Barrister's clerk

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

Some employers may expect you to have a university degree. A course in law or a related subject can be useful but is not essential.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You may need to have A levels or equivalent qualifications.

Subjects you could consider include:

• A level Law
• T level in Management and Administration
• level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
• level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Law or Applied Law

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a higher apprenticeship in business administration or a law related higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an admin assistant in a law office and train more on the job to work your way up.

You'll usually need:

• 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including maths and English
• experience in administration, legal secretary work, accounting or management

Paid or unpaid work experience in barrister chambers may give you an advantage when you apply for jobs.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• administration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• persistence and determination
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• customer service skills
• leadership skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Barrister's clerks run the day to day administration tasks for barristers at offices called chambers.

In this role you could:

• take books, documents and robes to and from court
• prepare, collect and deliver documents by hand
• photocopy, file and deal with letters, emails and phone calls
• collect fees, handle accounts, invoices and petty cash
• organise the law library
• manage each barrister's diary and keep their case information up to date
• deal with solicitors, clients and their barristers

Location : You could work at chambers, in an office or in a court.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you might become a senior barrister's clerk, chambers director or practice manager.

As a senior clerk, you'll:

• recruit, train and supervise junior clerks
• bring business into chambers
• allocate cases to barristers
• manage finances and negotiate fees