Senior Clerk (Locum) – Criminal & Regulatory Teams Three Month Fixed Term Appointment

Apex Chambers

Remuneration is £76,000 per annum, pro-rated.

Summary Apex Chambers seeks an experienced Senior Clerk (Locum) to provide high level operational leadership and continuity across its Criminal and Regulatory Teams for a three month period, commencing with immediate effect. This role requires a clerk with proven expertise in managing complex criminal and regulatory practices, supporting senior counsel, and maintaining the smooth running of chambers during a period of heightened workload and organisational transition.

Core Purpose of the Role
To ensure the effective, efficient, and professional administration of Apex Chambers’ Criminal and Regulatory Teams, including listing, diary management, case progression, client liaison, and strategic operational support to senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Listing, Diary & Case Management
   • Manage daily listings across the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court, and regulatory tribunals.
   • Oversee complex diary management for KCs, senior juniors, and junior tenants across both teams.
   • Respond promptly to late listings, cracked trials, urgent custody matters, and regulatory hearings.
   • Conduct conflict checks and manage multi defendant and multi agency case allocations.
   • Maintain accurate records of case progression, hearing outcomes, and counsel availability.
2. Client, Court & Regulator Liaison
   • Act as the senior point of contact for solicitors, CPS units, defence firms, regulatory bodies, and court staff.
   • Provide clear, timely communication regarding counsel availability, case developments, and listing changes.
   • Uphold Apex Chambers’ reputation for professionalism, responsiveness, and reliability.
3. Operational Leadership & Team Coordination
   • Provide day to day leadership to junior clerks and administrative staff.
   • Ensure consistent application of chambers’ policies, procedures, and professional standards.
   • Support the Heads of Crime and Regulatory Teams with operational oversight and problem solving.
   • Assist with workflow planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of team performance.
4. Fees, Billing & Compliance
   • Oversee criminal and regulatory fees processes including AGFS, VHCC, CPS contractual billing, and regulatory tribunal fee structures.
   • Ensure accurate recording of work done, prompt submission of claims, and compliance with Bar Council and regulatory requirements.
   • Liaise with the Fees Clerks to resolve queries and maintain financial accuracy.
5. Strategic & Professional Support
   • Provide senior clerking insight on listing trends, case volumes, and resource pressures across both teams.
   • Assist with chambers’ strategic planning during the locum period.
   • Support recruitment, onboarding, and practice development initiatives where required.
   • Maintain confidentiality, data security, and adherence to Apex Chambers’ policies.

Essential Skills & Experience
• Significant experience as a senior clerk within a criminal or regulatory practice.
• Strong understanding of Crown Court listing practices, criminal procedure, and regulatory tribunal processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex diaries and high volume workloads under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills with counsel, solicitors, courts, regulators, and staff.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and problem solving abilities.
• Competence with case management systems and digital listing tools.
• Professionalism, discretion, and resilience in a fast moving environment.
Desirable Attributes
• Experience supporting KCs and large prosecution, defence, or regulatory teams.
• Familiarity with case management systems, digital evidence platforms, CPS portals, and regulatory case handling systems.
• A calm, authoritative presence capable of stabilising operations during busy periods.

Term & Reporting
• Three month fixed term, full time.
• Reports to the Head of Chambers, Head of Crime, Head of Regulatory.
• Based at Apex Chambers, Cardiff.

The successful candidate.
Remuneration is £76,000 per annum, pro-rated.
Annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year plus bank holidays, pro-rated.
Candidates will be expected to work 37.5 hours per week between 9am and 5.30pm.
Full terms and conditions of employment will be provided to successful candidate.

Please apply by email to Hannah.Friedman@apexchambers.net enclosing a CV and a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role.

The position is to commence with immediate effect.
Deadline for applications is 19th October 2026.

Chambers is committed to equality and to fostering diversity in the profession. Treating everyone equally and irrespective of their age, background, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.