Michelle Brown studied the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) programme at The City Law School graduating in 2023.
What is your current role or position? What does it entail?
At present I act as a mentor to law students and aspiring barristers who wish to obtain Inns of Court Scholarships, as I was fortunate to be awarded with the title of ‘Queen Mother Scholar’ of The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in my second year on the Bar Vocational Studies. In addition, I provide guidance for them regarding the Bar exam and qualifying sessions.
I also give career talks in schools about my experience in passing the Bar and run interactive workshops to inspire the children towards a career in Law.
Additionally, I volunteer for various charities that exist to support our justice system and individuals in need. Lastly, in my spare time I shadow practicing barristers to enhance my legal work experience in preparation for securing Pupillage.
I am currently in the process of applying for Pupillage and Paralegal positions.
What motivated you to pursue the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS)?
My drive not only comes from a place of determination in wanting to defend the legal rights of others. It comes from a place of life experience and an impatience for out-right equality.
My mother and father fought so hard to open doors in the 60s for themselves and others as Windrush draftees. Growing up watching and hearing their experiences opened my eyes to a lot of the inequalities that existed in our society.
These were inequalities that shouldn’t have existed in the eyes of the law, and I would always think as to why nothing had been done to combat such issues.
Even as a young child growing up in quite a suburban area, I wondered why difference was seen as bad and not a good addition to society.
I was always an evaluative deep-thinking child, continually searching for understanding and answers. Little did I know at the time I would find them years later in my law books! I was always observing and speaking out when something felt wrong or unjust.
My motivation was fundamentally born from my need to know that justice existed. So, I guess I always wanted to be a Barrister before I even knew what one was.
It is also very important for me that I work with like-minded individuals that see the world the way it could be, rather than just accepting it for what it is. The evolution of the Justice System is bigger than all of us and we are but components on its journey.
An evolving system benefits from an evolving diversity of minds. I found that The City Law School harboured the same values when it came to growth and diversity, which aligned succinctly with the ethos at the Bar. The Bar invests in its diverse talents so that the Justice System can positively evolve.
To me, Human Rights represents humanity and sovereignty within a Society. One that routinely examines its failings and merits, enabling room for reform and growth. The Rule of Law aims to uphold and create a just and unbiased society.
These are values I firmly stand by and believe in, implicitly. I thoroughly believe that the United Kingdom’s Legal System strives to provide the gold standard for such a moral precedence, and I can see no other place I would rather practice than the U.K. Fighting fearlessly for one’s client’s legal rights is an honour.
A barrister is a legal extension of the client and a mouthpiece for anything the client wishes to communicate about their case. The client relies on that barrister to know the legal language intricately and exercise it with precision and care.
You need to be a good communicator, whether that be written or verbal, because you are always putting your case for your client. I have always found myself in positions of leadership or careers which involve high levels of advocacy and public speaking.
Barristers exhibit vigour, passion, and unapologetic determination to do the best for their clients. I am best suited to working directly with people and most importantly serving the community.
I also have a background in theatre, which I believe gave me the confidence to express narratives with a depth of expression. My background before law was in Public Health, and you come across many people in vulnerable conditions in which you need to communicate with empathy and skill.
These are all skills needed of a barrister. As you would need to exercise such skills in a conference with your client or with a child on the stand in court. Therefore, I believe I was best suited to the BVS other than the solicitors route.
The law is an ever-changing directory of rules and a career at the Bar equates to continual learning. Something anyone coming to the Bar should seriously consider. For me, it has been a pleasure to keep up with recent changes to the law and keep relevant.
I have always enjoyed reading legal cases and keeping up to date with current affairs. Whilst on my PGDL you would often find me the library geeking out on the Human Rights Act 1998 or the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the cases associated with them.
All of which greatly influenced me to want to work in Social Justice and the more humanitarian side of Law.
I’d also read about what these amazing fearless barristers would go through just to do their jobs, regardless of any backlash, and it filled me with excitement for my next steps. I have always been someone people could rely on, and I wish to do the exact same for my clients as a practicing barrister.
Lastly, as much as the Commercial Bar is lucrative and well maintained, it has never really interested me. However, working as a Social Justice Barrister excites me in every way as it represents my character through and through.
What were you doing before studying the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS)?
Prior to studying the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) at The City Law School, I attended London South Bank University (LSBU) where I obtained my Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL).
