Becoming A Law Clerk In England: A Step-By-Step Guide

The term barrister's clerk originated in England and is used in other common law jurisdictions such as Australia. In Scotland, the equivalent role is an advocate's clerk. There are about 1,200 barristers' clerks in England and Wales, with more than half working in London. A barristers' clerk is a manager and administrator in a set of barristers' chambers. They are 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. To become a barristers' clerk, you can take a college course that teaches the necessary skills and knowledge for the job. Alternatively, you can start as a junior legal clerk or admin assistant and work your way up.

Education requirements

To become a law clerk in England, you don't need an academic degree, but having one can help you get a job faster. You can take a college course to learn the necessary skills and knowledge, such as a diploma in audio transcription or a legal word processing course. Alternatively, you can take intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in legal services.

The education requirements for becoming a law clerk in England can vary, and it is not necessary to have an academic degree. However, certain qualifications and skills can increase your chances of securing a position in this field. Here is an overview of the educational pathways you can pursue to become a law clerk:

• College Courses: You can enrol in a college course to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for becoming a law clerk. This option equips you with a solid foundation for your career. Examples of relevant college courses include a diploma in audio transcription or a legal word processing course. These courses are designed to provide you with the specific skills needed for the role.
• Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships: Another pathway to becoming a law clerk is through intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in legal services. These apprenticeships offer on-the-job training and can be a great way to gain practical experience while learning. However, it is important to note that starting salaries for apprenticeships might be lower compared to individuals with academic degrees.
• Specialist Courses: There are also specialist courses offered by professional bodies that can help you become a law clerk. These courses are tailored specifically for this career path and are often created by industry experts. For example, the Accounts Clerk and MS Excel Course offered by One Education covers relevant topics at your own pace.
• Academic Degrees: Although not mandatory, having an academic degree, especially in a related field like law, can be advantageous. A degree can help you find a job more efficiently and may even lead to a higher starting salary. This option demonstrates your commitment to the field and enhances your knowledge and skills.

While the role of a law clerk does not always require a degree, having certain qualifications and skills can make you a stronger candidate. It is important to consider your interests, goals, and the specific requirements of the position you aspire to attain.

Work experience

Gaining work experience is an essential step to becoming a law clerk in England. Aspiring law clerks can undertake specialist courses offered by professional bodies or college courses to develop the necessary skills and knowledge for the role. A diploma course in audio transcription, legal word processing, or a qualification course such as the Accounts Clerk Training Course (Bookkeeping) – Level 1, are all options. Entry requirements for a college course typically include 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent for a level 3 course.

Another route to becoming a law clerk is through an apprenticeship program. Intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in legal services are available, but they will result in a lower starting salary compared to those with academic degrees. The requirements for these apprenticeships include some GCSEs, including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

Those interested in becoming law clerks can also start as junior legal clerks or admin assistants in a legal business or organisation. After gaining experience, they can apply for a trainee position, but excellent word processing skills of 45-60 words per minute are usually required for trainee legal clerk roles.

There are also many online specialist courses run by professional bodies that can help you become a law clerk. For example, the Accounts Clerk and MS Excel Course offered by One Education can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

After achieving the necessary qualifications, you can begin your career as a junior law clerk and work your way up the career ladder. With additional legal qualifications, you may even be able to become a paralegal or lawyer.

It is important to note that the daily duties and work pressure of a law clerk can be demanding, so dedication and a continuous improvement of skills and legal knowledge are essential.

Exams

To become a law clerk in England, you don't need to take any exams. However, if you want to become a lawyer, you will need to pass several exams.

The first step to becoming a lawyer is to obtain a qualifying law degree, known as an LLB. This typically involves studying for three years at university. While it is not necessary to have studied Law at A-level, you will usually need at least three B's at A-level or DDM at BTEC to be accepted onto an LLB course.

If you have studied an undergraduate degree in a subject other than Law, you can still pursue a career as a lawyer by taking a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). This is a conversion course that provides you with the necessary legal knowledge to build your career.

After obtaining your LLB or PGDL, you will need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) to become a solicitor or the Bar Practice Course (BPC) to become a barrister. The SQE consists of two parts: SQE1, a computer-based exam that tests your Functional Legal Knowledge (FLK) through multiple-choice questions, and SQE2, which tests the practical application of your legal skills and knowledge through oral and written assessments. The BPC, on the other hand, is a vocational stage of training that prepares you for working as a barrister.

In addition to passing the relevant exams, you will also need to gain work experience and meet certain character and suitability requirements to become a qualified lawyer.

Skills

Barristers' clerks are responsible for the business activities and administration of a barristers' chamber. They are considered experts in their own right and require a unique skill set. Clerks need a combination of commercial acumen, legal knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills.

Clerks are responsible for organising barristers' bookings, managing their practices, developing client relationships, negotiating fees, and assisting with accounting services. They also advise barristers on how to structure their careers, such as what area of law to specialise in or when to become a King's Counsel. Clerks are expected to be familiar with court procedures and etiquette and will develop an expertise in the branch of law undertaken by their chambers.

A barristers' clerk needs to have excellent face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills to deal with clients, solicitors, barristers, court officials, and judges. They must be highly organised and able to plan documents effectively, as they often handle several cases at different stages simultaneously. Clerks also need good computer skills, including fast typing skills, and excellent negotiation skills.

Attention to detail and accuracy are crucial, as well as the ability to absorb a lot of information from meetings with clients. Clerks must be aware of appropriate language and etiquette, particularly in court. Strong telephone skills and written communication skills are also essential.

Additionally, clerks need to have commercial awareness and sales skills, a reasonable knowledge of different areas of law, and the ability to work well under pressure. Leadership skills are also beneficial when required to exhibit them.

Salary

The salary of a law clerk in England depends on several factors, including experience, skills, location, and employer.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a law clerk in the United Kingdom is £28,039 per year, with the highest salary reported at £38,757 per year, and the lowest at £20,285 per year. However, PayScale reports a slightly lower average salary of £22,368 per year. The salary range for a law clerk in the UK can vary from £19,000 to £42,000 per year, with some senior clerks earning upwards of £90,000 per year.

In London, the average salary for a law clerk is £28,410 per year, while the average salary for a senior law clerk is £61,809 per year.

It is important to note that salaries outside of London tend to be lower, and the salary for a junior legal clerk without any academic degree can start at £18,000 per year. With experience, a law clerk's salary can increase to the average wage, and those with academic degrees in law will typically start at a higher salary.

Additionally, law clerks with credentials from prestigious universities or experience clerking for courts like the Supreme Court may be able to command higher salaries. Gaining advanced degrees or qualifications from organisations like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) or the Institute of Paralegals (IOP) can also help increase earning potential.

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