Twinkle Plowman – Rising Clerking Stars: Career Inspiration and Advice from the Next Generation

Following A-Level Results Day last week, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the rising stars of the clerking world 🌟

For those considering their next steps, clerking can offer an incredible opportunity to learn, develop and build a long-term career within the legal profession.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be hearing from people who started their careers as junior clerks about their experiences, what they enjoy most about the profession and the advice they would give to those thinking about taking their first step into chambers.

First up: Twinkle Plowman, Junior Team Leader Assistant at Old Square Chambers.

Twinkle  began working in Chambers in 2022 and has already built experience across both criminal and civil practice, having worked at Guernica 37 and 25 Bedford Row before joining Old Square. She has also recently passed the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks’ Introduction to Business Management Course, continuing to invest in her development and progression within the profession.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career as a junior clerk?

My advice to anyone looking to start their career as a junior clerk would be to take the opportunity, especially if you are unsure about which career path you want to follow. It is a great way to gain valuable experience while developing important skills such as time management, organisation and client care. From my experience, it can help you build confidence, understand the working environment and discover what areas you enjoy.

I would also strongly encourage anyone starting in the role to attend as many client and chambers events as possible, as these are great opportunities to grow your professional network, build relationships and learn from more senior people within the role. It may also motivate you to pursue a long-term career within chambers or encourage you to explore a different field that interests you.

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

My favourite thing about being a junior clerk was developing a good working routine while gaining valuable experience in a professional environment. I enjoyed learning from those around me, building my confidence and developing skills such as client care, prioritising tasks and working effectively under pressure. One of the best parts of the role was the relationships I built, both with people in my own chambers and clerks from other sets. I have developed meaningful professional relationships and friendships through clerking, which have continued as I have progressed in my career and have made the job even more enjoyable.

Since starting my career, I have also been fortunate enough to work and develop within both criminal and civil sets of chambers. This has broadened my knowledge and understanding of clerking and given me valuable experience of the different ways chambers operate. I would recommend clerking as a career because it has given me a strong foundation in the legal profession and ultimately made me realise that I want to pursue a long-term career within chambers.