Barristers' clerk

A barristers' clerk is a manager and administrator in a set of barristers' chambers. 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 other 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 barristers and advise on the choice of barrister.

In recent years and in line with modernisation of the barristers' profession, an increasing number of barristers no longer employ clerks but manage their fees and time themselves or use modern management structures.

Clerks manage their barristers' time through diary management (e.g. when they have to be in court); clerks negotiate their fees; and clerks advise them on how their careers should be structured (e.g. what kind of law to specialise in, or when to become a Queen's Counsel). They may receive a percentage of the barristers' fees for this work.

A barristers' 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 branch 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.

Generally a junior barristers' clerk acts 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 undertake is to arrange the diary and general work programme of the barristers.

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