Career Suggestion

Barrister's clerk

Barristers' clerks are responsible for the day-to-day administration in barristers' offices, known as chambers.

Average salary (a year)

£24000.0 to £40000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 42.0

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

You can get into this job through:

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

University

It may be helpful to study for a degree in business administration, law or legal studies, though this is not essential.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a college course before applying for work in a barrister's office. Courses include:

  • business administration
  • law or applied law
  • T level in Management and Administration
  • T Level in Legal Services

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as an admin assistant in a law office and train on the job to become a barrister's clerk.

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including maths and English
  • experience in administration, legal work, accounting or management

Paid or unpaid work experience in a barrister's chambers may give you an advantage when applying for jobs.

Further information

You can find out more about working as a clerk in a barrister's office from the Institute of Barristers' Clerks .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • administration skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day-to-day tasks

As a barrister's clerk, you could:

  • collect and deliver document bundles for offices and courts
  • photocopy, scan, print and prepare case documents
  • deal with letters, emails, online messages and phone calls
  • collect fees, handle accounts, invoices and petty cash
  • organise your chamber's law library and store case files correctly
  • manage the legal team's diaries and meetings
  • work closely with solicitors, clients and their barristers

Working environment

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

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

As a senior clerk, you'll:

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

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