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The Bar has, and will always be, a high-pressure environment. Barristers often find themselves navigating a relentless stream of cases, deadlines and client demands. Balancing professional commitments with personal wellbeing can be a significant challenge.
However, one often overlooked ally in the pursuit of balance is the clerk. Far more than just an administrative assistant, a clerk can play a pivotal role in promoting and maintaining wellbeing for barristers. This article provides practical guidance on how barristers can collaborate effectively with their clerks to enhance their overall wellbeing.
Before delving into strategies for collaboration, it is essential to understand the multifaceted role of a clerk. While traditionally seen as administrative support, a clerk often possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be called upon to support barristers beyond mere logistical assistance. From effective diary management, developing and maintaining client relationships (and managing client expectations) to providing strategic advice and moral support, clerks are invaluable assets in a barrister’s professional life. By effectively leveraging these capabilities, barristers can significantly reduce their stress levels and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Developing trust in the clerk’s judgement can significantly ease a barrister’s workload. When clerks are empowered to make decisions within their scope, it allows barristers to focus on the job in hand, knowing that their practice is being managed efficiently and effectively.
A well-managed diary is the cornerstone of professional efficiency and personal wellbeing.
In the often frenetic environment we work in, flexibility and adaptability are invaluable traits. Barristers should be prepared to pivot and adjust their strategies in response to changing circumstances or unforeseen challenges.
Clerks can be an invaluable partner in navigating these transitions, offering important insights and assistance in real-time. Foster a culture of agility and resilience within your chambers, where barristers and clerks can adapt quickly to evolving situations and maintain wellbeing in the face of adversity.
The foundation of any successful collaboration is clear communication. Barristers must articulate their needs, preferences, and boundaries to their clerks effectively.
Schedule regular check-ins to discuss workload distribution, upcoming deadlines, and any specific concerns or priorities. By fostering an open and transparent dialogue, barristers can ensure their clerk understands their expectations and can align their support accordingly.
Regular communication between barrister and clerk is vital for a successful practice. This can be achieved through:
Modern technology can enhance diary and case management, which can alleviate stress and improve wellbeing:
While we would stress the importance of meeting your clerk in person, we do recognise that this is not always convenient or possible. In those circumstances, the use of technology can ease the burden on time:
A positive work environment is essential for fostering wellbeing and morale. Promote a culture of respect, empathy and appreciation within your chambers, where barristers and clerks alike feel valued and supported. Encourage open dialogue and feedback, where everyone feels comfortable voicing concerns or suggesting improvements.
By adopting a supportive and inclusive culture, you will create a conducive environment for collaboration and wellbeing to thrive.
Amid the hustle and bustle of a busy practice, it is easy to lose sight of the present moment and overlook the blessings in our lives.
Encourage a culture of gratitude and mindfulness within your chambers, where barristers and clerks take time to appreciate the small joys and victories each day.
Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular walks into your routine to promote mental clarity and emotional resilience.
By cultivating a sense of gratitude and presence, you will enhance your overall wellbeing and foster a more positive work environment.
Continuous learning and growth are essential for both personal and professional wellbeing. Encourage your clerk to pursue opportunities for professional development, particularly around stress management and mental health.
Spotting the signs of stress and poor mental health can only be achieved if the clerk knows what to look out for. Whether it is attending workshops, obtaining certifications, or pursuing further education, investing in your clerk’s development not only benefits them but also enriches the capabilities of your chambers.
By working closely with your clerk and leveraging their support, barristers can navigate the complexities of running a successful practice while prioritising their mental, emotional, and physical health.
From clear communication and effective delegation to fostering a supportive work environment and embracing flexibility, the strategies outlined here will empower barristers to cultivate greater wellbeing through their partnership with their clerk(s). Through prioritising collaboration, communication, and self-care, barristers and clerks can work together to create a thriving practice where wellbeing is not just a goal but a way of life.
The key lies in recognising the clerk’s role as a strategic partner and leveraging their skills to foster a practice that values and prioritises wellbeing.
Find the Bar Council support at www.wellbeingatthebar.org.uk. The 24/7 confidential helpline is on 0800 169 2040 for self-employed barristers with a practising certificate as well as members of the IBC and LPMA. Other sources of help include LawCare which offers support for anyone in the legal community – call: 0800 279 6888 (Mon-Fri, 9-5), chat online whenever you see the red ‘Chat Online’ button, or email: support@lawcare.org.uk; the Samaritans on tel: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org; and international helplines can be found at: befrienders.org
Lucy Burrows is Deputy Senior Clerk at 3 Verulam Buildings and sits on the Bar Council’s Wellbeing at the Bar Committee. She is also chairs the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks.
