A barristers' clerk is a manager and administrator in a set of barristers' chambers.^[1] The term originated 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.^[2]

Traditionally referred to as "the Law's Middlemen", clerks possess a unique skill set and fulfill a role in which they are considered to be experts in their own right. Clerking is seen as a career in itself, rather than a stepping stone to becoming a barrister.^[3]

Barristers employ clerks to organise their bookings, manage their practices, develop relationships with clients, negotiate fees, and assist with accounting services.^[4]

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.^[5][2]

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.^[2]

Typical activities

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 King's Counsel). They may receive a percentage of the barristers' fees for this work.^[2]

A barristers' clerk is responsible for running the business activities and administration of a barristers' chambers.^[2] 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.^[2]

Barrister's clerks are also responsible for client management, including attending client meetings to set up and forge relationships with individual solicitors and solicitors firms that deal with the work their barristers and chambers specialise in. Sometimes this can mean traveling around the country (and in some cases abroad) to see clients.

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