Barrister's clerk : Entry requirements

A degree is not necessary for entry and the majority of new entrants will have GCSEs (a minimum of four GCSE pass grades at A - C) or A-levels. Relevant experience is advantageous and can include business or legal work, or court administration. Individual chambers operate their own work experience schemes.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, barristers, solicitors, court officials and judges;
• an awareness of appropriate language and etiquette, particularly in court;
• a good telephone manner and strong written communication skills;
• excellent negotiation skills;
• commercial awareness and sales skills (in order to maintain the supply of work);
• attention to detail and accuracy;
• computer literacy;
• the ability to absorb a lot of information;
• initiative, integrity and self-motivation;
• organisational and planning ability, to handle several cases at different stages concurrently;
• a reasonable knowledge of the different areas of law (in order to appreciate which barrister might be appropriate for a potential case);
• the ability to work under pressure when a court deadline is approaching;
• the ability to work as part of a team with other barristers' clerks and barristers working on a case.

You should be physically able to carry books, robes and documents.

Initial entry is likely to be at junior clerk level and it will take some time to build up the skills and knowledge required to progress to deputy senior or senior clerk.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.