invidious comparisons between the Inns of Court, we feel proud in being able to bear testimony to the anxious vigilance evinced by the Benchers of the Inner Temple to admit (as far as so desirable an object can be attained) only properly qualified persons as students-one means being the bonâ fide examination instituted, in order to ascertain their "competence in classical attainments, and the general subjects of a liberal education."* The effect has long been visible in the class of persons who have of late years become members of that ancient, wealthy, and distinguished Inn of Court. Passing away, however, from such painful topics, let us contemplate the case of a person, however humble his original position in society, of such honourable personal character, and capacity of intellectual excellence, as render him worthy of that cordial welcome into the ranks of the Bar, which he will assuredly receive. He will become immediately the associate of as high a class of men as are to be found in the country, in respect of education, intellect, reputation, learning, and family; and will find his account in conducting himself among them with manly modesty, with courtesy, with independence, and a due degree of reserve. He will soon detect the low class men-such there must be in all professions-and, in observing them, will not fail to note the signs by which intellectual, moral, or social inferiority unconsciously and inevitably betrays itself. He, in short, it is presumed, is of sufficient age to be capable of arriving at an independent judgment on the important subject now proposed for his consideration; and it is hoped that the foregoing and ensuing pages may afford him some help towards forming that judgment. * Form of the Examiner's Certificate to the Benchers. He will have no one to thank but himself, if, after all that has been said, he should miss his way, by obstinately struggling into a profession for which he is utterly unfitted; or, being fitted for it, 'with all appliances and means to boot,' should yet throw himself away, by adopting one that is unworthy of him. If, however, in the spirit of prudent and honourable enterprise, he should decide upon adopting the Bar-then we say to him, cheerily,— LEGI TE TOTUM DEDICA; NAM DIGNUS ES ILLA, ET ILLA TE DIGNA.* * Seneca. CHAPTER III. STUDENTS: THEIR CHARACTERS, OBJECTS, PRETENSIONS, AND PROSPECTS. It THE varied throng of candidates for admission to the Bar, will be found, perhaps, separable into three classes: and then we shall be enabled, by looking more distinctly into the characters and objects of each, to form a just estimate of their respective pretensions and prospects. is proposed to devote this chapter to such an inquiry; shortly suggesting what each individual has to expect, and what not; what to learn, and what to unlearn. The study, and the student will then, it is hoped, have been fairly introduced to each other. The first class comprises those who may for convenience'sake be styled merely nominal or amateur students; the second, those who seek to qualify themselves for the duties of the legislature or magistracy; the last, those who purpose becoming actual practitioners. Of these, then, in their order. I.-The class of merely NOMINAL, or amateur law students, consists of those who become such simply from a desire to attach themselves formally to one of the learned professions, with no intention of ever practising, with no necessity indeed for doing so. Many of these belong to the G very highest classes of society, and have no other object in view than amusement and quasi occupation, before coming into the full possession of their fortunes. Need it be said that such are always welcome and even valuable additions to the society of the Bar? Many young gentlemen, not of this highest class, enter, or are sent to, the Bar, as others into the army, navy, or perhaps the church-purely to say that they belong to it; and are influenced in doing so, seldom by any other feeling than that of indolence or indifference. Some, to be sure, contrive to gratify their vanity, and that of weak relatives and friends, by the hope of hearing themselves sometimes spoken of as "the learned gentleman; " and feel as much ;" satisfaction in being able to assume, at will, the grave imposing vesture of counsel, as others experience in wearing the gay and dashing uniform of the soldier. They are certainly entitled, by this means, to a good seat in the courts, when interesting trials are on; and to go the circuit, and share its excitement, frolics, and variety. It is not, in short, a very expensive way of securing a pleasant, and sometimes eminent acquaintance—of purchasing, as it were, a free admission free admission-both before and behind the scenes to the entertainments of the legal theatre! A few of these gentry there may be, who are forecasting enough to anticipate the possibility of their present means not always enabling them to continue the life of a fine gentleman; and that it may therefore be advisable to secure a chance of employment at the Bar, if, unfortunately, there should ever be a necessity for it. They will be possessed certainly of long standing; and will, besides, no doubt, find it as easy to assume business-habits, and acquire legal knowledge when need ful, as their wig and gown! Chambers will thus be a shelter from the pitiless pelting of the storm of poverty. They will be found in the estimation of some few other members-but, thank Heaven, constituting a very small minority of this class, delightfully calculated for wineparties, as well as hiding-places from inquisitive relatives, and impertinent creditors. If overcome with excitement, at any of those vivid scenes of enjoyment which a London life affords, they can retreat to chambers at a moment's notice, bar the outer door, and sleep off a debauch in sacred silence! "Nempe hoc assidue ?-jam clarum mane fenestras Tunc queritur, crassus calamo quod pendeat humor : Dilutas queritur geminet quod fistula guttas. O, miser!-inque dies ultra miser !'"* Never need this sort of student be at a loss for an account of himself, when questioned by one who is pleased to think himself entitled to receive one. Is he absent from his chambers? He is at those of the pleader, or barrister, under whom he studies! Is he not there?-He is gone down to court, either at Guildhall or Westminster, to hear a great cause tried, in which he has drawn the pleadings. Is he not to be found there? He has returned, indefatigable man, to his chambers, there to digest the legal acquisitions of the day! To be serious, however. These last are the gentry Pers. Sat. III. |