Apprentice Barrister's Clerk

Summary

As a Level 3 Apprentice Clerk, you will be an integral part of the team with responsibility in assisting the clerks with the day to day running of Chambers. You will provide support for the clerking team including processing emails, papers, answering telephone enquiries and assisting with the arrangement of conferences.

Wage

£14,560 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm (1 hour lunch break unpaid).

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 27 July 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Data processing of client information, maintaining client confidentiality at all times
• Regular use of telephone systems for liaison with internal/external staff
• Checking the court lists and assisting with diary management
• Responsibility of arranging conferences for the family team
• Liaising with those who instruct the barristers for relevant documents
• Meeting/greeting clients, supporting main reception area

Where you'll work

Unit 18, Mills Bakery
Mills Bakery
Royal William Yard
Plymouth
PL1 3GE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

FOCUS TRAINING (SW) LIMITED

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

• Full Business Administrator Standard Level 3
• On the job training in the workplace as necessary
• Remote training every month backed up by regular site visits
• College attendance/support available monthly if required 

More training information

• You will be trained in all 3 areas of law, Crime, Civil and Family law.  We pride ourselves on the apprenticeship we can offer and are keen to give individuals responsibilities from day one
• You will get to attend Chambers social events as well as marketing events we host for instructing solicitors

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Mathematics (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working
• Initiative

Other requirements

Due to the nature of the employment the successful candidate will have to sign a confidentiality agreement as part of the employment start process. There may be a requirement to attend College to support qualification requirements and FOCUS Training is based near Marsh Mills, Plymouth.