Communicating openly with your clerks about workload and wellbeing is an essential skill for any barrister in the early years of practice. This guidance, drawn from the Young Bar Toolkit, offers practical advice on navigating these conversations professionally.

Stress in Pupillage

As a pupil, it is not always easy to confront your clerks and tell them to ease off. The first port of call should always be your pupil supervisor. They can help assess whether your workload is genuinely excessive and, if necessary, speak to the clerks on your behalf. This approach protects the professional relationship while ensuring your concerns are heard.

Approaching Your Clerks Directly

When you do need to raise workload concerns with clerks directly, preparation is key. Be specific about which commitments are causing difficulty and suggest practical adjustments. Clerks are more likely to respond constructively when you present solutions rather than simply problems.

• Be clear and factual — outline the volume of work and the impact it is having.
• Propose alternatives — suggest a temporary reduction in certain types of work rather than a blanket refusal.
• Keep it professional — frame the conversation around maintaining the quality of your work, not personal grievances.

Maintaining Professional Relationships

The relationship between barrister and clerk is built on mutual trust and respect. Regular, honest communication about your capacity helps clerks allocate work effectively and supports the long-term health of your practice. If a direct conversation feels daunting, consider seeking guidance from a more senior member of chambers who can offer informal support.

External Support

For broader wellbeing resources, the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative offers confidential support and practical guidance for barristers at all stages of their career. The Young Barristers' Committee also maintains a collection of wellbeing and work/life balance resources tailored to the early years of practice.