I attended as a part-time student two evenings a week from 2018 to 2020. Whilst studying the PGDL, I worked as a Legal Advisor at the London South Bank Legal Advice Clinic run by LSBU.
I successfully secured one of the 30 positions out of a significant number of interviewees. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the clinic, as I was able to synonymously apply what I was learning in my lectures to real-life scenarios that would present themselves.
We interviewed, researched, and provided advice suitable to our client’s needs, all carried out within a 45-minute (walk-in) slot. This conditioned us to work under strict time constraints. As we saw many clients each day. The line would sometimes stretch out the door.
However, the Clinic then had to shut down, much like the University, as unfortunately the Coronavirus Epidemic struck. I was forced to complete the last few months of my course online, as we were forced into 'Lock Down' in March 2020.
A year none of us will forget. Of course, this was a very difficult time for the entire nation in many ways, but I decided to press on and complete my course online alongside my peers.
It is also key to understand that in addition to my passion for law, I am also an equally passionate single parent to an amazing daughter, of which at the time was 11 years old, getting ready to transition to year 7.
This was specifically a hard time for children in understanding the complexities of what was unfolding around them. She too had to continue studying for her end of year exams. Therefore, I had to ensure her mental state and academia was my priority, as well as my own. It’s always been important for us as a family to support one another in fulfilling our dreams, in becoming the happiest versions of ourselves.
When one is happy with what they do, others also benefit from your passion to serve. I feel this is particularly important in law. So, I would have never walked away from my journey to the Bar at this point, even though the pressure was unprecedented. I was also caring for an elderly close relative at the time.
Many times, I would have to drop everything and rush to A&E unexpectedly (day or night). Yet I pressed on and received the highest grade in my cohort for Criminal Law and the second highest grade for my Public Law coursework on ‘Ministerial Responsibility’ in my entire year group.
I also have a Masters in ‘International Public Health Nutrition’ and a Bachelors in ‘Health Studies’ in which enabled me to practice as a qualified ‘International Public Health Nutritionist’ prior to and whilst studying law.
This was a career born from a personal matter that has affected my health for many years. I decided to take control and helped myself to rehabilitate through diet and lifestyle changes. At one point I was told I would have to give up any career goals, as life would only be getting worse, and I would never be able to walk again.
I shattered that glass ceiling, and after 6 months in hospital and years of dedication and hospital visits, I walked away from my wheelchair feeling like I had won the lottery. Not because I was not confined anymore, but because I beat the odds and that was down to my resilience and belief in myself. I did not give up my studies as advised, and I passed my degree and master’s regardless of the Naysayers.
In addition to this whilst undergoing all my academia, I have had to fight for a lifesaving operation for over 15 years, which would therefore enable me to work full-time and achieve my goals as a barrister.
I only received this operation at the end of last year 2023. I have always been an advocate in every way. I had always known that I would practice law. I studied whilst in pain nearly every day for the last 17 years, not giving up.
This is what I did before the bar course; I prepared, I planned, I strategized in many ways and then I conquered the beast. I had the most amazing University staff members, loved ones and doctors supporting me every step of the way.
All the above helped to prepare me for the Bar Vocational Studies, which is known to be a very intense course.
I think some do forget that it is also coupled with Qualifying Sessions run by ones Inn of Court and can be very taxing on the life of a bar student, with or without the responsibilities I had to deal with.
I then went on to start the Bar Course at City Law School in September of 2020 whilst the Lock Down was still ongoing.
What opportunities and experiences did City, University of London offered you whilst you studied, or still offers you?
First Year 2020: I started my Bar Vocational Studies at The City Law School when lockdown was still ongoing in September 2020.
Therefore, activities were limited. Nevertheless, the School made a huge effort to make sure students felt like part of the City community.
Regardless of all the interactions, classes and meetings being online. I honestly felt that City provided a sense of ease for its students in this time of great upheaval.
I was voted in as a Deputy Student Representative by my tutor group on the first year and then again in my second year by my new tutor group. This was a humbling experience of which I took very seriously and executed with due diligence.
My responsibilities involved advocating on matters of importance that affected the students. I worked closely with The City Law School staff and the Student Union.
I helped to facilitate consistency within the BVS course and ensured that students had a vehicle to communicate their needs anonymously through me and the Head Representative.
