the previous OLPAS form, but allowing you to tailor some questions on the application form to the chambers to which you are applying for.

Candidates will now be able to add any additional information that they think is relevant or write a covering letter.

The changes are planning on being introduced for the start of the Summer Season 2009. However in the event the form is not ready, then the previous OLPAS form will be used.

2. Clearing - this will replace the Autumn Season and Chambers will be able to register pupillage vacancies for the clearing period only.

I was fortunate enough to be chosen to play a witness for the Inn of Courts 'Training the Practitioners' Day. The day is designed to offer extra advocacy training for those already in practice by giving them a case scenario and having them prepare it as if preparing for an actual trial or hearing, from opening to closing speeches. The event was held for both civil practitioners and criminal practitioners.

As part of my role as a civil witness I had to learn the information in the bundle, including the role play instructions.

The day provided a great insight into the different styles and techniques adopted by each practitioner in conferences, opening speeches, closing speeches, cross examination and examination -in-chief.

It was surprising to see that different advocates displayed different levels of competency in each of the areas referred to above. For example those advocates clearly skilled and gifted in cross-examining witnesses struggled noticeably when conducting their examinations-in-chief.

This is a copy of an email I was sent from FRU:

Dear Prospective Representative,

I am pleased to announce that the Training days are now available to book.

Employment - Saturday 31st January 2009

Social Security - Saturday 7th February 2009

Once you attend the training day, you will need to attend one of the proceeding test dates. There will be 3 test dates available, one each week at the end of February. We will announce these dates within the next couple of days.

Please visit our website to process your application through our on-line booking system. You will find it at http://www.freerepresentationunit.org.uk/default.asp?itemID=194&itemTitle=Training%20Days

If you wish to apply simply click on the link above.

Please note that you will only be eligible for the Induction day if you meet our criteria for entrance. This is detailed below: