About the IBC
Who we are
Institute of Barristers’ Clerks
The Institute exists to bring our members and their profession closer together and represent the clerking profession within the wider legal community.
We’re fully committed to the career-long development of each and every one of our members. This involves supporting them in, during and after the career and giving them the tools they need to uphold the highest professional standards. We also strive to give them access to the very best opportunities to grow and progress in their field, with a particular focus on training and development.
Communicating the benefits of a career in clerking and promoting diversity within the profession is also integral to what we do.
The Institute of Barristers’ Clerks was founded in 1922. Our mission is to drive and demonstrate the excellence of the UK’s clerking profession though supporting the development and interests of our members and helping them uphold the high standards of the bar.
Our members are clerks across the whole of the UK, working in every area of the bar, from commercial litigation to criminal and family law. Connecting them and giving them the opportunity to swap experiences and share knowledge is a key part of what we do.
In addition to representing the best interests of our members, we also encourage new people from diverse backgrounds to consider a career as a barristers’ clerk; it’s an interesting and varied profession with truly exciting careers prospects
Ways in which the
institute can help you
IBC Mentoring scheme
The IBC’s mentoring scheme was launched in 2018 as an additional platform and resource to its members by offering support and guidance to help all clerks within the program reach their potential. The mentoring scheme is free to all IBC members.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and wellbeing.
This EAP is provided by Health Assured. You can access assistance by calling the confidential telephone service to discuss emotional and practical problems. You will also have access to online services, providing information and assistance with common health concerns.
More details are on the Wellbeing at the Bar website, here: https://www.wellbeingatthebar.org.uk/assistance-programme/
Members can access the service by calling 0800 169 2040; and quoting the member access code which can be found via ‘Offers’ which is visible when logged in as a member on the IBC website.
Wellbeing at the Bar
Barristers, clerks and chambers staff are exposed to emotionally and psychologically challenging environments on a daily basis. Wellbeing at the Bar aim to tackle the stigma associated with mental health and encourage members of the profession, and those who support the Bar, to better understand wellbeing and feel empowered to make healthy choices.
Our Structure
Being a member of the IBC has
enabled me to engage with lots of clerks outside
of my own Chambers, and presented opportunities
to be supported and to enhance my own education
as a clerk.
