Criminal Clerk – Leading Barristers’ Chambers (Birmingham or Oxford)

About this Job

Chambers is seeking an experienced Criminal Clerk (circa 5+ years’ experience) to join its established Criminal Practice team. This fast-paced role involves shared responsibility for practice management, client handling, fee negotiation and business development, and can be based in either Birmingham or Oxford. Working closely with the Senior Criminal Clerk and wider team, the successful candidate will manage a group of members and support the continued development of the Criminal Practice.

About this Employer

Our client, Cornwall Street Barristers, is a leading multi-disciplinary Common Law set with offices in Birmingham, Oxford and Maidstone, recognised nationally for its work across criminal, civil, family, commercial and military law, and for delivering a high-quality, responsive clerking service.

Person Specification

• Experience gained as a criminal clerk/similar position within a barristers’ chambers.
• Strong knowledge of criminal practice, court listing procedures and relevant funding arrangements (including legal aid).
• Confident fee negotiation skills and excellent commercial awareness.
• Highly organised, accurate and able to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Professional, personable and credible, with the ability to build strong relationships with members and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing practices and diaries of criminal barristers - effective work allocation and diary management.
• Key contact for instructing solicitors and clients, advising on availability and suitability.
• Negotiating and agreeing fees.
• Effective fixing and managing of criminal matters.
• Supporting members’ professional development - practice reviews/guidance
• Business development initiatives, client relationship management.