Jennifer Ferrario – Letter to my 21 year old self

Jennifer Ferrario writes a letter to her younger self in which she encourages the pushing of boundaries. Jennifer has written this with law graduates in mind, and for those considering a career at the Bar. She hopes that it will instill confidence in graduates that may be wary of stepping outside of their comfort zone.

A letter to my 21 year old self

As you sit in your bedroom alone having completed your law degree (for which you grafted, so well done), and you think about whether to qualify as a Solicitor or Barrister, give it some serious thought.

When you look at the application form for the Bar Finals Course (in hard copy because its 1992) and shake your head because its taught only in London, don’t be so quick to reject the idea. I know that you’ve only been to London a few times (thanks to Great Aunty Sylvia who was incredibly cultured and took you to the West End). I realise that you are nervous about funding a year of study in London and it would involve jumping into the unknown, but speak to Mum and Dad, have a chat with your friends in London that you met at University, and see if you can make it work. Before now, you have not thought about being a Barrister, because of the London issue. Now that you have your degree, think about it again and try and make it happen.

I enjoyed my 11 years of practising as a Solicitor. I knew however, as soon as I qualified, that my passion was advocacy. I wanted to work with Solicitors and always be the person that stood up to speak on the client’s behalf. I became a Solicitor-Advocate within 5 years and transferred to the Bar in 2007 without having to do anything at all other than pay a fee and buy my wig. I wish that I had taken the leap sooner. If I was 21 again, I would take a deep breath and go to London to do the Bar exam.

I am a big believer that we all have our roles in life. You don’t know this yet but you are more suited to the role of a Barrister than a Solicitor. It will always be a team effort and your contribution as the advocate will be more fitting. Listen to my advice, and share it with your friends. Whether you qualify as a Solicitor or Barrister, you will need to learn resilience and strength of character. Start now, and move beyond your comfort zone.

P.S When you play hide and seek with your youngest son in 2007 and you spend 2 hours frantically trying to find him and come close to calling the police, you will find him at the end of his bed lying underneath the bedsheets amongst his teddies.