We’re delighted to announce that the No5 Pupils will commence their second six in the upcoming weeks as they take the exciting next step in their careers at the Bar.
Over the next 6 days, we will publish more about our pupils, what they have learnt so far, and the date they will be accepting instructions from.
First up, we have Rose Macaulay. Rose is completing her pupillage with the Employment Group under the supervision of Jack Feeny. Rose has performed regularly as an actor, both in amateur and professional productions across the UK. Over the last two years, she has performed leading Shakespeare roles including Imogen in ‘Cymbeline’ and Isabella in ‘Measure for Measure’ open air in Wales. Alongside acting, she enjoys weightlifting, theatre trips, and excessive amounts of overpriced coffee.
Rose has penned her thoughts on her experience as a pupil at No5, including tips for incoming pupils this year. Rose will be able to accept instructions from the 6th of April, her Practice Director is Oliver Lee and the wider clerking contact details can be viewed here. Please access the link below for Roses’ article:
“Starting pupillage is both exciting and daunting same time! I’m nearly at the end of my first six of a specialist employment pupillage at No5 Chambers. This article reflects on my experience as a pupil at No5, what I have learned so far, and shares some tips for incoming pupils this year.
“At No5, you have one main supervisor. This is a great benefit– you have one person who gets to know you and your work, including the things you do well and areas you struggle with and need to improve. However, you also get to meet and shadow other members of the team. This is great as you get to see a variety of work across different levels of seniority in preparation for second six.
“Every Chambers will say they are friendly and collegiate on their website, but this is genuinely the case with No5. The Clerks are helpful, knowledgeable and very quick to respond and help with any queries.
“Junior members of Chambers have also gone out of their way to provide sessions on areas of law we are likely to encounter in our second six, lend books and offer general advice, unprompted. Feeling like you have a supportive community to lean on for advice in the run up to second six is invaluable.
“Now for the tips! Pupillage can feel daunting and there is a real leap from academic law/the Bar Course to practice. You’re unlikely to get everything right at the start.
“The most important tip is to take feedback, including criticism, positively and use it to improve. First six is a unique opportunity to receive consistent and concentrated feedback on your work, which will not happen so much later in your career. Take that feedback and apply it. One of the most rewarding things about pupillage is the sense of progression if you do this.
“Ask questions, especially if you are struggling with a piece of work.
“My final tip is to make sure you look after yourself outside of pupillage. It can be intense, and there’s a very steep learning curve. Keeping some evenings and weekends for yourself where possible helps you to recharge.
“For incoming pupils in 2026, it will be challenging, but you will (hopefully!) have fun along the way too. Finally, for those in the trenches of applying for pupillage now – good luck.”
