What does it take to achieve a Distinction on the Bar Course?

In Season 8, Episode 14 of Faith Brynel Talks Law, I sit down with Jared Higgins to discuss his journey to the Bar, earning a Distinction on the Bar Course, securing prestigious scholarships, and developing the advocacy skills needed to succeed as a future barrister.

In this episode, we discuss:

Achieving a Distinction on the Bar Course

Preparing for the Bar Course

Scholarships and funding opportunities

Mini-pupillages and work experience

Developing strong advocacy skills

Practical advice for aspiring barristers

Navigating the journey to pupillage

Whether you're considering the Bar, about to start the Bar Course, or preparing your pupillage applications, this episode is packed with practical insights and advice to help you on your legal journey.

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https://www.pupillagepulse.co.uk/

🎙️ Faith Brynel Talks Law is the podcast where aspiring and practising legal professionals share their journeys, challenges and advice to help the next generation of lawyers succeed.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment and subscribe for more conversations with leading legal professionals and future barristers.

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practice at Browne Jacobson, one of the UK's leading law firms in the education sector.

Recognised as a Band One lawyer in Chambers and a member of the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, Mark shares insights from more than 25 years of advising schools, academy trusts, charities, and education organisations. We discuss what first drew him to education law, the biggest legal challenges facing schools today, the importance of governance, and the role lawyers play in helping education leaders navigate an increasingly complex landscape.

Mark also offers valuable advice for aspiring lawyers interested in education law, public sector work, and building a career that combines professional excellence with meaningful impact.

Whether you're a law student, aspiring solicitor or barrister, educator, or simply interested in how law shapes society, this episode provides a fascinating look into one of the most influential areas of legal practice.

Topics Covered:

• Careers in education law
• Governance and academy trusts
• Legal challenges facing schools
• Leadership and strategic legal advice
• Public sector legal practice
• Advice for aspiring lawyers

Listen now and discover how law helps shape the future of education.

#FaithBrynelTalksLaw #EducationLaw #LawPodcast #AspiringLawyers #LegalCareers #BrowneJacobson #LawStudents #PublicSectorLaw #Governance #EducationSector

Host: Faith Brynel Pomell
Guest: Mark Blois, Founding Partner, Browne Jacobson Education Practice

In Season 8, Episode 12 of Faith Brynel Talks Law, I share a personal reflection on balancing exam season, completing my MA Law Conversion, growing professionally, and continuing my journey towards the Bar.

This episode is all about the reality behind the progress. I talk about what it feels like to keep going when you are under pressure, managing self-doubt, trying to stay disciplined, and learning not to compare your journey to everyone else’s.

Sometimes people only see the highlights, but behind every achievement there are moments of tiredness, uncertainty and sacrifice. This episode is a reminder that growth is not always comfortable, confidence is often built through consistency, and every step forward still matters.

For students, aspiring lawyers and anyone building their future, this one is for you.

Season 8, Episode 12 is out now.

#FaithBrynelTalksLaw #Season8 #Episode12 #AspiringBarrister #LawStudentUK #MAConversion #ULaw #StudyMotivation #LegalJourney #Discipline #Resilience #StudentLife #JourneyToTheBar

In this episode of Faith Brynel Talks Law, we explore one of the most overlooked yet essential skills in the legal profession: communication.

I am joined by Jay Bailey Stephenson, a senior communications leader, CEO of MJBS Communications, and creator of Just Be Still™ Coaching. With over 15 years of experience across the public and private sectors, Jay specialises in helping individuals and organisations communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Together, we discuss what effective leadership communication looks like during periods of change, and why clarity, trust, and empathy are critical. We explore how aspiring legal professionals can communicate their purpose with intention, and how that purpose becomes evident through their choices, experiences, and overall narrative.

We also examine the role of storytelling in law, and how it shapes understanding, influences outcomes, and connects legal arguments to real human experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, emotional clarity, and human connection in high-pressure environments.

This episode is essential listening for aspiring lawyers and professionals who want to stand out not only through what they know, but through how they communicate.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Faith Brynel Talks Law, I’m joined by Joseph Hart, a practising barrister, Grade 4 Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutor and specialist rape panel advocate, for an in-depth and honest conversation about life at the Criminal Bar.

