Chelsea Brooke Ward, an Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, hosts the podcast "Diary of a Barrister." She is dedicated to inspiring both professionals and law students, aiming to help lawyers become the best versions of themselves, both professionally and personally. The podcast seeks to demystify the legal world, covering topics from courtroom advocacy to the challenges of building a career at the bar.

In a recent episode, Chelsea and her co-host, Jodie Hill, Managing Partner at Thrive Laws, shared their experiences from a yoga retreat where they focused on self-care and setting boundaries. They discussed the challenges professionals face in switching off from work, especially in high-demand careers like law. Chelsea emphasized her advocacy for mental health and self-care, noting how yoga has played a crucial role in her well-being.

During their retreat, they engaged in numerous yoga classes, surf lessons, and spent time in nature, which helped them realize the importance of taking breaks. Jodie, who has ADHD, shared her struggles with switching off and the necessity of saying no to various demands on their time. They both acknowledged that saying no is vital for maintaining personal boundaries and ensuring they can focus on their creative projects, such as the book they are writing together.

The duo reflected on the importance of managing expectations and communication with clients and colleagues. Chelsea noted that it took her time to relax during the retreat, highlighting the need for extended periods away from work to recharge and foster creativity. They discussed how busy professionals often feel pressured to respond immediately to messages and emails, which can lead to burnout.

Throughout the episode, they shared practical tips for self-care, including the significance of a balanced diet, gratitude practices, and the benefits of disconnecting from technology. They encouraged listeners to identify their stress triggers and the activities that bring them joy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in managing stress and enhancing productivity.

Chelsea and Jodie concluded the episode by discussing the lessons they learned about patience and the value of slowing down. They recognized that taking time to appreciate life and the world around them can lead to greater fulfillment and creativity. They expressed their commitment to sharing more insights on mental health and entrepreneurship in future episodes, inviting listeners to engage and share their own experiences.

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In this episode of The Diary of a Barrister, I, Chelsea Brooke-Ward, along with my co-host Brad Graves, dive into the unique pressures and experiences faced by those in the legal profession, particularly during the application process for pupillage. We open the conversation by reflecting on our roles as informal therapists for each other, highlighting the importance of having someone in the same field to vent to about the stresses of law.

As we discuss the limbo period between submitting applications and awaiting interview outcomes, we explore the balance between preparation and over-preparation. Chelsea emphasises the importance of engaging in practical experiences, such as work placements or mooting competitions, rather than obsessing over interview techniques. We agree that while it’s essential to prepare, it’s equally important to maintain a sense of enjoyment and not to lose sight of the passion that drives us in our legal careers.

We touch on the misconception that candidates need to be the "finished product" before entering the profession. I share my personal struggles with self-doubt and the pressure to prove my worth, while reassuring that the pupillage process is designed to identify potential rather than perfection. We discuss the significance of having a growth mindset and the understanding that learning is a continuous journey in the legal field.

The conversation shifts to the importance of mental health and self-care, especially during stressful periods. I candidly share my own experiences with burnout and the necessity of taking time for oneself. We highlight the saying, "you can't pour from an empty cup," and stress that prioritising mental well-being is crucial for long-term success in any career.

We reflect on the guilt often associated with taking breaks from work and the importance of separating personal time from professional responsibilities.

Join us for this insightful discussion that not only addresses the challenges of pursuing a career in law but also emphasises the importance of mindset, self-care, and the journey of personal growth.

Sign up to the mailing list for the Pupillage Programme:

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward500/

Support the show

Sign up to the mailing list for the Pupillage Programme:

https://mailchi.mp/483601e8219a/diary-of-a-pupil

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofa_barrister/

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofapupil?igsh=MXVtbnhmcDcyaHo5Mg==

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-graves/?originalSubdomain=uk

In this episode of The Diary of a Barrister, Chelsea Brooke-Ward, an Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, and Brad Graves, an Aspiring Barrister discuss currently navigating the challenging journey to Pupillage and the application process.

We kick off the episode by discussing the intense process of pupillage applications, with Brad sharing his experiences of balancing a full-time job while dedicating his spare time to crafting his applications. He emphasises the importance of setting aside specific times to reflect on feedback and develop his responses, highlighting the struggle many face when trying to articulate their transferable skills and experiences.

Chelsea opens up about her personal challenges, including his ADHD, which affects her memory, and how she combats this by maintaining a spreadsheet of achievements and public speaking engagements. We delve into the common questions that arise in pupillage applications, such as motivations for becoming a barrister and the attributes that make a good barrister, and Brad shares his strategies for preparing for interviews even before receiving offers.

As we reflect on Brad's journey over the past three years since he decided on a career in law, he expresses how the experiences he has gained have not only filled his CV but also built his confidence. He articulates a shift in mindset from feeling like he needs to prove himself to recognising his worth and readiness to be a Barrister. This transformation is crucial as he prepares for interviews, viewing them as a two-way process where he can assess whether the chambers are a good fit for him as well.

We discuss the importance of self-awareness in this journey, emphasising that aspiring barristers must honestly evaluate their readiness for the role. Brad shares a powerful analogy about a slingshot, illustrating the idea of preparation and readiness before launching into the next phase of his career.

