Ron joins Chambers following a distinguished career in the RAF Regiment, and private and public sectors, including senior posts with the MoD, NHS and, most recently, as Chief Executive of ESPC (UK) Ltd.
Working with Chambers’ Management Committee and Members of Chambers, Ron ensures that we maintain our professional and approachable service.
Michael has been senior clerk since 2004. He has considerable knowledge of costs and conditional fee agreements in particular. He often contributes to legal journals and has been asked by the Bar Council to represent the clerking profession on several occasions. He will be sitting on a panel later this year that has been specifically formed to assist those barristers who are returning from extended periods of absence. Michael is a long standing member of the Institute of Barrister’s Clerks and was elected Education Secretary in March this year. He is currently involved in the redrafting of the BTEC qualification for barristers’ clerks and the development of further training programmes for the profession. In his limited recreation time, Michael is a long suffering Millwall fan. He also enjoys reading, travel and long distance running (he completed the London Marathon this year). His other source of enjoyment is discovering new guitar bands (with the able assistance and guidance of Jacob Levy).
Adam has been a clerk since January 1998, learning the ropes as a junior clerk in one of London's busiest commercial chambers. He joined 9 Gough Square in 2001 and has steadily progressed up the ranks of the clerking team. In his role as Civil 1st junior clerk Adam oversees the general day to day running of the civil diary, the allocation of work and, with the assistance of Michael, the negotiation of brief fees and reductions to Counsels fees following court assessments. He is always happy to discuss solicitors specific requirements in relation to the instruction of all civil counsel and the charging rates for the work that is undertaken.
Aaron Hills
Second Junior Clerk (Civil) Email: Aaron
Melissa has been a barristers’ clerk since 2008. She began her career at 1 Hare Court, a leading set that deals exclusively with Family Law. Melissa joined 9 Gough Square in 2009 and is enjoying learning what makes a common law chambers such a marketable commodity. She assists the senior clerking team with the day-to-day management of the diary and is becoming increasingly familiar with Conditional Fee Agreements and the practices of members within the civil team.
Ian Collins
Senior Clerk (Crime and Fraud) Email: Ian
Joined Chambers in 2003 after 31 years experience of government service. Departments he worked for include the Crown Prosecution Service where he was appointed Chief Law Clerk at the Central Criminal Court and at Casework Directorate at Headquarters. He has led and managed change within the CPS to improve systems and efficiency.
Joined Chambers in 2003, Tom has progressed from Junior Criminal clerk to his current position. He has a very hand’s on approach to managing each members practice and is always looking at new marketing opportunities to develop the team, having organised some successful marketing events already. Tom is a member of the Institute of Barristers' Clerks and a keen sports fan, and particularly enjoys watching live football.
Joined Chambers in 1977, Garry has long experience of Chambers having worked his way up from Junior Clerk and acquiring an all round knowledge of Chambers, its barristers and clients. Garry attends the Waterloo Legal Advice Service on a regular basis to assist Barristers and solicitors who give free legal advice to those of low income. Garry is also the chairman of the Barnados Unity Ball Committee, organising black tie events to raise money to help under privileged and abused children. At the weekends Garry enjoys listening to music and enjoys entertaining in particular cooking, although not great when it comes to the washing up.
Jaime joined Chambers in March 2009, having previously worked at 2 Gray's Inn Square. During this time he has gained a wide range of experience from working with the Family and Crime practice areas.
Marketing
Andrew Grosvenor
Marketing Executive Email: Andrew
Andrew joined Chambers in 2009 having previously worked at Smith & Williamson.
Working with the Chief Executive, clerking teams and barristers, he is responsible for coordinating all marketing activity in Chambers, including website development, organising seminars and producing printed collateral.
Joined Chambers in 2000, Pauline is well known to solicitors and is experienced at putting lay clients at their ease when visiting Chambers for conferences.
Laura joined Chambers in November 2007. This is Laura’s first job and she has gained first-hand experience in dealing with clients and solicitors who come to Chambers for conferences. Laura provides assistance to the members of the clerks’ room as well as members of Chambers. Laura is a keen music and film fan who enjoys going to concerts and the occasional shopping trip.
Danielle joined Chambers in December 2008, having previously gained some Credit Control experience at Lawrence Graham Solicitors. Danielle is involved predominately in the Credit Control department of Chambers, but also assists with Chambers Finances. During her time here she has developed a wide knowledge of relevant fee processes, appropriate regulations and fee contracts. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys socialising with friends, watching a good ‘chick-flick’ at the cinema and the occasional shopping spree.
Laura read Ecology and Biology at the University of East Anglia before completing her GDL and bar course at The College of Law, London. She was awarded the Queen Mother Scholarship by MiddleTemple. Laura has conducted international legal research for the UK Environmental Law Association as well providing advice and representation to litigants at the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal. In 2008 she was selected for the National Mock Trial Competition and has been an active member of the Disaster Response Committee for Advocates for International Development. Laura has independently travelled throughout Australasia and South East Asia and spent a year working in the Industrial Disease team at Leigh Day & Co solicitors prior to commencing pupilage in October 2009.
Andrew commenced pupillage in 2009 following a 12-year career in the property business, during which time he studied part-time for his law degree at the University of London (1st Class Honours) and then his BVC at BPP (Very Competent). In addition, he was awarded an academic prize in contract law and two Inn scholarships. He was called to the Bar in 2008. Furthermore, between 2004 and 2008 Andrew worked part-time for a pro bono duty advocacy scheme organised by a London local authority. This involved advising and acting for defendants in a large number of landlord/tenant and mortgage possession actions in the County Court.
His interests are best described as ‘eclectic’ and encompass Italian motorcycles, vintage watches, motor sport, cycling and historical fiction.
Yesterday, the Court of Appeal upheld the convictions of the attempted rape of an 8 year old girl by two boys aged 10 and 11, who were prosecuted by Rosina Cottage.
Click here for full report