This post is the second instalment in our series exploring “How many Women does it take to run a chambers?”.

We are thrilled to feature Michelle Celik, Knowledge Resources Manager at Twenty Essex, who shares valuable insights into her role and extensive background in law, including her previous work with the Law Society, Magic Circle firms, and US law firms.

Michelle also offers essential advice for future applicants, emphasising the importance of personal CPD (Continuing Professional Development). She reminds us that staying updated doesn’t always require formal training; reading publications from organisations like BIALL and CILIP can also provide valuable knowledge.

You can enjoy Michelle’s response below:

How Many Women Does it take to run a Chambers?

Name: Michelle Celik

Role: Knowledge Resources Manager

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‍Duties:

• Organising and disseminating information for Members of Chambers (MOCs) and arbitrators.
• Managing a physical and online library, updating with new editions and purchases.
• Cataloguing all resources on the library management systems including links to all online books.
• Controlling the library budget and working closely with the Library Committee ensure the budget is managed and monitored to reflect the needs of the Members. Arranging for payment and recording of all invoices.
• Providing a budget report every financial year.
• Sourcing publications, articles and other resources when requested and providing and offering a research provision.
• Liaising and negotiating with suppliers and vendors for competitive pricing, working with the Library Committee for contract review.
• Ongoing monitoring of all subscriptions and tracking of usage.
• Purchase and administration of books and online services for individual barristers.
• Logging all non-library purchases and subscriptions for barristers using the library management system, allocating each barrister a separate budget code.
• Keeping abreast of legal, business and technical trends to enhance the service provided to the barristers.
• Preparing a weekly newsletter, highlighting the latest additions to the databases and hard copy library.
• Dealing with all copyright licences for CLA/NLA, co-ordinating and administering audits that take place.
• Delivering induction training and a welcome package for all new barristers, pupils and junior clerks.
• Undertaking ongoing training on a one-to one basis when required and arranging additional training by the vendors.
• Attending meetings with information professionals from the Bar, including the Inn libraries, to discuss recent developments, inviting vendors to discuss issues that have arisen and consider any of the problems that are unique to the Bar.
• Producing reports for the Library Committee and CEO, when requested.
• Providing vendors with feedback to help them develop and improve their products.

Other positions previously held in chambers (if any):

Not chambers but senior assistant librarian at The Law Society and management positions in Magic Circle, boutique and US law firms.

‍Upsides:

The ever-evolving nature of the work. There have been so many changes to information provision during my career that the work does not become boring. When I started in law, I had a desk with a blotter, a phone and a dedicated Lexis terminal in the corner of the room. This was followed by CD-Roms and Wang screens.

Nowadays, we all have laptops and desktops with access to an array of high-quality online databases and the phone has been replaced by headphones or earbuds for Teams video and audio calls.

No two days the same. In addition to the routine administrative tasks, the work is demand led, depending on the work that comes into Chambers, so I never know what I will be asked to find or do.

Librarians and Knowledge professionals are at the forefront of the AI revolution, as the database vendors move to compete with each other. We have the task of evaluating each of the services on offer, providing a business case and ensuring that there is a return on investment when purchased.

Working in an environment where your profession is respected, and your work is appreciated by the end users.

‍Downsides:

In solo roles, you are the only member of your profession within the organisation. There is no-one who understands your role like another information professional. One way to resolve this is to join a network of information professionals in other chambers, to discuss issues arising.

Being alone means that you have to the ability and expectation to multitask, which can sometimes become overwhelming. The junior clerks assist wherever they can and are a massive support.

Technology can bring its own issues, and the vendors do not always appreciate the urgency of the need for the information. Also dealing with, for example an accounts department of a huge corporate information provider can be particularly challenging when a problem arises. Thankfully, we have good account managers who can step in to help.

‍Any guidance you could provide for future applicants:

Ensure that you promote yourself within your organisation. As a profession, all knowledge and information professionals must be approachable and able to provide any assistance requested. In my career, I have been asked for information on any number of topics that are not related to the sector or environment I am working in. if someone is making an enquiry, it is because they do not know the answer and that is the role of the information professional.

Purchase a good library management system that not only provides an effective catalogue, which is easy for end users but also has a sophisticated system for logging all purchases, loans etc and can provide data for any reports you are required to compile.

Work closely with the IT department and the junior clerks. Many knowledge departments come under the umbrella of IT, due to the dependency on electronic resources. A good relationship with your IT team will be beneficial whenever there is an issue that you are not able to solve. Junior clerks provide backup whenever you are not available and in turn, you can provide training so that they understand how to obtain resources for authorities bundles or barristers’ research. I could not manage my day without working closely with both departments.

Help the BD/marketing teams. You may have access to resources that they do not have. With your skillset, you can provide a wealth of material and knowledge to assist. You are not just a service for the barristers but also part of the larger support network within chambers.

Build good relationships with online vendors and book suppliers. Be prepared to give feedback, not just complaints but also positive feedback, when it is requested. Every online database has improved immensely over the years from the feedback that has been given. Passing on comments from the end users is invaluable. Use your local book suppliers, who are there when you have an urgent purchase.

Networking. Join BIALL, Bar Librarians Group etc. Also keep up connections with colleagues who have moved on to other chambers.

Personal CPD. Don’t forget that you need to keep up to date with your own training. This does not just have to be formal training courses or talks but can be achieved by reading publications produced by the British and Irish Association of Law Librarians (BIALL) or the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Using the Inn Libraries and the Institute of Advanced Legal studies Library to supplement the service provided in Chambers. Not everything is available online and there is still a need for current and superseded hard copy material. The libraries and their knowledgeable staff provide an essential service to the barristers.

Always treat everyone with respect.

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