Called to the Bar: Lessons in Perseverance and Purpose

Zakaria Bentouati

On Friday evening, I had the opportunity to attend ALSA UK’s “Called to the Bar: An Insight into the life of a barrister”, an event that brought together aspiring lawyers and legal professionals to discuss their journeys into the profession and the realities of life at the Bar. The evening offered valuable insights into the challenges of pursuing a legal career, the importance of perseverance and how aspiring barristers can distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive profession.

After an introduction to the event, Annabella Cupi moderated a discussion with criminal barrister Mark Robinson and family law barrister Lidia Beqiraj. Both speakers shared their experiences of entering the profession, offering different perspectives on what it takes to succeed.

Lidia’s journey particularly highlighted the importance of perseverance. Hearing that it took her three attempts to secure pupillage was inspiring, especially given how competitive the process can be. Her experience demonstrated that setbacks do not have to determine the outcome of your ambitions. Instead, determination and the willingness to keep pursuing your goals can make all the difference. Her work in family law also provided an insight into the responsibility barristers have when representing people through challenging and often personal circumstances.

Mark Robinson’s story was equally compelling, particularly because of his unconventional route into law. Before becoming a criminal barrister, he worked in music and broadcasting, including as a DJ and presenter on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Following an allegation of assault, he represented himself in court and was acquitted. This experience sparked his interest in law and ultimately led him to pursue a legal career. His journey demonstrated that there is no single route into the profession and that experiences outside traditional legal education can shape the kind of barrister you become.

One of the most valuable lessons I took from Mark’s talk was his emphasis on having a unique selling point (USP). He explained that aspiring barristers need to recognise what makes them different and, importantly, have the confidence to communicate it. With pupillage applications and legal work experience opportunities being so competitive, simply listing your achievements is not always enough. You need to explain what those experiences have taught you, what you can bring to the profession and why they distinguish you from other candidates.

Mark’s message was particularly relevant to me because it encouraged me to reflect on my own experiences and how I present them. Through years of training and competing in Taekwon-Do, I have developed discipline, resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. These are qualities that extend beyond sport and can be valuable in advocacy. His advice reminded me not to shy away from discussing my achievements, but to understand their value and communicate them confidently. Ultimately, presenting yourself effectively is an essential part of the application process. You are showing why someone should invest in your potential, which means selling your strengths without being afraid to talk about what you have accomplished.

Following the discussion, we had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions, allowing us to explore their experiences further and gain additional insight into life at the Bar. The evening concluded with a networking session, giving attendees the chance to continue conversations, make connections and learn from others who share an interest in the legal profession.

Overall, the event reinforced three important lessons: perseverance is essential, your background can be a strength, and understanding your USP can help you stand out. Lidia’s determination and Mark’s advice encouraged me to think more carefully about the qualities I can bring to the profession and how I can communicate them throughout my journey towards the Bar.

I am grateful to ALSA UK for providing an opportunity to learn directly from practising barristers and connect with other aspiring lawyers. I left the event feeling more motivated to pursue a career in criminal law and with a clearer understanding that success requires not only hard work and dedication, but also the confidence to recognise and communicate what makes you different.