barrister | case study
RW
“
i enjoy learning something new every day, and meeting more experienced lawyers all the time
”
Yasin Patel Age: 32 Degree: English and History, 2.1, Kent University GDL: Part-time at London Guildhall University (now London Metropolitan) BVC: Part-time at Inns of Court School of Law Yasin started his career at a civil liberties and pressure group in Newham, east London, dealing with victims of racial and police harassment. He then moved to Charlton Athletic football club, directing an anti-racism project. He went on to Birnberg Peirce & Partners, where he tackled topics connected with the Oldham riots and the Burnley unrest. His work there also involved casework and research for well-known human rights solicitor Gareth Peirce on various issues including terrorism cases and anti-terrorism legislation. As much as he loved working for solicitors, it was advocacy and representing people in court, rather than casework, that appealed to him. Persuading the jury and tribunal, the various elements of advocacy, and doing it completely independently are aspects of the job that are priceless, and are why Yasin chose the Bar ahead of being a solicitor. He is still quite junior as a “third sixth” pupil, but he has already been to the Court of Appeal and dealt with cases at the High Court, some of them on a pro bono basis. How difficult was it getting pupillage? Because of my background, I had it a little easier. I’d been involved in law and legal issues-related work, and it gave me a foot in the door. It was still difficult, but I was pretty lucky. I did mini-pupillages at Garden Court and QEB Hollis Whiteman chambers. What does your work involve? Everything from first appearances at magistrates’ courts to trials at crown court. The work I do is primarily criminal. But I also do some civil work such as civil actions against the police, inquests, prison law and some immigration work. I also do a lot of pro bono work – some relating to new human rights laws; others where people can’t be represented because of their status.
How would you rate the training you’ve been given so far? I’ve been lucky both at Tooks, and now at 25 Bedford Row where I’m in my third sixth. Both pupillages were very good – I can recommend them both highly. My Inn, (Gray’s Inn) has also been instrumental in my development as an advocate, owing to the training courses that it has provided. What do you enjoy most about pupillage? Learning something new every day, whether it is a new case or old precedent. Also, meeting more experienced and knowledgeable lawyers all the time. What do you like least? The demands on your time. To be successful as a pupil, and to do justice to your client, you have to do twice as much work as a normal
practitioner. It affects your social life, as preparing for the following morning takes a lot of time. Advice to other students? Do something away from law for a while, either in another country, or by getting a job that develops other life skills. Everything you do will have some relation to law. The people skills you can build up elsewhere are priceless. If you want to find out more, you can email Yasin at yasincares@hotmail.com
Photograph of Yas
in Patel by Yang Ou
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