New cutting-edge legal tech platform connecting solicitors to barristers launches

A new UK legal technology platform, Clerked, has officially launched. It is designed to modernise the way solicitors find and instruct barristers, connecting them through real-time diary data, intelligent search, and offering a quick and easy alternative to the existing process.

The company was founded by Jack Trowsdale and Sean Gibson; Jack drew on his own experience and challenge of finding and instructing suitable counsel at short notice. Clerked aims to simplify the process by allowing users to search using filters for expertise, experience and location. It also integrates with a barrister’s Outlook diary and leverages AI to interpret availability, so only available barristers are displayed in the search results. The platform reduces the time solicitors spend searching for suitable barristers, which is often not chargeable.

Solicitors can use Clerked at no cost to search for counsel. Barristers pay a small monthly fee to be featured on the platform and Clerked does not take a percentage of any brief fee allocated through it. Since launch, the platform has received and submitted a significant number of briefs for several barristers. Clerked does not allow solicitors to contact barristers directly; instead it connects them with the relevant clerk, which helps to preserve the traditional instruction route.

Clerked already has solicitors from over 25 different law firms and dozens of barristers operating on the platform. Memberships start at £59 per month for individual barristers, and a Chambers membership is also available from £49 per seat per month.

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,andclerk to barrister.”

“We already have several award-winning chambers and barristers registered with Clerked. The platform is particularly valuable for barristers looking to grow their professional networks, providing an easy way to market themselves, showcase their expertise and build a strong professional profile.

“We’re also offering barristers and clerks free trials, giving them the opportunity to experience first-hand the benefits Clerked offers. We’re confident that Clerked will become an essential everyday tool – the first place a solicitor turns when they need counsel, rather than the last.”

Prior to Clerked, Jack worked as a senior associate at a global legal practice, bringing over 10 years’ experience within the legal industry. Sean was previously vice president of operations at DragonPass and has brought a wealth of technical expertise to the development of Clerked.

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, said, "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."

Emma Watson, head of clerking for Family and Civil at KCH Barristers, said, "We've always been a set that looks for smarter ways of working, and Clerked made immediate sense to us. Solicitors see who's genuinely available, the enquiry comes straight to our clerking team, and nothing changes about how we work. It's the kind of practical innovation chambers should be embracing."