The union for barristers’ clerks is attempting to consign the industry’s ‘barrow-boy’ image to the dustbin with proposals to push through compulsory vocational qualifications for all its members.

The Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC), which represents clerks throughout the UK, is set to vote on proposals to require all its members to pass a BTEC in clerking. The qualification, which is targeted at junior clerks, covers basic chambers administration.