‘We’ve made it’ said the driver as soon as we reached the entrance of the Middle Temple. I was relieved and quickly got out of the car to join the last three people in the queue. That was my arrival at my first Qualifying Session. Anyone in the legal field would have surely heard of the Middle Temple, one of the four prestigious Inns of Court.
After wheeling my suitcase filled with the books given for the Bar Training Course (BTC) back to my accommodation and digesting the number of materials which will be required to be read, it was now time to attend the introductory Qualifying Session at the Middle Temple.
Having planned everything to mitigate any potential disruption which may arise during my journey from Bristol to the Inn, I managed to reach London safely and most importantly, on time.
The introductory Qualifying Session started at 6:00pm. I left the hotel at 4:00pm, thinking I should arrive early so that I could take some pictures and have a look around, given that it was my first time at the Middle Temple. I set up the maps on my mobile phone and after walking for more than an hour, I realised I was in the complete opposite direction and was in fact lost.
Yes, one hour later! How could I not see it? I prefer to give a no comment answer. Perhaps it was nerves, or carelessness, I have no clue. But here I was, in the middle of a long and never-ending street with panic starting to kick in as the rules flashed in my mind that the doors would close at 6:00pm. Notwithstanding all the money spent on transport and accommodation to ensure the purpose of my trip to London is safely fulfilled.
After a few minutes of brain freeze and with the help of some free Wi-Fi, I managed to book an Uber, ensuring my description is well noted to avoid the driver not being able to find me: ‘girl in black suit’, while at the same time wondering if the Uber is safe.
Soon after the car arrived, and my driver managed to drop me in time. As I reached the entrance, I quickly hopped out of the car and joined the last few people in line. Taking a big breath as I stepped inside, I was mesmerised by the architecture, ambiance, everything. I joined my friend at the table and the Welcome Dinner began.
It was a great night; from the speeches to the dinner, everything was perfect, and I met some lovely students from other BTC providers.
The next day, I got up very early and again made my way to the Inn for my next Qualifying Session starting at 9:30am. Who would want to repeat yesterday’s experience? I enjoyed the day and had the privilege of attending the talks from various people, mainly Abigail Bright, who gave an overview of one of the cases instructed on asylum and refugees.
And that is it, a piece of my first two Qualifying Sessions, without revealing too much to allow you to discover and have your own personalised experience. On another note, I encourage every student to make most of the sessions and enjoy those events as it is surely a unique experience. Definitely keep an eye on your maps if you are new like me!
Tushti Devi Bunoomally is an international student from Mauritius and a first class LLB graduate of the University of Central Lancashire, currently undertaking the Bar Training Course at the University of the West of England.
