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Diary of a Barrister - The Lawyer Diaries

"The Diary of Barrister - The Lawyer Diaries" with your host Chelsea Brooke-Ward
Welcome to “The Diary of a Barrister – The Lawyer Diaries”, your weekly dose of candid conversations, career advice, and insider insights on all things law, hosted by Chelsea Brooke-Ward. Chelsea is an award-winning Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, one of the largest sets in the North East, and she’s here to demystify the legal world for those determined to break into it — and thrive.

Each episode, Chelsea shares her journey from a non-traditional, non-legal background to building a successful career at the Bar. Expect raw, honest, and inspiring episodes as she opens up about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and what it really takes to stand out in this competitive profession.

Along the way, Chelsea will be joined by a range of guests — from aspiring barristers and legal professionals to trailblazing role models — offering a 360° view of what life in law looks like, and the many paths to success. You’ll hear stories of setbacks, resilience, and breakthroughs, all packed with practical tips you can use right now.

Whether you’re navigating pupillage applications, chasing scholarships, preparing for interviews, or already working in the legal field and striving to push boundaries — this is the podcast for you. It’s smart, empowering, and unfiltered.

"The Diary of Barrister - The Lawyer Diaries" is your go-to resource for a weekly dose of knowledge, motivation, and practical advice. Whether you're a law student with big dreams , an aspiring lawyer seeking to break barriers, or lawyer wanting to smash glass ceilings this is your podcast, your trusted companion on this remarkable journey into the legal world.

Subscribe now and let Chelsea be your mentor in your ears — motivating, informing, and cheering you on every step of the way. Success in law begins with knowledge, and this podcast is your key to unlocking a bright future in the legal field.

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Diary of a Barrister - The Lawyer Diaries

The Diary of a Barrister - Barristerhood Live Session

July 28, 2025 • Chelsea Brooke-Ward (Employment Barrister) • Season 2 • Episode 4

In this exciting live episode of the "Diary of a Barrister," I, Chelsea Brooke Ward, an Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, engage in a candid conversation about the realities of pursuing a career in law. This episode is designed to inspire and inform aspiring lawyers and law students, providing them with valuable insights into the journey of becoming a barrister.

We kick off the episode with a discussion about the upcoming podcasting plans, including an anticipated collaboration with Ella from Ladies of Law. As I prepare for my closing speech in an ongoing trial, I share the challenges and excitement of being in the courtroom, highlighting the importance of preparation and the unpredictability of legal proceedings.

Throughout the episode, I emphasise the significance of networking and building relationships within the legal community. Caitlyn and I discuss the importance of LinkedIn as a tool for professional growth, sharing personal experiences of how we have cultivated our networks and the impact it has had on our careers. We touch on the challenges of applying for pupillage and the necessity of being proactive in preparing applications well in advance.

We delve into the often-overlooked aspects of mini-pupillages, discussing what constitutes a good mini-pupil and how to make a lasting impression. I share my own experiences and the lessons learned from various mini-pupillages, stressing the importance of initiative and professionalism in these formative experiences.

As we navigate through the complexities of the bar course, I provide tips for success, including the importance of time management, effective note-taking, and treating the bar course as a full-time job. We discuss the emotional resilience required to handle rejection and the necessity of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

The episode also features a deep dive into the intricacies of employment law, as I share insights from my current trial, discussing the burden of proof in discrimination and unfair dismissal cases. We explore the nuances of legal arguments and the importance of understanding the law beyond theoretical knowledge.

Finally, we wrap up the episode with a light-hearted discussion about the challenges of maintaining a professional appearance and the psychological benefits of dressing for success. I encourage listeners to embrace their individuality while navigating the demanding world of law.

Join us for this engaging and informative episode, where we demystify the journey to becoming a barrister and share practical advice for those aspiring to make their mark in the legal profession.

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