What we are looking for

When assessing a candidate for pupillage we are looking for real potential for that candidate to join us as a member of Hardwicke. There are three core skill sets which we consider essential in a good barrister and we asses our pupils looking for these qualities. These are: legal, interpersonal and business/client care. When we are selecting pupils, we are looking for applicants who show the potential to excel in all of these areas.

In particular, we are looking for:

Legal skills 

• First class legal and advocacy skills
• Ability to analyse and explain complex cases
• Good drafting skills
• Integrity including a grasp of ethics and Code of Conduct
• Ability to manage work load effectively

Interpersonal skills

• Good communication
• A friendly, modern, energetic team player
• Ability to work well with colleagues and staff

Business and client care skills

• Ability to relate to lay and professional clients
• Ability to attract and retain work
• Understanding of the need to work in a team with the solicitor and lay client
• Ambition to build a successful practice and business