Akshit Vohra joined 8PP Barristers & Associates in November 2024 as a Junior Legal Drafter through 8PP’s Training Academy programme. Having qualified as an advocate in India before completing an LL.M. at the University of Cambridge, Akshit’s journey into the UK legal sector reflects 8PP’s aim of creating alternative and accessible pathways into practice.
Now based in Liverpool, Akshit shares how an international legal career brought him to 8PP – and why the 8PP collaborative, modern chambers model felt like the right fit.
About the 8PP Training Academy
The 8PP Training Academy provides structured, practical experience for aspiring legal professionals looking to develop careers in civil litigation and dispute resolution. Designed to bridge academic study and real-world practice, the programme reflects 8PP’s commitment to widening access to the profession and supporting diverse routes into law.
What first drew you towards becoming a barrister?
In India, there isn’t the same formal distinction between solicitors and barristers that exists in England and Wales. Qualified lawyers typically handle both preparation and advocacy, so from early on I was exposed to the full lifecycle of disputes work.
What appealed to me most was that combination – developing arguments behind the scenes and then presenting them in court. I realised I enjoyed analysing disputes from every angle and building legal arguments strategically. The Bar felt like the best of both worlds.
I qualified as an advocate in India in 2021 and spent around two and a half years working as a law researcher for a judge’s chambers at the Delhi High Court. That period was incredibly formative because I worked across a wide range of areas rather than specialising immediately. I was involved in criminal, civil and commercial matters, carrying out research, assisting with hearings and on some occasions, even observed witness statements being recorded before the court.
Because judges in India regularly rotate their caseloads, I gained exposure to many different types of disputes. That breadth confirmed that contentious work -understanding problems from multiple perspectives – was where my interests lay.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Cambridge?
Education has always been important in my family. My father is an advocate and growing up I was surrounded by conversations about legal disputes and problem-solving. Equally influential was my mother, a homemaker, whose focus on discipline, consistency and support shaped how I approach both study and work. I was raised with the belief that if you pursue something, you should do it properly rather than simply tick a box.
I applied to a small number of highly selective programmes, including one in Geneva, but Cambridge stood out. Much of Indian law has historical roots in UK legal principles, particularly in areas such as commercial and insolvency law, so studying here enabled me to deepen that comparative understanding.
Academically, Cambridge was as demanding as expected. There was always more reading than you could realistically complete, but what I respected most was the emphasis on independent thought. You are encouraged to analyse issues from all sides – almost like thinking as a judge would – before forming your own conclusions.
That experience fundamentally changed how I approach legal reasoning.
What was your experience of Cambridge beyond the lectures?
One of the highlights was the collegiate system. My college, Hughes Hall, brought together people from completely different disciplines – scientists, linguists, researchers and professionals from across the world.
You could walk into the common room and have conversations that were never predictable or repetitive. Being surrounded by people approaching issues from completely different perspectives was inspiring and broadened how I think about law within society more generally.
What brought you to 8PP and Liverpool?
When I began applying for roles in the UK, I was looking for somewhere that felt different from a traditional chambers structure. The 8PP Training Academy immediately stood out.
The team’s backgrounds were diverse – barristers, solicitor advocates and internationally qualified lawyers – and that variety really interested me. It reflected a modern and diverse approach to practice and aligned with my own international experience.
Landlord and tenant disputes were also familiar territory, as I had been privy to these during my tenure as a law clerk in India. While social housing is unique to the UK system, many of the underlying legal issues felt recognisable.
Before committing, I visited Liverpool and spent a few days exploring the city. It quickly became clear this was more than just a job opportunity. Liverpool has a strong identity, combining historic architecture with modern development, and it felt somewhere I could genuinely settle.
I now live in the city centre and walk to work every day – although I’ve learned quickly that the Liverpool wind is not to be underestimated. I’ve already lost a pair of glasses to it!
What has life at 8PP been like so far?
Honestly, it has been a great experience.
The most noticeable aspect is how collaborative the environment is. There may be hierarchy on paper, but in practice everyone is approachable. If you have a question, someone is always willing to help within minutes – whether that’s Craig Leigh (Barrister & Managing Director), my mentor Neil, my colleague Peter, or anyone else in the team.
You are supported while still being trusted with meaningful responsibility, which makes a significant difference when building confidence early in your career. The open-plan environment encourages discussion and makes learning feel natural rather than formal.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
Working on housing disrepair matters has shown me how directly law affects people’s everyday lives. Drafting pleadings and analysing settlement positions requires both technical precision and practical judgement.
No two cases are identical, and even seemingly straightforward matters can raise unexpected issues. That variety keeps the work engaging and reinforces the importance of careful legal analysis.
It is rewarding to see how detailed legal work contributes to resolving real-world issues.
What do you enjoy most about Liverpool?
Liverpool has surprised me in the best way. There is a strong cultural energy and always something happening.
I would recommend visiting the Walker Art Gallery – the contrast between classical and contemporary works is fascinating, and some exhibitions make powerful social statements through art. Walking along the docks, particularly beyond the main tourist areas, is also underrated, and the Museum of Liverpool regularly hosts events throughout the year. And Formby Beach is well worth the trip – it’s beautiful.
Favourite food spots?
Ironically, the best Indian food I have found is the food I cook myself at home – something I never expected to say before moving abroad.
For eating out, Pocket Cafe Bar is a favourite. Their tacos and the iced red-berry drink are excellent.
What’s next for you professionally?
My focus at the moment is on continuing to learn and develop within the 8PP environment. The Training Academy has provided a strong foundation, and I am enjoying building practical experience day by day.
Having worked across different legal systems, I am interested in developing a career that combines strong analytical work with advocacy and dispute resolution.
A moment back home
At the time of writing, Akshit is back in Delhi celebrating his sister’s wedding – a welcome opportunity to reconnect with family whilst building his career in the UK.
Coming from a close-knit family, law has always been part of the conversation at home. His father practises in property disputes, and one of his sisters is also a lawyer, while another works in housing finance in Australia. Returning home for family celebrations offers a rare pause from practice and a reminder of the influences that first shaped his interest in law.
“It’s nice to step back briefly and spend time together,” he says. “Moments like this remind you how important family support has been throughout the journey.”
Final thoughts?
Moving between countries and legal systems is always a challenge, but 8PP has made that transition far easier than I expected. The culture is supportive, collaborative and genuinely welcoming.
For me, that environment – combined with meaningful work – confirms that coming to Liverpool and joining 8PP was the right decision.