Harry Gimson

Three day Mini-Pupillage (Criminal) — Apex Chambers, Cardiff:

- Shadowed barristers in Crown Court trials, PTPHs, guilty pleas, and sentencing hearings.
- Observed serious criminal cases, including drug conspiracies, PWITS (Class A & B), prison smuggling, and violent offences.

- Gained practical insight into defence strategy, evidential weaknesses, and disclosure issues.

- Saw PACE s.78 applications used to challenge unfair or prejudicial evidence.

- Observed sentencing advocacy, including guideline analysis, guilty plea credit, and mitigation.

- Developed understanding of courtroom advocacy, procedure, and professional etiquette.

Spent three days at Geldards LLP:

- Collaborated with Corporate and Commercial team on contractual and business law matters.

- Conducted legal research on disclosure agreements and provided client-friendly amendments.

- Researched business structures and facilitated company formation processes.

Spent three days at Blake Morgan LLP:

- Conducted legal research, case analysis, and document drafting under supervision of experienced solicitors.

- Developed client communication skills alongside practical understanding of legal processes.

- Enhanced attention to detail and strengthened problem-solving abilities.

Spent three days at SinclairsLaw:

- Acquired practical knowledge in property law, private client services, and Court of Protection cases.

- Drafted wills, probate documents, and property transaction paperwork efficiently.

- Conducted thorough legal research to support Court of Protection cases effectively.

Completed a series of firm-led legal casework exercises designed by Magic Circle, US and City law firms, mirroring trainee-level work across multiple practice areas:

- Conducted detailed legal research and analysis across commercial, transactional and contentious matters, identifying key legal issues and precedent to inform client advice.

- Drafted written client-facing documents including memos, Head of Terms, software licence agreements and prospectus sections, ensuring clarity, commercial focus and compliance with procedural requirements.

- Analysed contract terms and liability issues (including force majeure and debt facility clauses) and summarised legal risk and strategic options for partner-level review.

- Supported investigative tasks for white-collar and fraud scenarios by devising targeted search terms, preparing witness interview questions and calculating sentencing/fine ranges using sentencing guidelines.

- Worked on IP and technology disputes (trademark and patent review), and assessed regulatory impacts of emerging technologies (blockchain, influencer marketing) on client strategy.

- Built and managed a direct-to-client sneaker reselling business, working with 40+ clients through product sourcing and sales.

- Negotiated purchases and sales to maximise margin while maintaining customer satisfaction.

- Managed client communications, order processes and aftercare, developing strong commercial awareness and relationship management skills.

- Applied data-led decision making to pricing and purchasing choices, improving turnaround and client repeat business.

Sponsored by Akin, A&O Shearman & LexisNexis

Attended three interactive workshops (≈6 hours) designed and delivered by former lawyers, graduate recruitment managers and LexisNexis professionals.

- Participated in practical workshops on graduate recruitment processes, including CV and application drafting, assessment-centre tasks and interview technique with structured feedback.

- Developed legal research proficiency using LexisNexis tools and applied research to client scenarios, producing concise legal summaries for partner-level review.

- Improved commercial awareness through firm-led case studies (Akin / A&O Shearman), identifying legal and commercial risks and recommending pragmatic client-focused options.