Legal tech platform uses AI to match solicitors with available barristers
A legal technology platform that uses AI to connect solicitors with available barristers has launched in the UK.
Clerked integrates with barristers’ Outlook diaries and uses artificial intelligence to interpret availability, displaying only those who can take on work in search results.
The platform allows solicitors to search for barristers using filters for expertise, experience and location at no cost.
Jack Trowsdale, co-founder of Clerked, said: “Every solicitor I’ve spoken with has experienced the issue of trying to find a suitable barrister with little to no notice – all the while barristers have gaps in the diary that nobody outside their own chambers can see. Built by legal professionals for legal professionals, Clerked doesn’t change how chambers operate or what clerks do, but it will improve connectivity from solicitor to clerk, and clerk to barrister.”
Barristers pay a monthly fee starting at £59 to be featured on the platform, which does not take a percentage of brief fees.
The platform maintains the traditional instruction route by connecting solicitors with the relevant clerk rather than allowing direct contact with barristers.
Trowsdale, a former senior associate at a global legal practice with over 10 years’ experience, founded the business with Sean Gibson, previously vice president of operations at DragonPass.
The platform says it already has solicitors from over 20 law firms and dozens of barristers, including a King’s Counsel.
Helen Pittard, founder and solicitor at 174 Family Law, said: “The nature of the work we do means that we often need counsel at short notice. My team and I regularly spend far too long ringing chambers trying to find someone to cover a hearing, and it’s genuinely a time-consuming and stressful experience. We’ve just registered with Clerked. In today’s world, a platform that shows us real-time availability is long overdue. This will not only save the team a lot of time but equally make us more productive, especially when such time is usually non-chargeable.”
Matei Clej, barrister at Outline Chambers, added: “I’d not worked with a solicitor at Freeman & Co before. But he found me on Clerked, my clerk confirmed the instructions and fees, and I was in court for him 3 days later. We got a great result for the client, and now have a new working relationship I wouldn’t have otherwise had.”
Chambers membership is available from £49 per seat per month.
