Important message there: believe the truth. Believe what you hear. All of it. The GDL is intense in the exactly the same way as an invasive medical procedure: uncomfortable, immediately strange but, in the long term, of benefit. Unquestionable benefit. This qualification is the thing which will set you off along your journey to the Bar. It is, as invasive medical procedures are, absolutely vital.
There is much work to be done. Even after gaining a degree from a prestigious university I was a little put out by the amount of work involved. It is not that the GDL requires the breadth of thought that a degree does, nor does it foster the an idea of the sanctity of thinking in the way a degree does, or should. It is that there is much to read. Pages and pages and chapters and chapters. And this reading is not something that can be missed: if you don't do it then you don't have a hope.
The answer to this, of course, is to just do the reading. At the beginning of the course allow a little more than the time your provider allocates you. Take your time with it. Trusts are never going to make sense if you only give them half an hour on the train in. Make notes; not reams; bullet points. Arm yourself with stationary. Tag things. Highlight things. Make a table of cases for each chapter or unit; that is, case names and then a few bullet points of explanation. These tables will be like rather plain looking deitites come exam time. Keep on looking over the work that you've covered: half an hour consolidation will really benefit you when revision comes. Be organised. if you come across any extra reading sections then get hold of a recommended article. You'll learn more than your classmates whilst consolidating the work that you've already covered. Extra reading is always a win-win. Make the time.
Hit the ground running for dear life. Debating competitions? Enter them. Mooting competitions? Enter them. Even without any legal experience and if you have never debated before and the thought of asking for a 'point of information' brings on a migraine, enter them. If you lose it doesn't matter. You haven't actually lost anything. What you've gained is far more important: experience in public speaking, thinking on your feet etc. And next time you stand up in a debate to submit an argument it will be better. It's surprising how quickly you improve with things like this. The most difficult thing is making a start.
Another place to start is the career's service. Book yourself in for an appointment. First week. No excuses. Find out what you need to be doing.
Sensible advice. Obvious, too. But it works.
Are you able to provide any advice on preparing for a GDL scholarship interview? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFirsly, if you haven't read it I have a short entry on the GDL Scholarship interview on this blog called 'Getting In with the Inn: The Scholarship Interview' and it was published Wednesday, 8 September 2010. You can find it from the post chronology to the right of the screen.
DeleteBeyond that I suggest the following:
1) Obvious, yes: read your application.
This is all, except any references, the panel have to go on. Make sure you know what is on there. You will look a fool if they ask you a question about something on there - for instance, personal interests - and you don't have an answer. As an example:
You were in the university choir. What was your last performance?
If you were to hesitate it it would look a) as if this was a fib on your application form (and you are untruthful); b) you are forgetful (and you would be equally so on your feet in court); c) inarticulate (again, unconvincing when you come to be on your feet).
I highlight this variety of question because it is one that I did not foresee. The panel will want to ensure that you are honest, with an excellent memory and articulate. These are vital qualities for a barrister. The panel will consist of wonderfully bright and switched on barristers who will want to test what you are made of. This variety of question is one that I think allows them to do that in an extremely subtle way. It applies to any number of statements on a CV: voluntary work, roles on a university committee, employment, student journalism, hobbies. Any barrister worth their salt must know their brief inside out; think of your application form as your brief. Except, rather than persuading the panel to go with your client's argument you are persuading the panel to go with you as a candidate.
2) This is tough: your manner
Do not be arrogant. Nobody, panel especially, likes a smart arse. Equally, do not be a sap. The panel will contradict you, question you. You must be able to withstand this and stand your ground.
3) The hardest part: be yourself.
Do not be ashamed of who you are or where you have come from. You have every right to be sitting in that chair. You have every chance.
Many thanks :)
ReplyDelete