Barristers' Clerk

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings / weekends occasionally

How To Become a Barristers' Clerk

You can get into this job through:

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

College / 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 always essential.

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

Many firms will look for A level or equivalent qualifications.

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.

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

Routes into this Career

You could start as an admin assistant in a legal office and take further training 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 secretarial work, accounts or management

Paid or unpaid work experience in barristers' offices, called chambers, may give you an advantage when applying for jobs.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

excellent verbal communication skills
excellent written communication skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of English language
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
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

In this role you could:

prepare papers and take books, documents and robes to and from court
messenger work (collect and deliver documents by hand)
photocopy, file and deal with letters, emails and phone calls
handle accounts, invoices and petty cash
collect fees
organise the law library
manage each barrister's daily diary and keeping their case information up-to-date
deal with solicitors, clients and their barristers
reorganise barristers' schedules when necessary

Working Environment

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

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you might become a senior barristers' clerk, chambers director or practice manager. In this role, you'll spend time:

You'll also be responsible for the financial management of the chambers.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.