Introduction
Applying for Pupillage can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the most difficult parts of the process is figuring out how to talk about your experiences in a way that makes you a persuasive candidate. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the STAR technique and show you how to use it to make yourself a persuasive candidate for Pupillage.
What is the STAR Technique?
The STAR technique is a way of discussing your experiences that can help you stand out from the competition. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It’s a simple but powerful tool that can help you organise your thoughts and focus on the most important aspects of your experiences.
How to Use the STAR Technique in Pupillage Applications
The STAR technique works by helping you think back to your experiences and remember what was the working situation like, what was the task that you had to do, what actions did you take to complete that task, and what were the results that you had that brought a positive impact to your client, stakeholders, or the community and organisation that you were working within.
Practical Examples of Using STAR for “What Skills Do You Have That Make You a Good Barrister?”
Let’s consider how the STAR technique might be used for a common type of application answer:
Example 1:
- Situation: During my time as a paralegal at a law firm
- Task: Assisting a senior barrister with a complex commercial litigation case
- Action: I conducted extensive research on relevant case law and statutes, drafted legal pleadings and documents, and assisted in the preparation of witness statements.
- Result: The case was successfully settled out of court, with a positive outcome for the client, and the senior barrister commended me on my thorough research and drafting skills.
Example 2:
- Situation: As a volunteer at a legal aid clinic
- Task: Providing pro bono legal advice and representation to low-income clients
- Action: I interviewed clients to gather information about their legal issues, researched relevant laws and regulations, and provided advice and representation in court.
- Result: I was able to successfully negotiate favourable settlements for several clients, and received positive feedback from the clinic’s director for my ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable way.
These examples demonstrate that the candidate has strong research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with clients and other professionals. Additionally, the examples show that they have experience in both commercial litigation and pro bono work, providing a well-rounded skillset that can be applied in various areas of practice.
Conclusion
The STAR technique is a powerful tool that can help you stand out from the competition when applying for Pupillage. By using the STAR technique, you’ll be able to present yourself in the best possible light and increase your chances of success. Remember to follow BLESSING AT THE BAR for more knowledge, tips, and advice as you pursue your Bar journey.
More Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about how to use the STAR technique to make yourself a persuasive candidate for Pupillage, be sure to check out the STAR page in the BATB Legal Skills Journal, which is available on shop.blessingatthebar.com.
If you’re looking for one-on-one coaching for your professional applications and interviews, BATB offers limited slots for personal coaching. Book your session below.
Organising all of those applications can be hectic too, so consider using our BATB Pupillage Application Research spreadsheet to stay on top of your drafts.
Head to study.blessingatthebar.com for a helpful workshop on ‘Using Data to Draft Pupillage Applications’ featuring Barrister Vinesh Mistry.
