Case studies: Practice manager: Jason

Jason recommends getting as much relevant work experience as possible, particularly within barristers' chambers or firms of solicitors, if you are interested in becoming a barrister's clerk

I first became a barristers' clerk by answering an advert in the Evening Standard. My current job title is actually practice manager, which I think explains better what I do.

I have a BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies and have completed several modules with the Open University (OU). I'm now pursuing a Certificate of Management with the OU and then will start an MBA. My education so far has been a good grounding because it has given me a basic understanding of business and marketing and good keyboard skills. I think that one thing that has been useful is that I'm very interested in and good with computers, which has enabled me to make the best use of technology in my job. In my spare time, I also handle website administration for the Institute of Barristers Clerks.

I would strongly recommend university students and graduates interested in a career as a barrister's clerk to gain as much relevant work experience as possible, particularly within barristers' chambers or firms of solicitors. Not only will they get a good insight into the legal profession, but they will begin to build those all important networks and secure vital references - good references are very important.

The number one tip I have for getting on in this field is to master the art of time management: how to prioritise, meet deadlines, separate what's urgent from what's important, use a diary, make good notes and lists and use the technology available for good time management. For example, I'm inundated every day with emails. All my emails are now forwarded to my mobile phone, which helps, and I deal with the urgent ones immediately. You have to respond quickly, otherwise you might lose new business or a slot in court and create unnecessary delays to a case.

Excellent communication skills are vital. You have to be a good listener and negotiate all the time (for example, scheduling conferences with solicitors). As mentioned before, the communication takes place across a wide variety of media, such as phone, email, text, etc. Being affable and keeping calm under pressure are also key.

I'm now a manager and enjoy the role very much. I particularly get job satisfaction from seeing other people develop and gain confidence. One of the reasons why I want to do an MBA is that I would like to develop my knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing and human resource management.

I really enjoy what I do - in fact I'd say it's addictive. When you are part of a team that wins a case, you know that you've helped make people succeed and happy. It's extremely busy and fast-paced; the phone is always going. I also feel very privileged to work with incredibly intelligent colleagues. Some of the barristers I've worked with have become judges and MPs. I feel very fortunate to have direct access and the occasional lunch with such sharp minds.

What's less satisfying is the relentless volume of email and voice mail (I once went on holiday for a week and there were 1,500 emails waiting for me in my inbox upon my return), the hours (which can sometimes be long), the high pressure (especially when something goes wrong, fortunately not often) and the occasional grumpy client. I'm very satisfied with my level of responsibility. In future, I might aim for a promotion to chief executive or senior clerk.