Chambers takes part in the 10,000 Black Interns Scheme for the Bar

For the second year running, Chambers took part in the 10,000 Black Interns Scheme for the Bar, a brilliant initiative aimed at championing under-represented talent across the entire spectrum of UK industries, including the legal sector. Last week, we welcomed Junior Ikechi Iro to 5 Essex Chambers. As part of his internship programme, Junior spent a week with us. During this time, he experienced first-hand the work our barristers do, learnt more about pursuing a career at the Bar and the areas of law that we specialise in.

Of his time working in Chambers, Junior commented: “Over the week at 5 Essex court I was immersed in a field of work previously unfamiliar to me. I had the opportunity to observe a case on investigating the lawfulness of an arrest as per the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, thus making it my first time witnessing a jury trial and the process of examination in chief and cross examinations. This in itself was very intriguing especially to see the different styles of advocacy of the barristers and their capacity to be effective storytellers, particularly during the closing submissions. The interventionist nature of the judge also demonstrated that you always need to be on your feet, making the work of the barristers not merely rehearsed theatrics, but very intellectually stimulating. This has since increased my desire to enter this practice. I also observed the team element involved in the case. Though a barrister stands alone when making their submissions, they are far from a lone wolf, working as a unit with the solicitors; different in their functions but sharing a common goal. It has been an invaluable experience, and will no doubt shape my progression into the Bar.”

To learn more about this programme, please visit the 10,000 Interns Foundation website.

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Authors

Charlotte Ventham KC

Call 2001 | Silk 2024