Ellie Matthews, MSci Physics

Ellie was one of the winners in our LinkedIn Challenge earlier in the year

For the LinkedIn Challenge, I wanted to broaden my network as much as possible. I connected with Keating Chambers, 4 Stone Building, Carmelite Chambers, Aspiring Barristers, JP Morgan Chase & Co, The Bar Standard Board and 7 Kings Bench Walk. These Chambers all specialise in Commercial or Criminal Law, the two areas I am most interested in.

I have also joined a group for Aspiring Barristers and I have been thoroughly enjoying the conversations had by people in a similar position to me.

From each of these chambers I aimed to connect with at least 2-3 people. One key contact from Carmelite Chambers, has since reached out, and she has been amazing in answering my questions on the possible routes to the Bar.

I found it quite challenging reaching out to people I didn’t know. I was frightened that I wouldn’t be taken seriously. However, everyone who I have spoken to has been unbelievably kind and welcoming.

Now that I have done this, I have more confidence in my decision to pursue the Bar as a career option. Seeing the diversity in the field, and knowing that my non-law degree doesn’t stifle me has really put my mind at ease. Now, having connected on LinkedIn, I can use these pages to inform my research when applying for mini-pupillage, Pupillage's and eventually tenancy.

I am going to start this off by submitting an application to 7 Kings Bench Walk for their mini-pupillage scheme, using the information provided on their LinkedIn Page.