Joseph shares how working on both sides, prosecuting and defending, has shaped his advocacy, sharpening his ability to anticipate arguments, identify weaknesses in a case and remain fair and objective in court. We explore why this dual perspective is such a powerful advantage for barristers, particularly those developing their advocacy early in their careers.

We also discuss the realities of handling serious and sensitive cases, including sexual offences. Joseph breaks down the key skills required in this area, from managing complex evidence and communicating effectively with juries to maintaining professionalism, empathy and resilience in cases where the stakes are exceptionally high. This part of the conversation highlights that criminal advocacy is not just technical, but deeply human.

The episode also looks at how to build a broad and adaptable practice. Joseph reflects on his work across criminal and regulatory law, including fraud, violent crime, health and safety, environmental law and professional discipline, offering practical advice on how aspiring barristers can remain open to opportunities and develop a diverse skill set over time.

We then turn to his international work, including prosecutions in St Helena and the Falkland Islands. Joseph explains how these opportunities arose and shares insight into how aspiring barristers can position themselves for similar experiences, emphasising the importance of taking opportunities, building relationships and being proactive.

Finally, Joseph offers honest advice for those navigating the path to the Bar, speaking candidly about the pressures, competition and moments of self-doubt that come with the profession. His message is clear: consistency, resilience and not losing heart are essential to long-term success.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career at the Bar or currently working towards pupillage, offering practical guidance, real insight and a grounded perspective on what it truly takes to succeed.

In this episode of Faith Brynel Talks Law, I am joined by Penny de Valk, an experienced international executive with over two decades dedicated to leadership development across professional service organisations.

Drawing from her global experience as a CEO and Managing Director, Penny shares powerful insight into what leadership truly requires in the legal profession and why technical excellence alone is no longer enough. We explore the importance of emotional intelligence, relationship building, and strategic thinking in shaping effective and inclusive leaders.

A key focus of this conversation is the “broken rung”, the point at which many women face barriers in progressing into leadership roles. Penny discusses how organisations can address this challenge through evidence based and inclusive leadership development, as well as the importance of visibility, sponsorship, and creating environments where all leadership talent is recognised and supported.

We also discuss how aspiring lawyers can begin developing leadership and interpersonal skills early, from mooting and pro bono work to building genuine relationships through networking. Penny shares why moving away from transactional approaches and towards meaningful connection is essential for long term progression.

As a certified professional coach with multiple psychometric accreditations and a recognised voice across major platforms including BBC Radio 4, Sky News, The Telegraph, The Times, and the Financial Times, Penny brings both practical insight and proven impact to this conversation.

This episode offers valuable guidance for anyone navigating a career in law, particularly those looking to understand leadership, progression, and how to position themselves for long term success.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennydevalk

In this episode of Faith Brynel Talks Law, we break down one of the most common questions aspiring lawyers face which path should you choose, barrister or solicitor.

This episode explores the key differences between the two roles, from day to day responsibilities to training routes, work environments, and long term career progression. We also address common misconceptions and highlight what is often not spoken about when making this decision.

You will gain clarity on:

• The core differences between barristers and solicitors
• The skills and strengths suited to each path
• Training routes including the Bar and SQE pathways
• What life actually looks like in each role
• How to decide which path aligns with your goals

This episode is designed to help you make an informed and confident decision about your future in law, whether you are just starting your journey or considering your next steps.

If you are serious about building a career in law and want clear, practical insight, this episode is for you.

What does it really take to succeed in law school — and beyond?

In this episode of Faith Brynel Talks Law, I sit down with Linda Chadderton, Director of Professional Legal Education at the University of Lancashire, to break down what students actually need to know but are rarely told.

We go beyond grades and discuss what makes a strong law student, the biggest mistakes students make, how to prepare for the realities of legal practice, and the key skills that truly set you apart.

This episode is essential listening for anyone studying law, considering the Bar, or navigating the next stage of their legal journey. If you are serious about your future in law, this is the clarity you have been looking for.