I also promoted events and meetings arranged by the senior members of staff. These would be events such as Christmas Quiz Nights or Talking Cafe's, where students were invited to safely voice their feelings and opinions about anything to the senior members of the Law School.
Some were nervous and apprehensive to do so, but I made a conscious effort to assure them that all would be private and a safe space to unload. Meetings like these were extremely important whilst the epidemic was ongoing, and it gave students a chance to express themselves.
The City Law School did an amazing job at navigating around the restrictions of online teaching and adapted well. The lecturers were available via email and appointments arranged via MSTeams, which proved efficient for the tasks at hand.
As a Student Representative I found myself going beyond my responsibilities at time to answer queries for the students via writing to the staff, which would sometimes spill into the weekends.
But I was fine with this as I felt very much a part of a family pulling together to make it work. This of course lasted for a year.
Most Importantly, I would also like to add that I received an amazing service from the Disability and Neurodiversity Department. I was assigned to a Disability Officer before starting my course.
She communicated with me regularly, making sure my needs were met as a disabled student and created a Reasonable Adjustments Report for me, which was sent out to all my lecturers for ease of study.
The University also sent out physical copies of textbooks for me, which helped my academic endeavours greatly.
Exams were all online, along with study sessions run by staff and students. We even had Christmas form group get togethers online. It was an amazing and unprecedented year which I will never forget.
Providing the stress we were all going through, including the staff, I believe we all pulled together, and it worked! I made friends for life that year and can categorically say it was a time in my life I felt my happiest!
Second Year 2021: When Lockdown ended, the university re-opened its gates for the new and old students to come back.
Albeit, by choice. At first, I chose to remain online and then in October of 2021 I transferred to campus learning.
At first instance, societies, clubs, and events were still restricted due to the Covid restrictions at the time. The Student Union also remained closed. However, slowly over throughout the year upon government authorisation, groups began to open membership again.
I joined the Faith Society at this time and met new people from different courses. The second year was the hardest year for me, both mentally and physically. I also suffered with a loss of a close loved one that was like a Grand Mother to me.
I also fell very ill whilst taking my exams. I felt quite isolated and low at this point. So, I found the faith group quite therapeutic and viewed it as a lifeline.
Since Graduating 2023: I have not really attended any events at City, apart from my Graduation.
However, some of the BVS lecturers are more than happy to help you with matters such as CV's, Cover letters or offer advice as to how you navigate your next step in terms of Pupillage or legal work. I find this very kind of them, as they are extremely busy individuals.
I now have my new Student Alumni Card, which enables me to use the Law Library and the main Northampton Square Library.
How did The City Law School prepare you for your current role?
The Bar course is a highly intensive vocational programme, which is well known for its practical qualities and intense nature. The BVS enhanced me with the skills to write and prepare succinct legal documents.
By the end of the course, I had written numerous documents for several cases presented to us. Namely documents for experts such as Opinions, Particulars of Claim, Defence and Counterclaim’s, Statements of Past and Future Expenses and Loss, and Summary Judgements (to name a few). Whether the cause of action was for breaches of contract, vicarious liability, or a form of negligence, I was challenged almost daily to perform this task competently.
I also adopted the habit of formulating a chronology with each relevant legal document I would present, or I would type one up just as a technique to aid my advocacy. I found it to be quite useful as a quick point of reference.
We also learned how to compile and understand different types of injunctions, matters regarding disclosure and how to fill out Claim forms correctly and write up clear and concise Case Summary’s and Skeleton Arguments.
Criminal Litigation introduced us to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE codes) and further ignited my level of engagement. Since, I have kept up to date with PACE revisions made, such as the controversial matter of having “reasonable grounds for suspicion” to stop and search an individual. People have quite rightly questioned what this exactly means?
The meaning has proven to be quite ambiguous. I have also kept up to date with my Advocacy skills, by joining an Advocacy and Debating group. I have been complemented upon my advocacy and style of delivery, of which I pay homage to City Law School.
This was evident in securing my Inns of Court Scholarship in 2021 (second year on the BVS). I had to argue for and against a motion and demonstrate why I would make a great barrister. I received the second highest prestigious award, namely, ‘Queen Mother Scholar’ from The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple (My Inn of Court). I feel a lot of this success was owed to the BVS and how it shaped me.
Additionally, the course allowed me to develop as an autonomous legal professional. Allowing me to cultivate and nurture my own style of advocacy. My unique style of deliverance worked well with the clients and witnesses.
