During the BVC it’s easy to get carried away. Days spent conducting (mock) cross examinations and nights of (subsidised) dining at the Inns of Court mean that when people ask what you do for a living, it seems quite natural to reply - “I’m training to become a barrister.”

Actually though, this is a horribly presumptuous thing to say. Most people who are called to the Bar never practise as barristers in England and Wales. And, alarmingly, the most recent Bar Council figures show less than a quarter of people enrolling on the BVC going on to undertake pupillage the following year. With that in mind, a far more appropriate response to the "What do you do?" question would be: “I’m a student. My future is clouded in considerable uncertainty. Beyond that I can’t really comment.”

Aware of the statistics, I’ve generally managed to overcome the temptation to pass myself off as anything other than a law student or paralegal. Unfortunately, there have been a few occasions where I may have mentioned something about becoming a barrister.

One of these was several months ago at the pub after my weekly game of five-a-side. Everyone who plays seems to work in cool creative jobs, meaning lots of conversations about interfacing and underground clubs in Hoxton. Noticing a guy called Jeff looking similarly bewildered by the subject matter, I ventured casually, "Not a media type either?”

“No, an investment banker,” he replied, flashing me a cool smile.

“Wow!” I thought to myself. “It must feel good to be able to say that.”

“What about you? Assumed you were in advertising or something.”

“No no, actually I’m a st . . .” To hell with it! “I'm training to become a barrister.”

His ears pricked up in interest. “Wow! A barrister, eh?”

“Well, er, actually not there yet,” I replied, sensing danger.

“All that standing up in court – must be great! You know I’ve always wanted to do that,” he continued, transfixed.

“Well, I’m still studying,” I persisted. Not wanting to disappoint, I added: “But I’ll be called to the Bar in October.”

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