Joe Wilson is the CEO and Director of Clerking at St Philips Chambers. He sits on the EDI Committee of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and the Bar Council’s Flexible Working Group.
The Bar has, and will always be, a high-pressure environment. Barristers often find themselves navigating a relentless stream of cases, deadlines and client demands. Balancing professional commitments with personal wellbeing can be a significant challenge.
However, one often overlooked ally in the pursuit of balance is the clerk. Far more than just an administrative assistant, a clerk can play a pivotal role in promoting and maintaining wellbeing for barristers. This article provides practical guidance on how barristers can collaborate effectively with their clerks to enhance their overall wellbeing.
Before delving into strategies for collaboration, it is essential to understand the multifaceted role of a clerk. While traditionally seen as administrative support, a clerk often possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be called upon to support barristers beyond mere logistical assistance. From effective diary management, developing and maintaining client relationships (and managing client expectations) to providing strategic advice and moral support, clerks are invaluable assets in a barrister’s professional life. By effectively leveraging these capabilities, barristers can significantly reduce their stress levels and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Developing trust in the clerk’s judgement can significantly ease a barrister’s workload. When clerks are empowered to make decisions within their scope, it allows barristers to focus on the job in hand, knowing that their practice is being managed efficiently and effectively.
A well-managed diary is the cornerstone of professional efficiency and personal wellbeing.
In the often frenetic environment we work in, flexibility and adaptability are invaluable traits. Barristers should be prepared to pivot and adjust their strategies in response to changing circumstances or unforeseen challenges.
Clerks can be an invaluable partner in navigating these transitions, offering important insights and assistance in real-time. Foster a culture of agility and resilience within your chambers, where barristers and clerks can adapt quickly to evolving situations and maintain wellbeing in the face of adversity.
The foundation of any successful collaboration is clear communication. Barristers must articulate their needs, preferences, and boundaries to their clerks effectively.
Schedule regular check-ins to discuss workload distribution, upcoming deadlines, and any specific concerns or priorities. By fostering an open and transparent dialogue, barristers can ensure their clerk understands their expectations and can align their support accordingly.
Regular communication between barrister and clerk is vital for a successful practice. This can be achieved through:
Modern technology can enhance diary and case management, which can alleviate stress and improve wellbeing:
While we would stress the importance of meeting your clerk in person, we do recognise that this is not always convenient or possible. In those circumstances, the use of technology can ease the burden on time:
A positive work environment is essential for fostering wellbeing and morale. Promote a culture of respect, empathy and appreciation within your chambers, where barristers and clerks alike feel valued and supported. Encourage open dialogue and feedback, where everyone feels comfortable voicing concerns or suggesting improvements.
By adopting a supportive and inclusive culture, you will create a conducive environment for collaboration and wellbeing to thrive.
Amid the hustle and bustle of a busy practice, it is easy to lose sight of the present moment and overlook the blessings in our lives.
Encourage a culture of gratitude and mindfulness within your chambers, where barristers and clerks take time to appreciate the small joys and victories each day.
Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular walks into your routine to promote mental clarity and emotional resilience.
By cultivating a sense of gratitude and presence, you will enhance your overall wellbeing and foster a more positive work environment.
Continuous learning and growth are essential for both personal and professional wellbeing. Encourage your clerk to pursue opportunities for professional development, particularly around stress management and mental health.
Spotting the signs of stress and poor mental health can only be achieved if the clerk knows what to look out for. Whether it is attending workshops, obtaining certifications, or pursuing further education, investing in your clerk’s development not only benefits them but also enriches the capabilities of your chambers.
By working closely with your clerk and leveraging their support, barristers can navigate the complexities of running a successful practice while prioritising their mental, emotional, and physical health.
From clear communication and effective delegation to fostering a supportive work environment and embracing flexibility, the strategies outlined here will empower barristers to cultivate greater wellbeing through their partnership with their clerk(s). Through prioritising collaboration, communication, and self-care, barristers and clerks can work together to create a thriving practice where wellbeing is not just a goal but a way of life.
The key lies in recognising the clerk’s role as a strategic partner and leveraging their skills to foster a practice that values and prioritises wellbeing.
Find the Bar Council support at www.wellbeingatthebar.org.uk. The 24/7 confidential helpline is on 0800 169 2040 for self-employed barristers with a practising certificate as well as members of the IBC and LPMA. Other sources of help include LawCare which offers support for anyone in the legal community – call: 0800 279 6888 (Mon-Fri, 9-5), chat online whenever you see the red ‘Chat Online’ button, or email: support@lawcare.org.uk; the Samaritans on tel: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org; and international helplines can be found at: befrienders.org
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