6KBW was delighted to take part in this year’s 10,000 Black Interns (’10KBI’) programme. The 10KBI scheme provides paid internships to Black students and graduates across a range of UK industries, including the legal sector.
This year, 6KBW partnered with four other London Chambers to provide paid internships to two talented interns. The interns spent two weeks at 6KBW and had the opportunity to follow a range of public law and criminal work, including murder trials at the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), and hearings on important public law matters at the Supreme Court. Interns were also given the opportunity to design and take part in their own advocacy exercises, as well as conducting legal research and drafting tasks.
This year’s interns, Freya Quarshie and Maureen Akpokomua, describe a ‘day in the life’ of an intern at 6KBW:
A day in the life of a 6KBW intern
Freya Quarshie
I was fortunate to get an insight into life at 6KBW after spending two weeks there as an intern on the Bar Council x 10000 Black Interns programme. During my first week, I visited the whole spectrum of the English court system: City of London Magistrates’ Court, the Court of Appeal, and even the Supreme Court; where I observed a challenge brought by a Guantanamo Bay detainee against UK intelligence services. The second week was characterised by the high drama of the jury trial, watching a multi-defendant conspiracy trial at the Old Bailey. Watching as an intern, sat amongst the lawyers rather than in the public gallery, and being able to discuss the case with the prosecutor gave me a much deeper understanding of jury trial advocacy.
Outside of court, I was given the opportunity to hone my advocacy skills with practicing members of chambers. I was given two exercises, the first a bail application and the second a plea in mitigation. Having only attempted these once before, this was an invaluable lesson in how to deliver this form of advocacy, and the detailed feedback I received has undoubtedly made me a better advocate.
The sheer variety of work I was able to see and do whilst at 6KBW is testament to the fascinating range of work done by this multi-talented set. My time there, although brief, has taught me so much and spurred on my aspiration to practice at the Criminal and Public Law Bar. Thank you to everyone at chambers for being so welcoming and so generous with your time.
Maureen Akpokomua
My name is Maureen Akpokomua and I am a European Legal Studies graduate from the University of Kent. This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at 6KBW. I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 weeks I spent there as it was highly interesting and insightful.
On the first day, I shadowed a pupil barrister who was prosecuting a motoring offence at City of London Magistrates court. Unexpectedly, the court ended early which allowed me to ask different questions and advice about pupillage and a career at the bar. In the afternoon, I was given time to work on an advocacy exercise and a legal research task about sentencing. I found these exercises extremely useful as they helped build my confidence and legal skills. As a 6KBW intern, no two days are the same and on my second day, I went to the Supreme Court. I witnessed firsthand the type of meaningful and challenging work done at 6KBW which I found inspiring.
Overall, my time at 6KBW was an invaluable experience. I gained a better understanding of life as a barrister and criminal law. A highlight of my experience was the advocacy exercise as it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Throughout my placement, all the barristers, clerks and support staff I met were friendly and supportive right from day one. This experience has not only contributed to my personal development but it has motivated me to pursue this challenging and exciting career path.
2024 Programme
Chambers intends to participate in the 10KBI programme in 2024. Further information will be available once the scheme for 2024 has been finalised.
For more information about the 10KBI programme, please see the scheme’s website at https://10000internsfoundation.com. Information about the Bar Council’s participation in the scheme is available at https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/support-for-barristers/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/race/10000-black-interns.html.
If you have any questions about the programme for 2024 in Chambers, please contact Leila Gaafar (leila.gaafar@6kbw.com) or Christine Giscombe (christine.giscombe@6kbw.com)
