Lauren Beards – Rising Clerking Stars: Career Inspiration and Advice from the Next Generation

We’re continuing our Rising Clerking Stars series, shining a spotlight on those building exciting careers in clerking and sharing their advice for anyone considering whether the profession could be right for them. 🌟

Next up: Lauren Beards, Junior Clerk at 11KBW.

Before entering chambers, Lauren spent more than three years working in the fast-paced hospitality industry, developing skills in customer service, communication, problem-solving, organisation and staying calm under pressure – all of which have proved highly transferable to life in the clerks’ room.

Lauren began her clerking career at 11KBW in June 2025 and works closely with the wider clerking team to support the day-to-day management of members of Chambers, while continuing to develop her knowledge of its practice areas and take on greater responsibility.

What’s your favourite thing about being a junior clerk, and why would you recommend clerking as a career?

I think most people would be surprised when I say that I genuinely love what I do. I am a strong believer that the more you put into the role, the more you will get out of it, which can really benefit you in the long run, even at such an early stage. The more familiar I have become with clerking, the more I have realised just how much there is to the career, and my progression in such a short space of time has shown me that hard work really does pay off.

One of my favourite things about being a Junior Clerk is the fast-paced environment, and I enjoy that no two days are the same. Junior clerking is a very active role, with a good balance between the administrative side of the job and being on the ball when you are needed, whether that is preparing bundles or running something over to court at short notice. I am also extremely fortunate to work within such a supportive team, who have given me the opportunities and support to take on more responsibility, which has massively helped me to develop and get to where I am now.

I would highly recommend clerking as a career because it gives you a great insight into the legal world without necessarily needing a degree or following the traditional route into law. Through valuable experience, you learn how chambers operates, work closely with the clerking team and barristers, and gradually build up a strong understanding of the legal sector.

I also believe that the opportunities for progression are a huge advantage of clerking. If you have a strong work ethic, are willing to learn and prepared to take on greater responsibilities, there is a clear opportunity to build on your skills and progress within the profession. I have already been able to develop my knowledge through my role and the further learning opportunities that chambers has to offer, one of which was completing the IBC Introduction to Business and Management course.

For me, the combination of the people, the fast-paced nature of the role and the opportunity to learn and progress is what makes clerking such a rewarding career.