Today I received a thank you card from the client of my first Fru case. Although the outcome of my clients case was not a positive one she still took the time to thank me for representing her.

Nothing can take away the disappointment of losing a case, but client recognition and appreciation makes it a slightly less bitter pill to swallow.

The Induction day was held at City University and started at 10:00am. Overall all I found the day really informative. We were given a booklet which contained handouts and materails on Social Security law, how FRU works and the type of things involved in being a FRU rep.

The majority of Social Security cases referred to FRU concerns either disability living allowance(DLA), attendance allowance (AA)or incapacity benefits (ICB). And as a beginner the majorty of my case's will either invilve DLA or ICB.

The next FRU qualifying step is undertaking a test involving a case secrnario and statutory interpretation.

At the beginning of the week I had one pupillage rejection under my belt and by the end of the week I had six.

Impressively one of the chambers took the time to construct and send out a physical rejection letter. The rest came via email through the OLPAS email confirmation system. Some of which were very apologetic and sincere, wishing me future success whilst others where more straight to the point.

My next step is to contact the chambers I have already heard from asking for any specific reasons for being rejected.

Edit: 28/08/2008 After talking to people in similar situations many reported back that a lot of chambers due to the sheer number of applications they received could not offer any specific reasons for rejections.

However I still strongly recommend that applicants get in touch with chambers concerning reasons for rejection as any feedback could provide valued insight into the pupillage selection process and help to establish any weaknesses in their OLPAS application forms.

Here are a few websites that I've found invaluable through the years.

www.prospects.ac.uk

www.lcan.org.uk

www.lgcareers.com

www.ilex.org.uk

www.solicitors-online.com

www.pupillages.com

www.lawsociety.org.uk

www.barcouncil.org.uk

www.thelawyer.com

As you can probably guess today was the deadline date for applications for pupillages through the OLPAS system. You will be delighted to know that I submitted my completed form in good time and in my opinion to a high standard. A big thank you to those who offered advice, support and chocolates you know who you are. And congrats to all my competition out there who also submitted their forms :).

P.S. I will be writing an article about both the Target Open day and the OLPAS system, however if anyone else would like to add their own experiences or opinions on either events please let me know and I will arrange it.

I received this today and can’t wait to get started.

Date: 29 Apr 2008, 10:18:19 AM
Subject: [FRU] Induction Days Announced

Social Security Induction Day - Saturday 14th June 2008

I’ve booked myself onto the "Social Security" Induction day as that’s the one I am currently qualified to do. It cost £20 to book a place but if you’re committed to joining FRU it's well worth the money and they are a charity after all.

N.B. By 'qualified' I mean that I have passed my LLB law degree.

Pulled directly off the Inner Temple Web site

Thought this might interest some people.

The Inner Temple as part of the 2008 renewal of its commitment to furthering the study and development of the law and the education and training of those who practise or intend to practise it, has established a valuable prize, to be known as the Inner Temple Book Prize. There will in fact be two prizes, one of £10,000 and one for “young authors” of £2,500, to be awarded for the first time in December 2008. Please visit www.innertemplebookprize.org


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 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.

Whilst at the Target National Pupillage Fair I went to the 'Pro bono work and Employment Bar' talk. I was really impressed and interested by the representative from the Free Representation Unit and so I have decided to join them. I've joined the induction day mailing list and now waiting for confirmation of dates.

Ok, people The Target National Pupillage fair has been arranged for Saturday 8th March 2008 at Lincoln’s Inn, London and runs from 10:30am to 3:00pm.

The fair allows students seeking pupillages to meet with chambers, BVC course providers and funding providers.

You will also be given a copy of the Pupillages Handbook - an essential for anyone thinking of applying for pupillage.

It is recommended that you register online in advance at www.targetpupillagefair.co.uk