The conversation also touches on practical advice for gaining experience, such as seeking out mini-pupillages and the importance of networking. Brad recounts his own experiences of approaching barristers directly and the value of being proactive in seeking opportunities.

Towards the end of the episode, we reflect on the qualities that chambers look for in candidates, emphasising that while academic knowledge is important, character traits like determination, motivation, and initiative are what truly set candidates apart. We conclude with a reminder that success in the legal field is not just about what you know, but also about how you apply yourself and the connections you make along the way.

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Welcome to ‘Diary of a Pupil,’ where Chelsea Brooke Ward, a distinguished barrister at Park Square Barristers, engages in illuminating conversations with Celine, a junior criminal barrister from the same esteemed chambers.

In this podcast, Celine shares her expertise on the meticulous process of assessing mini Pupillage applications, providing invaluable tips and guidance for aspiring barristers navigating this critical phase of their legal journey. Delving into her own experiences, Celine reflects on the challenges and triumphs encountered during her Pupillage application journey, offering a unique perspective on the demanding path to becoming a barrister.

Listeners are invited to gain an exclusive insight into the daily life of a junior barrister, exploring the intricacies of courtroom advocacy, legal strategy, and the professional nuances that define this esteemed profession.

‘Diary of a Pupil’ serves as a valuable guide for individuals navigating the intricacies of the legal landscape, providing a nuanced exploration of the legal profession. Whether you’re a law student with aspirations for the bar or simply captivated by the world of law, we invite you to join Chelsea and Celine on an enriching and insightful journey through the episodes.


If you don’t follow Chelsea or Celine their social media handles are below:

Chelsea:

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward-232433a3

https://uk.linkedin.com/company/legally-blogged

https://twitter.com/_legallyblogged?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofapupil_barrister/?hl=en-gb

Celine:

https://twitter.com/CelineKart

https://www.linkedin.com/in/celine-kart-757960157?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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Welcome to 'Diary of a Pupil,' a podcast hosted by Chelsea Brooke Ward from Park Square Barristers. In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Aimilia Katsoulakis, a recent recipient of a coveted pupillage at Park Square Barristers. Aimilia shares her remarkable journey, delving into the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that led to this prestigious opportunity. From the trials of the application process to the elation of receiving the offer, Aimilia candidly discusses her strategies, challenges, and the relentless determination that propelled her toward this career-defining moment. Join us as Aimilia unveils the invaluable insights and experiences that shaped her path to success, offering inspiration and guidance to aspiring legal minds on their own quest for pupillage.

If you want to follow Aimilia her handles are:


https://uk.linkedin.com/in/aimilia-katsoulakis-45b556203

https://twitter.com/AimiliaKatsoul1

https://www.instagram.com/aimiliakatsoulakisx/

If you want to follow Chelsea her handles are:

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward-232433a3

https://uk.linkedin.com/company/legally-blogged

https://twitter.com/_legallyblogged?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofapupil_barrister/?hl=en-gb

Support the show

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Welcome to Diary of a Pupil, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of securing pupillage, featuring candid conversations and expert insights. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of the legal profession, offering valuable advice to aspiring barristers, students, and anyone intrigued by the legal field. In this episode we discuss the "Legal Work Experience: Do's and Don'ts," a special episode where we unravel the essential guidelines for making the most of your legal work experience. In this informative session, we'll discuss the key strategies to thrive during mini pupillage, placements, and legal work experience opportunities.

Hosts:

🎙 Chelsea Brooke Ward - A rising star in the legal world, Chelsea has successfully navigated the competitive landscape of legal work experience becoming a barrister in 2017. Her fresh perspective and recent experiences offer invaluable advice to those beginning their legal careers.

🎙 Jodie Hill - Managing Director of Thrive Law an award winning employment firm. A seasoned legal professional with a wealth of experience in the legal field, Jodie is committed to guiding and mentoring the next generation of lawyers.

Episode Highlights:
🎧 Episode: "Do's and Don'ts of Legal Work Experience" - Jodie and Chelsea share their insights on what to do and what to avoid during your legal work experience. They provide practical tips and real-world examples to help you make the most of your time in a legal setting.

Throughout this episode, you'll discover:
- The importance of proactive engagement and showing initiative.
- Strategies for building professional relationships and networking effectively.
- Tips for avoiding common pitfalls that can hinder your progress.
- The role of adaptability and open-mindedness in the legal workplace.
- How to balance academic commitments and work experience effectively.

Whether you're a law student, recent graduate, or a legal professional looking to enhance your career, this episode is your comprehensive guide to ensuring that your legal work experience is a valuable and productive step on your journey to becoming a successful lawyer. Subscribe now to gain the insights shared by our dynamic hosts and boost your legal career.

You can follow Jodie and Chelsea on the following:

Chelsea

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofapupil_barrister/?hl=en-gb
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward-232433a3/?originalSubdomain=uk
https://twitter.com/_Legallyblogged
https://www.instagram.com/legally_blogged/?hl=en

Jodie

https://www.instagram.com/iamjodiehill/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-hill-lawyer/?originalSubdomain=uk
https://twitter.com/iamjodiehill?lang=en
https://www.youtube.com/c/JodieHill
https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjodiehill

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