The first step on the ladder traditionally into a Clerking role is that of a Junior Clerk whose daily tasks are vast and plentiful. That too also comes with an element of stress and pressure. To enable a candid response to be given we have kept the identity of the Junior Clerk in this response anonymous.

The regular contact with a variety of people and the growth that the role permits make the role of a Junior Clerk exciting and appealing. These strong determined Junior Clerks are greatly appreciated by Members of Chambers and more senior members of the clerking team who rely on them constantly.

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Name: Anonymous

Role: Crime, Extradition and Regulatory Clerk

Duties:

• Assisting with diary management
• Negotiating fees
• Billing cases under the GFS and VHCC schemes
• Allocating work according to a barrister’s practice areas and experience
• Checking court listings
• Liaising with parties to fix court listings.
• Arranging conferences
• Ensuring Lex is up to date and accurate
• Carrying out general administrative duties
• Business development and attending marketing events

Other positions previously held in chambers (if any): Junior Clerk

Upsides:

One of the upsides of being a clerk is the chance to meet new people regularly, which is both exciting and valuable. It allows you to build meaningful relationships while strengthening your interpersonal skills. The role is also incredibly diverse—every day presents new challenges that keep things fresh and engaging, ensuring you are always learning and adapting. It’s a job that truly keeps you on your toes!

Downsides:

One downside of clerking is that the clerks' room is often a high-pressure environment, which can make the job stressful. There are frequently tight deadlines to meet, whether it’s getting a trial covered, securing a CVP request, or managing multiple tasks at once. The constant need to stay on top of everything creates significant pressure, and during busy periods, it can be overwhelming.

Any guidance you could provide for future applicants:

Every day is a learning day as a clerk, so it’s important to approach the role with a willingness to learn and adapt. Embrace the challenges that come your way, taking each day as it comes. Additionally, staying as organised as possible will help you manage tasks efficiently and ultimately reduce stress.

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