Welcome to Episode 2 of Bar Student to Barrister. In this week’s episode we meet Gaurav Sachanandani, now in his early years of practice at Burnell Chambers, situated on Middle Temple Lane in London.

From starting his law degree at the age of 17, we follow Gaurav through Bar training, pupillage and into his early years as a specialist tax barrister, and even why studying does not always stop when you embark on full-time professional practice.

And what else do we discover on the way?

First, Gaurav dreamed of becoming an astronomer before even thinking about the law.

And what excited his interest in becoming a lawyer? For that you’ll have to listen, but it’s something we suspect you’ll hear more than a few times in this podcast series, at least from those who are prepared to admit it.

The complexity and intellectual challenge of tax law, and the ambition to build his practice as a respected expert, is perhaps at the heart of what drives Gaurav, but you will also discover that he is positive, enthusiastic, committed, determined, and no stranger to hard work.

And why is ‘cracking the code’ used in the title of this episode? Again, you can find out before too long, but it’s something that Gaurav has been doing in multiple ways as he has pursued his ambition to become a barrister.

In this episode you will also hear how Gaurav approached applying for pupillage to specialist tax and chancery chambers, what written exercises he was asked to carry out, and what happened during the interview process.

There is also a cautionary tale for all prospective barristers – what might happen at the end of a pupillage interview when you are asked if you have any questions? Beware the danger zone! But as we find out, sometimes things happen for a reason.

Gaurav also tells us what happens when you arrive on Day 1 of pupillage in a tax chambers, as well as how to cope when technical failure greets you in your pupillage professional ethics exam.

And finally, even though he is a practising barrister, does Gaurav own a wig and gown? Find out in this episode.

This is Gaurav’s journey to the specialist tax Bar. We hope you enjoy this episode. Please follow/subscribe on your podcast platform for future episodes.

INFORMATION

Burnell Chambers https://burnellchambers.co.uk/

Gaurav’s profile https://burnellchambers.co.uk/barristers/gaurav-sachanandani/

Gaurav on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurav-sachanandani-73394a230/

CONTACT

Email: barstudent2barristerpodcast@gmail.com

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Website     https://www.icca.ac.uk/icca-bar-course/bar-student-to-barrister-podcast/

INDEPENDENCE

Registration on the ICCA Bar Course confers no advantage inrelation to Inns’ scholarships or awards, Inns’ membership, Qualifying Sessions or Call to the Bar. For more information see the Policy on Independence between the Inns of Court and the ICCA.

COPYRIGHT

Inns of Court College of Advocacy (part of the COIC) © 2025. All rights reserved.

Inns of Court College ofAdvocacy (part of the COIC) © 2025. All rights reserved.