Tribunal Clerk Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Tribunal Clerk interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 12 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Tribunal Clerk interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What does a typical day as a tribunal clerk involve, and why does the role appeal to you?

Why they ask: They check you understand the practical, behind-the-scenes nature of the work.

2. What is the role of a tribunal clerk during a hearing, and what must you never do?

Why they ask: They want to see that you understand the boundaries of a non-judicial role.

3. What do you know about the Employment Tribunal process, including early conciliation and the 2024 Rules of Procedure?

Why they ask: Many tribunal clerk roles are in employment tribunals, so basic process knowledge is expected.

4. An unrepresented claimant tells you they are very anxious and asks you whether they are going to win. What do you say?

Why they ask: This tests how you stay supportive without crossing into advice or prejudging.

5. How do you deal with a postponement request received two days before a hearing?

Why they ask: Last-minute postponements are routine and must be handled fairly and procedurally.

6. What reasonable adjustments might a party or witness need at a tribunal hearing, and how would you arrange them?

Why they ask: Equality and accessibility duties are a day-to-day issue for tribunal staff.

7. A witness is about to give evidence and says they would prefer not to swear on a religious book. What do you do?

Why they ask: Handling oaths and affirmations correctly is a specific clerk task.

8. Tell me about a time you had to stay organised while juggling several deadlines and people's competing demands.

Why they ask: The role is a stream of time-critical tasks and enquiries.

A sample answer to question 1

What does a typical day as a tribunal clerk involve, and why does the role appeal to you?

A typical day starts with checking the cause list and making sure each hearing room is ready, the bundles are complete and the judge, members and parties are all accounted for. I would greet attendees, check identities, explain the process to anyone unrepresented and manage any reasonable adjustments, such as extra breaks or a hearing loop. In the hearing I might swear witnesses, log attendance and operate the recording equipment, and I would keep the list moving, so that delays are explained to waiting parties. Afterwards I would update the case management system, issue directions or decisions as instructed and handle correspondence and postponement requests. The role appeals to me because tribunals deal with people's jobs, benefits and homes, yet many parties attend without legal help, so clear, courteous administration genuinely affects their experience of justice. I enjoy organised, detail-driven work that involves dealing with people.

Common mistake to avoid: Describing it as just typing or filing; ignoring the public-facing side

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the Tribunal Clerk interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.