Three of our students – Lewis, Thomas and Leo – recently had the opportunity to spend a day in chambers with distinguished barrister Nicholas Moss KC (Paterson, 1991), gaining a rare and valuable insight into the realities of legal practice at the highest level.

Hosted at Temple Garden Chambers, the experience offered an immersive introduction to the workings of a major public inquiry, using the Southport Inquiry as a live case study. Across a full day in chambers, Nick guided the students through the key stages involved in such proceedings, from the initial political and legal framework through to the detailed preparation required for courtroom advocacy.

The day began with an exploration of the foundations of a public inquiry. Students examined sentencing remarks, parliamentary statements, and the legislative framework governing inquiries, building an understanding of how these proceedings differ from traditional court cases in both purpose and process. From there, they followed the development of evidence, focusing on the involvement of one of the major witnesses called at the Inquiry and the role expert testimony plays in shaping an inquiry.

Nick then demonstrated how barristers construct and analyse witness statements, obtain expert reports, and prepare for the examination of witnesses. Although he was not in court that day, students were able to watch recorded footage of Nick conducting a live examination, offering a compelling insight into how careful preparation translates into effective advocacy. Observing his approach highlighted the importance of adaptability, as barristers tailor their style and questioning to different witnesses and circumstances.

Reflecting on the experience, the students described the day as both inspiring and enlightening:

“The chance to see the manifestation of his strategy and notes in live advocacy was incredibly valuable… It showed how the groundwork done earlier directly informs what happens in court.”

They also noted how the experience deepened their understanding of the legal profession and strengthened their ambitions to pursue careers in law.

Nick praised the students for their engagement throughout the day, describing them as “polite and attentive and a credit to the school.” He also shared valuable advice for those considering a future in the legal profession. He encouraged students to seek a wide range of legal experiences to develop a genuine understanding of different career paths, including informal opportunities such as observing proceedings in courts. He also emphasised the importance of keeping detailed notes after each experience, as these reflections can prove invaluable in future applications and interviews.

As a follow up, Nick suggested the students review the published report of the inquiry to see how the evidence they explored contributes to final conclusions - an important reminder of how individual elements of legal work fit into a much larger process.

We are extremely grateful to Nick for giving his time so generously and for providing such a meaningful and memorable experience. Opportunities like this play a vital role in helping our students connect their academic studies with real world practice and ambition.

If you feel you would be able to offer a similar opportunity in your field of work to our students, we would love to hear from you.  Please email development@ags.bucks.sch.uk