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Pupils Andrew, Bharat and Sophie share their experiences and insights of their first week ‘on their feet’

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our pupils are now on their feet and accepting instructions since 4th April 2022. Here, they share their first week's schedule and tell us more about their experiences.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4><strong><a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/andrew-mohamdee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andrew Mohamdee</a></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Diary </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday</strong>: received my first set of papers. Spent the day sifting through the bundle and drafting a skeleton argument regarding which Local Authority had jurisdiction for the proceedings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tuesday</strong>: prepared and sent a case summary to court, followed by an advocates’ meeting ahead of a hearing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wednesday</strong>: sifting through the papers for a different matter. Prepared and sent a case summary, and attended an advocates’ meeting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thursday</strong>: appeared in Court on behalf of a Local Authority at a case management hearing in care proceedings. Received papers and prepared for a NMO case listed for Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday</strong>: Friday: in the morning I represented a Local Authority at what was an early final hearing for the discharge of the care order. I then travelled to Liverpool to represent the respondent to a non-molestation order application.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center">--0--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What was the most interesting case you had on your first two weeks on your feet?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have enjoyed working on all the cases for which I’ve been instructed. Of particular interest has been a case which was listed for a financial dispute resolution (FDR) hearing. This is an area that I have had considerable experience and exposure to, both in my academic and work history, so it is satisfying that I am now able to advise and represent clients in their financial matters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>How have you found it so far doing your own cases?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has been immensely enjoyable and rewarding to work on my own cases. Each case offers its unique set of circumstances and challenges, and embracing the opportunity to work through the issues and propose a fair outcome has been thoroughly satisfying and fulfilling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4><strong><a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/bharat-jangra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bharat Jangra</a></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Diary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday 4 April </strong>- Today was my first day ‘on my feet’ and the first day of my second six. I had a small claims trial for credit hire charges at 2pm over the telephone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I undertook my case preparation, working around attending the weekend PIBA (Personal Injury Bar Association) Conference in Oxford. It was a great weekend of lectures and opportunities to meet other practitioners at the PI Bar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once I had read through the papers, I sent an email to my Instructing Solicitors to raise some further queries and to confirm instructions on various points, credit hire can be a legal minefield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was able to speak with the solicitor during the morning and subsequently able to finalise my submissions. However, at 12:45pm, the solicitor got in touch to let me know I had been stood down as the hearing had been vacated. At least I'll be prepped for next time!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tuesday 5 April</strong> - Today was a Stage 3 hearing via telephone, to assess how much an individual was to receive in compensation for their injury. Once I had reviewed the papers, I advised the Client that we were likely to face Part 36 cost consequences if we did not accept the Claimant's offer. The Client was unable to accept the offer and we had to proceed to the hearing. Following the Judge's determination, my client did receive Part 36 cost consequences against it which I needed to calculate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wednesday 6 April</strong> - I had an application hearing to apply for permission to obtain further medical evidence to assist in quantifying the Claimant's claim, if successful. There were also complicating factors surrounding the application, which did not assist my client. A compromise position was reached for my client to, in effect, renew their application at the conclusion of the liability trial if they win due to take place within the next month. This ensured that the trial date was not lost and my client had not suffered any detriment by having their application refused.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For<strong> Thursday and Friday</strong>, I remained in Chambers and worked on papers, advising on the merits of an employment claim and finalising an advice regarding a Highways Act claim. It has been a varied week with lots going on, and I have enjoyed every bit of it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center">--0--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What was the most interesting case you had on your first two weeks on your feet?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The most interesting case so far has been the application to adduce further medical evidence I did on Wednesday 6 April. A tactical decision needed to be made, as agreed with my instructing solicitors, to make sure that the Client's position was maintained and nothing happened to their detriment, which was a very real possibility.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>How have you found it so far doing your own cases?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has been an enjoyable experience but there's also been equal amounts of nerves and stress. However, I have been reminding myself that this has been a goal I have been working towards for the past eight years and I'm just happy I'm able to do this job. I'll be taking each day as it comes and looking forward to what the next six months bring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4><strong><a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/sophie-watson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sophie Watson</a></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Diary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My first case was on <strong>Tuesday </strong>remotely. I was extremely nervous but excited. This turned out to be a challenging case as it had every credit hire issue in dispute and costs had to be assessed on a standard basis. Despite this I enjoyed it and felt thoroughly welcomed to the profession by all those involved in the hearing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I attended my first in person hearing for a road traffic liability dispute on the <strong>Thursday</strong>. It was great to be in person and further test out my advocacy skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other <strong>three days </strong>I am fortunate to be provided time to still observe and learn from my supervisors. I saw day one of an Inquest, an occupier’s liability conference, a fast-track road traffic accident trial, and several small claims relating to credit hire and road traffic accidents. I certainly took away vital tips from each to aid my own practice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center">--0--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What was the most interesting case you had on your first two weeks on your feet?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It’s difficult to choose as everything is fresh and exciting at this stage. However, my road traffic liability small claim would have to be the most interesting. I had to cross-examine two witnesses on the accident which put my advocacy to the test!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>How have you found it so far doing your own cases?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is good to put to use all that we have learned throughout the first six of pupillage. I am enjoying testing out my advocacy style in a range of different hearings. It has also made me appreciate how fortunate I am to have such helpful supervisors and colleagues, who have been there for me every step of the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Parklane Plowden Pupils&#8217; Interviews

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our pupils are on their feet and accepting instructions from today 4th April 2022. Here we interviewed them about their experience at Parklane Plowden Chambers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4><a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/andrew-mohamdee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Andrew Mohamdee</strong></a></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What three words would you use to describe your role?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stimulating, rewarding, boundless.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What do you like most about your job?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I enjoy being confronted with new challenges and working out how to best approach them. This career provides endless opportunities to learn unfamiliar legal principles and adapt to an ever-evolving legal system. Each case and client have their own unique set of demands and need to be treated in accordance with their particular circumstances. This limitless variety invigorates one’s inquisitiveness and ensures that work remains fresh and enjoyable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What advice would you give to recent new pupils?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For most new pupils, the first few months of pupillage involves coming across lots of new concepts, procedures, practices, and skills. It is important to absorb as much as you can so that you feel confident going into second six. Make sure to ask plenty of questions—there’s no such thing as a silly question! While observing hearings, I found it useful to think about how I would have presented the case; what I liked about the advocacy, what I would have approached differently, etc. Doing this helps bridge the gap between simply observing court proceedings and being an advocate in the hearing. Lastly, the time flies by so make sure you embrace the learning opportunities and enjoy the journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>Any other comments about your time so far at Parklane Plowden?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I’ve really enjoyed the friendliness at Parklane Plowden and the willingness of members to go out of their way to help you, whatever the issue. I am grateful to have been welcomed into chambers by people who want to see me excel in my career, and I am looking forward to what lies ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4><a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/bharat-jangra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Bharat&nbsp;Jangra</strong></a></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What three words would you use to describe your role?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Problem solving communicator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What do you like most about your job?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The advocacy! The variety of the work, no two days have been the same and no two days ever will!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What advice would you give to recent new pupils?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Take each days as it comes. Six/twelve months does not last very long and so it's best to make sure we get the most out of each learning experience.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>Any other comments about your time so far at Parklane Plowden?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am very fortunate to be in a like Parklane Plowden, everyone has been incredibly supportive and willing to help. I've had a great first six, here's to the second!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4><a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/sophie-watson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Sophie Watson</strong></a></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What three words would you use to describe your role?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Interesting, face-paced, diverse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What do you like most about your job?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The work is completely varied and changes on a daily basis which makes for a new learning point every day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>What advice would you give to recent new pupils?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I would advise new pupils to not be afraid to have a go at any and all types of work. Inevitably we all get things wrong and first six is the time for making mistakes and learning from them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>Any other comments about your time so far at Parklane Plowden?</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The support from all members of chambers and staff has been exceptional. No question (and there has been a lot of them) has been too much trouble for anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am extremely excited to start on the next stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:group --> <div class="wp-block-group"><!-- wp:group --> <div class="wp-block-group"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Find out more about our pupils by visiting their profiles <a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/andrew-mohamdee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Andrew Mohamadee</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/bharat-jangra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Bharat&nbsp;Jangra</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/our-barristers/sophie-watson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Sophie Watson</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div> <!-- /wp:group --></div> <!-- /wp:group -->