I’m going to use this space to reply to an anonymous comment to my recent post about an interview (the comment extracts are in italics below). I know what the Bar is still very old-fashioned, and in the pupillage game we have to play by their rules, but… We’re still allowed to have our own opinion on things, right?
“…I find all of these student type blogs pretty entertaining and informative. However, they do not scream "offer me a tenancy". In fact they are quite the opposite.
That is, in my opinion, for two reasons.
Firstly, no chambers wants to take on someone who is going to tell the whole world about what goes on at chambers; the Bar whispers enough as it is. Most, if not all, chambers live by their image. An image that most have worked incredibly hard at developing and sustaining. It is no myth that all chambers have squabbles, scandals and worse, but there is an unwritten, or in a lot of cases a written, rule that such goings on remain behind closed doors. It hurts everyone if the clients find out…”
Yes, but there other channels ‘to tell the whole world…’. Like, speaking to people. Just because someone has a blog, it doesn’t mean that they will post controversial content. If they do that, then too bad. I’ve been on the internet since the age of 10, had a website since 14, and I’ve been blogging for more than 4 years now. I don’t think I posted anything defamatory, offensive or inappropriate.
Besides, if they don’t want anyone finding out about their dodgy conduct, they should refrain from it.
“…Unless you write a blog like Charon QC's, I doubt most chambers would want to take someone on who tells the internet about the goings on in their lives.”
Well, that’s too bad… And sort of archaic. I love blogging and social networking (as well as anything to do with computers and information technology… will that count against me too?). It’s Web 2.0 - a socio-technological evolution, and I am embracing it, along with millions of other people.
“Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, the very fact you would run a blog such as this, in light of the above, suggests in a chambers' eyes a poor lack of judgment. Why would someone want to be so open at the risk of their future career?”
My judgement tells me that my blog isn’t damaging to my career. I have a good CV, and I haven’t been involved in criminal activity. That’s all that should matter. Blog is a hobby for me, and trust me on this – what you see here is only 1% of what’s going on in my life. I have 41 subscribers and I get around 150 hits per day. I publish links to relevant articles, tips on interviews and applications, and comment on pupillage-related issues. The content is informative, rather than just a series of personal rants (I hope).
“If you are truly anonymous, hey who cares? These are invaluable blogs for students and aspiring barristers. However, I would strongly advise that you keep your true identity secret in future.”
You can never be totally anonymous. If you don’t want consequences, don’t write anything controversial. I’m writing about my journey to the Bar and I’m not ashamed of it.
Blogging should not affect your chances of becoming a barrister, or any job. It’s like saying, if you want to become a barrister, you can’t have a mobile phone. Or use email. Or have friends.
Some places remove personal data from the pupillage applications when selecting candidates for interviews. Others try to find controversial material on the internet. It’s unfair. You should be judged by your achievements and interview performance. Facebook and blogs are personal. It’s what you do after work. What’s next? Chambers hiring private investigators to spy on potential candidates?!
Some interesting articles:
To Blog or Not to Blog? (How Blogging and Social Networking Can Impact Your Job Search – by About.com)
How To Web 2.0ize Your Job Search (by profy.com)
Social Networking - Legal and Ethical Issues for Lawyers and Investigators (by PIbuzz.com)
Survey reveals substantial growth in online social networking by lawyers over the past year (by Reed Elsevier)
