A barristers' clerk deals with the admin in barristers' offices and organises the workload there.
What does a barristers’ clerk do?
The day-to-day duties in this role could include:
- preparing papers and taking books, documents and robes to and from court
- messenger work (collecting and delivering documents by hand)
- photocopying, filing and dealing with letters, e-mails and phone calls
- handling accounts, invoices and petty cash
- collecting fees
- organising the law library
- managing each barrister’s daily diary and keeping their case information up to date
- liaising between solicitors, clients and their barristers
- reorganising barristers' schedules when necessary
What do I need to do to become a barristers’ clerk?
You will need good spoken and written communication skills. You will also need good time-management skills. Most offices will expect you to have at least four GCSEs, although many barristers’ clerks have higher qualifications, such as A levels or degrees.
It would also be useful to have some experience in court administration, legal secretarial work, accounts or management.
Academic route
- Four GCSEs (A-C), including maths and English
Desirable qualifications
- A levels
- A degree