Our clerking and administration team is led by our Senior Clerk, Alan Kilbey MBE, who joined Farrar's Building from school in 1975 and became Senior Clerk in July 1992.

He is supported by two First Juniors, Andrew Duckett and James Shaw, and two junior clerks Kraig Marsh and Jess Walker.

They are happy to advise on the suitability and availability of counsel, the likely fees to be incurred for both court and advisory work and to assist with listing wherever possible.

Diary

We have an electronic diary and accounting system. The clerks will always know the availability of all barristers and the current position regarding fees in any particular case.

Fees

We do not charge purely on hourly rates as this may well result in a higher fee being charged to the client. The level of fees would ordinarily depend on the value of the work to the client; the nature of the claim; the experience and expertise of the barrister, as well as the time involved. If an hourly rate will be fairest both to the client and barrister we are happy to agree the fees on that basis if preferred. Rates and payment plans can be tailored to suit clients and cases. The clerks are be happy to give estimates of fees and these can be confirmed when the papers are received.

Conferences

We have two dedicated conference rooms, one with video link and all the usual facilities for conferences.  Chambers can also hold telephone conferences.

Senior Clerk

Alan Kilbey MBE joined Chambers as junior clerk in August 1975. He was appointed Senior Clerk in July 1992 and has 35 years clerking experience, including serving as the Attorney General's clerk. Alan is responsible for the day to day running and management of chambers, the individual practices of all members of chambers and the management and supervision of the clerking and administration teams.

Alan has been an Officer in the Boys' Brigade for over 30 years and is currently Captain of his local Company. In January 2010 Alan was appointed a Trustee of J's Hospice. In his spare time his hobbies include wine and wine tasting, running, walking, skiing and he enjoys watching all sport.

First Juniors

Andrew Duckett is Joint First Junior clerk and, along with James Shaw, has responsibility for the day to day diary management, discussing and agreeing fees, managing diary bookings and the fixing of cases.

Andrew has now been with Chambers for over 20 years. His hobbies include football in general, Tottenham Hotspur in particular and horse racing.

James Shaw, who has been with Chambers for more than 18 years, also has responsibility for the day to day diary management, discussing and agreeing fees, managing diary bookings and the fixing of cases. His interests are photography, cooking and travel.

Junior Clerks

Kraig Marsh has now been with Chambers for over 3 years. He is responsible under the guidance of Andrew and James, for all High Court listing. