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Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and Young Barristers’ Committee
This session, jointly organised by the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and the Young Barristers’ Committee, did just what it said on the tin. For anyone starting out in practice, it was gold dust.
For Katherine Duncan, a family practitioner of three years’ Call, a dose of self-reflection helps. Where are you now, how did you get there and where do you want to go? Go out with your clerk for a glass of wine from time to time informally to address these questions, honestly. Diversify your revenue streams: develop some private work alongside publicly funded and direct access work. It can improve cash flow.
Annabel Thomas, a litigation partner, urged everyone to keep their chambers’ profile up to date. Don’t be shy – come and tell us what you are doing, she implored. Be flexible about the way you work (embrace Skype). Provide detail about time narratives (not just ‘10 hours perusing papers’) and be realistic about your time estimates.
Katie Cromwell, a clerk, focused on public access work. Far from alienating solicitors this can actually help you to develop stronger relationships if you can spot referral opportunities in both directions. Beware of taking a 5.30 call on a Friday afternoon. Invariably it’s a vexatious litigant, she cautioned. For Tony Burgess, a deputy senior clerk, getting to know your clerk is vital. Not necessarily spending every weekend fishing together but investing time in getting to know each other. Establish how your clerk can best give you feedback. Have regular practice reviews, at least annually. Get to know the clerking team as a whole so they can cross-sell you.
What really turns a clerk off about a young barrister? Answers varied: Saying ‘yes’ to everything. Two months into your tenancy, saying what you believe your market value is. Always respond to an inquiry even if only to say you will get back. Don’t disappear into your room; check in with the clerking team.
It may all sound rather basic but there was a lot here that young practitioners can so easily neglect at their cost. Honesty, trust and good communication are at the heart of developing a practice at the Bar. Spending a day in the clerks’ room is a good place from which to start. ●
Mark Hatcher was Special Adviser to the Chair of the Bar until 2019. After working at the Law Commission and in the House of Lords, he became Head of Global Public Affairs at PwC. He is a Bencher of Middle Temple, as well as being a priest. He is Reader of the Temple.
This session, jointly organised by the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and the Young Barristers’ Committee, did just what it said on the tin. For anyone starting out in practice, it was gold dust.
For Katherine Duncan, a family practitioner of three years’ Call, a dose of self-reflection helps. Where are you now, how did you get there and where do you want to go? Go out with your clerk for a glass of wine from time to time informally to address these questions, honestly. Diversify your revenue streams: develop some private work alongside publicly funded and direct access work. It can improve cash flow.
Annabel Thomas, a litigation partner, urged everyone to keep their chambers’ profile up to date. Don’t be shy – come and tell us what you are doing, she implored. Be flexible about the way you work (embrace Skype). Provide detail about time narratives (not just ‘10 hours perusing papers’) and be realistic about your time estimates.
Katie Cromwell, a clerk, focused on public access work. Far from alienating solicitors this can actually help you to develop stronger relationships if you can spot referral opportunities in both directions. Beware of taking a 5.30 call on a Friday afternoon. Invariably it’s a vexatious litigant, she cautioned. For Tony Burgess, a deputy senior clerk, getting to know your clerk is vital. Not necessarily spending every weekend fishing together but investing time in getting to know each other. Establish how your clerk can best give you feedback. Have regular practice reviews, at least annually. Get to know the clerking team as a whole so they can cross-sell you.
What really turns a clerk off about a young barrister? Answers varied: Saying ‘yes’ to everything. Two months into your tenancy, saying what you believe your market value is. Always respond to an inquiry even if only to say you will get back. Don’t disappear into your room; check in with the clerking team.
It may all sound rather basic but there was a lot here that young practitioners can so easily neglect at their cost. Honesty, trust and good communication are at the heart of developing a practice at the Bar. Spending a day in the clerks’ room is a good place from which to start. ●
Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and Young Barristers’ Committee
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
