A barristers' clerk is a manager and administrator in a set of barristers' chambers. [1] The term originates in England, and is also used in some other common law jurisdictions, such as Australia. In Scotland, the equivalent role is advocate's clerk.
There are about 1,200 barristers' clerks in England and Wales. Around 350 are senior clerks. A group of 20 barristers normally employs one senior clerk and one or two junior clerks. More than half the clerks work in London, mainly in and around the four Inns of Court, with the remainder being in large towns and cities. In the UK, the profession is regulated by the Institute of Barristers Clerks.
Barristers employ clerks to organise their bookings and provide messaging, telephone and accounting services.
Clerks have detailed knowledge about the barristers on their list. They provide solicitors and others with information about the availability of counsel and advise on the choice of barrister.[2]
Clerks manage their barristers' time through diary management (e.g. when they have to be in court); clerks negotiate their fees; and clerks counsel them on how their careers should be structured (e.g. what kind of law to specialize in, when to become a Queen's Counsel). At one time clerks would receive a percentage of the barrister's fees for this work.
A barrister's clerk is responsible for running the business activities and administration of a barristers' chambers. The role is integral to the success of a set of chambers as a business and as a practice. Barristers' clerks must be familiar with court procedures and etiquette. They will also develop an expertise in the type of law undertaken by their chambers.
A barristers' clerk requires a combination of commercial acumen, legal knowledge and strong interpersonal skills. The term 'clerk' is historical and does not accurately reflect the co-ordination of workload, marketing and financial management undertaken.
The Role of a Junior Barristers' Clerk Generally the role of a junior barristers' Clerk will act as an assistant to other senior and more experienced staff, increasingly assuming more responsibility over a period of time including the allocation of briefs and negotiation of fees. One of the most significant duties that a junior barristers' clerk will need to undertake is to arrange the diary and general work programme of the Barrister to their best ability.
The junior barrister clerk is usually the first point of contact between a solicitor seeking the services of a barrister, and the barrister. Junior barristers' clerks will need to ensure that they are consistently professional in their approach and that they possess positive attitudes and behaviours. The barristers' clerk therefore needs to ensure that whichever barrister they put forward he/she has the ability to do the particular piece of work, competent, and has the time to do the work. Consequently the barrsiters' clerk needs to be up to date with the diary for that particular barrister, be aware of any in progress that they have and the information as to when they are due to be taking leave, holidays, and training courses. For a newly appointed barristers’ clerk relationships with barristers in chambers, instructing solicitors, the court service and many other outside agencies is paramount. Depending on the size of chambers and the available staff resources the typical responsibilities of a junior barrsiters' clerk will include some or all of the following: Dealing with incoming and outgoing post, Collecting and delivering documents, Maintaining and updating court lists, Maintaining and filing briefs/instructions, Communicating with clients, court staff, solicitors, other chambers and various outside agencies, Dealing with routine telephone enquiries, Attending court listing meetings and representing his/her chambers interests or monitoring, arranging court listings via the telephone, Fee billing, Diary management, Maintaining the stock of stationery and chambers brochures, Updating and maintaining chambers library
In carrying out the role, a barristers’ clerk is required to possess, acquire and demonstrate a combination of the following skills, attitudes and behaviours: Professional, Confidence, Diplomacy, Tactfulness, Flexibility,Effective negotiator, Team player, Computer literate, Discreet, Well organised, Effective communicator, Trustworthy, Honest, Loyal, Committed, Good sense of humour, Polite and well mannered, Common sense.
In order for a junior barristers' clerk to become successful you will need to gain knowledge, experience and on the job training on a day to day basis from your peers, other team colleagues and senior staff. This will be attained over a period of time, allowing you to develop and increase your knowledge and thus levels of confidence.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/career_and_jobs/secretarial/article508890.ece