At FOURTEEN our current pupils, Emmeline Chiew & Alice Newman, are approaching the end of their first six and the transition to being on their feet in April; a pivotal stage in any barrister’s career. In this conversation, they look back on what drew them to family law, how they chose FOURTEEN, and how those expectations have measured up in practice.
What initially attracted you to family law?
Emmeline – I was attracted to family law due to the diverse work I saw during my mini-pupillages at family sets. I learnt that there is wide discretion and scope to think pragmatically in order to engineer the best outcome for clients. This made every case I saw different and engaging.
Alice – I think family law has a real tangible impact; it is an area which is all about people and this initially led me to family law over other areas. I think it is an incredibly unique area of law which combines both human interest and complex law.
What drew you specifically to FOURTEEN when you were applying?
Emmeline – There are various areas of work within family law and FOURTEEN’s expertise across both children and finance work would be (and have been) invaluable in my pupillage training.
Alice – I wanted to do a pupillage across all areas of family law, and I knew FOURTEEN was well known for having expertise throughout the sector. I was also fortunate that I had been able to meet and work with a few members of chambers through my role as a paralegal. The advocacy I had seen was always brilliant and everyone was incredibly professional and friendly.
Did anything about chambers surprise you once you arrived?
Emmeline – The billiards room!
Alice – How much everyone really wants the pupils to do well. I expected everyone to be welcoming but it was very comforting that everyone offered for us to get in touch if we needed anything or had any questions. It made me feel much more at ease about reaching out if I had questions or needed anything.
How would you describe the first six months so far?
Emmeline – It has been intense – there have been many spinning plates to balance, especially compounded with the Ethics exam and Inns of Court Advocacy Course, but members of chambers have been a fantastic source of knowledge and support.
Alice – The first six months have flown by and have been brilliant! As well as being based with my supervisors I have being making my way through Chambers meeting everyone and attending court with them. It has been incredibly useful seeing everyone’s style and the type of work they do. The last few weeks have been spent seeing more junior members of Chambers which will be helpful for when I am on my feet doing similar work.
What does a typical week in first six look like?
Emmeline – During my first six, I am but a mere shadow to my pupillage supervisors, so my week completely depends on their diaries. I have probably been in court or consultations around 80% of my first six and had reading days the other 20%.
Alice – Your diary mainly mirrors your supervisor’s so wherever they are you are too. If your supervisor doesn’t have anything in their diary then the clerks very kindly find another member of Chambers for you to go with. You are expected to read in before attending and this is often supplemented with written work such as drafting position statements and draft orders.
What has been the most challenging and most rewarding part so far?
Emmeline – The days can be long as it is very usual in family law to receive instructions or papers the day before a hearing, but it is rewarding to see my work progress and improve.
Alice – The most challenging part has been the amount of travel involved. I underestimated this and had to rejig the way I work to maximise time spent on trains and ensuring things get completed. The most rewarding part has been getting to the point where I feel ready to be on my feet. At FOURTEEN there are advocacy workshops and assessments throughout your first six and those alongside seeing different members of chambers has helped me get to a point where I am extremely excited to be on my feet!
What are you most looking forward to about being on your feet?
Emmeline – Finally being able to put into practice what I have learnt, observed and worked towards.
Alice – Everything so far feels like a build-up to April 1st so now I am very eager to get started and put everything into practice! I am looking forward to finding my own style and seeing what works for me.
What advice would you give yourself on your first day of pupillage?
Emmeline – To take things in my stride. There is a lot of information to absorb (not least the directions to various courts) so just take the time to let things sink in and enjoy it.
Alice – To enjoy it! There is a lot of information to take in and lots of names to learn but everyone is happy to have you and answer any questions.
Emmeline & Alice will be accepting instructions from April 1st. If you would like to instruct them reach out to our clerks at clerks@fourteen.co.uk or 020 7242 0858.
Emmeline Chiew – Prior to pupillage, Emmeline worked as a senior paralegal at two band-one solicitors’ firms in London. She is experienced in family law work relating to ultra high-net-worth individuals in both matrimonial finance and private children cases including enforcement proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.
Notable cases she has assisted on include Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26, [2024] EWCA Civ 567; Baker v Baker [2022] EWFC 15; ARQ v YAQ [2022] EWFC 128; Crowther v Crowther & ors [2020] EWCA Civ 762; Akhmedova v Akhmedov and others [2020] EWHC 1526 (Fam) and Potanin v Potanina [2019] EWHC 2956. View Emmeline’s Profile
Alice Newman – Prior to commencing pupillage, Alice worked as a paralegal at Mishcon de Reya, assisting on the full spectrum of private family law matters.
Alice read Law at the University of Warwick before obtaining an MA in Medical Law from King’s College London. Alice then completed the Bar Professional Training Course, during which she was awarded scholarships from both Gray’s Inn and BPP for advocacy.
Alice has a strong commitment to pro bono work. She volunteered as a caseworker with Advocate, the Bar’s national pro bono charity, and with Family Action, providing emotional support and guidance to family members. View Alice’s Profile