To assist in the delivery of a high quality, efficient clerking service to clients and members of Chambers. This role is specifically focused on Civil Clerking Teams. The nature of the work means that this role is fast paced and often high profile. The Practice Manager will be engaged in Practice management and client handling and will be principally involved in assisting the Senior Practice Manager in the efficient case management and clerking administration of the team. 
 
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities 
 
Practice Management

1. Develop a detailed knowledge of the practices of the barristers clerked by the team and be familiar with those of other civil members.
2. Keep up to date with developments and trends within the legal services market and the Bar in particular, and with regulations affecting the execution of clerking services.  
3. Provide advice and support to members and ensure that members are as fully and gainfully occupied as possible with work appropriate to their seniority and expertise.
4. Responsibility and detailed understanding of the long-term diary.
5. Provide clients with appropriate guidance on suitable counsel.
6. Ability to deal with fee negotiations with support from the Senior Practice Manager where necessary.
7. Attend practice development meetings and take an active part in discussions.
8. Provide coaching and supervision to the more junior members of the team. 

 
Strategic Business Development

1. Identify business development opportunities and work with Senior Practice Manager and Senior Clerk to bring in additional work.
2. Take active role in organising and attending events for clients (including some out-of-normal-hours commitments, and some out of London) and actively engage with others that attend and proactively develop own network of clients.

 
Current Business and Client Relationship Management

1. Develop, maintain and enhance relationships with current and prospective clients.
2. Develop an understanding of other (civil and criminal) clients to ensure effective cross-selling.
3. Ensure client care is delivered to the highest standards.
4. Build good relationships with staff, members and client solicitors.
5. Collate and maintain effective CRM data.

 
Clerking Functions

1. Act as a point of contact for all instructing solicitors and other prospective clients to ensure that appropriate counsel is instructed, and appropriate fees are agreed in line with fair allocation of work policies, in conjunction with the Senior Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager.
2. Ensure that appropriate retainers are in place and relevant contracts are entered into correctly.
3. Manage Counsels’ diaries effectively, ensuring barristers are aware of deadlines arising and resolution of any day-to-day issues and diary clashes.
4. Fix and move cases in accordance with instructions given by the instructing solicitor.
5. Use reporting systems as required.
6. Provide cover and support for the Senior Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager when required.
7. Report all formal and informal complaints or issues of concern to the Senior Practice Manager/ Senior Clerk. 
8. Implement efficient practice management systems alongside LEX taking on board suggestions from Assistant Practice Manager and seeking approval from Senior Clerk.

 
Other Tasks

1. Undertake any other tasks reasonably delegated by the Senior Clerk, Chief Executive or Management Board.
2. Assist with the development of efficient systems including the effective use of Chambers case management software.
3. Use initiative to initiate and successfully deliver projects that will lead to performance improvement.
4. Contribute to staff discussions and meetings.