Application insight from John Oliver.
John Oliver features in Counsel Magazine Bar Student Guide, published September 2024. Click here to view the full article on Counsel Magazine's Website.
The qualities and attributes chambers look for in candidates for a criminal pupillage are different from those sought in other practice areas. We who are responsible for selecting pupils know that being a criminal barrister is challenging and we look for people with the intellectual rigour, practical skills and personal attributes we think will help them not just succeed but thrive in this particular area of law.
Critical and creative thinking, well-developed analytical skills, a logical mind, attention to detail, effective advocacy and integrity are attributes one would expect of a pupil in any practice area. But criminal sets are looking for the way in which a candidate has tailored those skills to fit criminal practice. If you are able to do that, not only will you demonstrate your commitment to this fascinating area of law, but also your understanding of it.
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John Oliver is a barrister at 5 St Andrew's Hill, specializing in criminal and extradition law. He has extensive experience in cases involving serious violence, sexual offenses, and complex multi-handed cases. John is skilled in handling cases with vulnerable defendants and witnesses, particularly those with mental health illnesses and neurodiversity. He is recognized for his meticulous attention to detail and strong advocacy skills, securing numerous acquittals in high-profile cases. John is also a Level 3 CPS prosecutor and accepts direct public access instructions.