I was informed that I put them at ease and allowed them to open freely to me. This was evident in my final grade for Cross Examination and Conference skills, where I scored ‘Very Competent’ (merit) grades.
These newly adopted skills were game changers for me, especially when coupled with my past work experience. I was able to build upon my interpersonal and advocacy skills from my former career in lecturing Public Health and in working as a Legal Advisor.
I have also been able to showcase my skills with legal research I carry out for my mentors and have always demonstrated what I have learnt in my interviews.
I also give talks on panels and always tell the aspiring barristers about what I have learnt in the BVS and how my skill set has dramatically been fine-tuned and improved.
All of the skills gained at The City Law School added another layer in fortifying me to become a better candidate for challenging legal roles that would demand commitment, resilience, great time management, self-discipline and focus.
What is the most challenging aspect of the bar course? How did you overcome them?
I'd say the most challenging aspect was fully taking in the volume of material we had to digest. I would read all materials given, but not fully absorb it, which of course was what we needed to accomplish.
I would work tirelessly into the early mornings to cover all areas of the homework, plus the extra reading from the White Book and Blackstone's, and by the end of it feel exhausted.
This of course was not working for me. This had once worked for my PGDL, Masters and Undergraduate, but it was not working for my BVS (due to the sheer volume of material one had to learn).
So, I began to study smarter. This meant I divided my subject areas into bite sized sections by sectioning them off with many folders, many dividers and lots of Post-its. I
tabulated them in accordance to weekly topics and then subsections of said topics. Moodle gives you a general road map to do this. I found the Moodle notes particularly helpful to read and digest, before I delved into the legal rule books.
After, revising each topic, I would then do the study questions at the end of each weekly topic on Moodle. This was a great help.
As the answers provided were very detailed and informative. I would refer to the rules and use Moodle tests only as a guide. Nevertheless, it explained complexed matters more clearly.
I would also regularly read The City Law School legal manuals, written by the lecturers that actually teach on the BVS. The currency I gained from these manuals were priceless.
Regarding advocacy modules; I would video record my Advocacy Submissions, Cross-Examinations, and Examination-in Chief when practicing for the class. I did so religiously for my exams. This would also be true for Conference Skills.
Lastly, I took regular breaks when studying and stayed hydrated. I even ventured out for mini walks in between sessions to get some fresh air.
All of the above helped me to stay focussed on the end goal and not so stressed out as I would have been if I did not implement these changes.
The strain was particularly bad on my second year. I had a lot going on at home and University. I even had to retake the two exams. Nevertheless, I kept pushing no matter the set-back and kept climbing to the best of my abilities with what tools I had in front of me.
I would advise anyone taking the BVS to use all resources available that work for you, talk and study with your peers, don't be afraid to ask questions to the lecturers (they are all qualified barristers and Solicitors and have a world of knowledge), Speak regularly to your Officer in the Disability and Neurodiversity department, contact the welfare team if needed, join the students union and faith societies.
Overall, just make sure you utilise City’s support network. A lot of these things were my lifeline at different points throughout my studies at The City Law School.
How would you describe the academic and pastoral support you received during your studies with us?
I found the staff in all areas of the university to be extremely helpful. I regularly interacted with office staff and lecturers. There are bound to be online issues at the start of any academic year.
For instance, the part-timers (involving myself) encountered timetabling issues at the start of both years due to an online technical error. However, it was quickly rectified by the office within a matter of days.
The pastoral staff and The City Law School office went above and beyond to supplement the part-time students affected, with weekly pdf files to inform us of our classes and times.
The pastoral staff were always instrumental in communicating key issues encountered by the students to the office. I also found the School office quick to respond to direct student enquiries.
The academic staff addressed queries efficiently and within reasonable time limits. A lot of the students felt they could talk comfortably with their tutors about problems they were having with their academia or even issues at home.
This was particularly helpful for the vulnerable and younger students. Every email would include the contact details for welfare and the counselling services available.
This showed that the staff at the university really cared and respected each student’s journey. This is a rare attribute that should be commended, as it provided for a safe environment to flourish for a lot of students.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering studying for the Bar?
The difference you have that’s making you believe you aren’t good enough, is probably the very difference the Bar is looking for.
So, believe in your magic and be your own best advocate, before you will one day be someone else's.
In the words of Oscar Wilde "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."