Tribunal Barristers as Masters?

bahhoweya

Hi,
just wondering, out of interest, could anyone tell me if JC barristers acting as part of a tribunal can take on a devil, and if this would change the work a devil does in any way? (more/less to do etc)

Tom Young

My understanding, subject to correction, is that JCs on tribunals would not have practices which would be consistent with the guidelines that are available from the Bar Council in relation to pupil master relations. In fact, my impression is that may tribunal lawyers take time out from the Law Library.

In other words, the work may not really lend itself to the type of experience which is required of a master to relay to the/a devil. The case/inquiry would be one unitised programme of work and the person, devil, clerk would not necessarily have the variety of work or be able to work on their feet to the extent required.

So I think it is inconsistent. I am unaware of persons taking devils on tribunals, but I could be wrong.

Tom

bahhoweya

Thanks for replying!
Yes that's what I was thinking, even if there was no express rule against it, it would probably not be in the devil's best interest, I think you would miss out on alot of the typical barrister experience!

If you don't mind me asking another question, how does one go about finding a master, do you email/post a cv? Or it is less formal? Is there a set procedure for doing so?
Thanks again

dermot_sheehan

Very informal,

cold call people,
ask someone you know whose devilling or in the law library

use contacts, etc etc

bahhoweya

gabhain7 wrote: »

Very informal,

cold call people,
ask someone you know whose devilling or in the law library

use contacts, etc etc

Haha, thats the problem, I have next to no contacts!

Thanks for the advice though, I was worried that there was a strict procedure for applying, and that I would offend any prospective barristers by deviating from it!

I'm hoping to do the BL next year, but I have heard it's wise to start trying to secure your devilling position early... I was thinking of maybe sending an email to a barrister, to the address they have published on the law library site? Or would a call be better? I'd be a bit nervous calling tbh..

Tom Young

Don't be worried about cold calling or the fact that you may not have contacts. Practicing Barristers who are Masters do not mind this type of contact, once you don't stalk them and remember that court times are busy times.

I would say though that you should try search for someone who has a practice consistent with the areas of law you like or feel might suit you.

There was to be reforms to the selection process later this year. This may mean some closer vetting by prospective Masters, but this reform was suspended for the moment. It was in the Business Post yesterday.

Back to Tribunal Devils. The more I think of it the more I cant see it. I think some inquiries take clerks who are BLs. Not devils mind you.

Tom

bahhoweya

Thanks for all the advice, I'm going to try and make contact in the next week or so

Picking an area is difficult, EU and Criminal are what interest me most in terms of college subjects.

Are there any areas that are busier than others? Insolvency at the moment I suppose, any more?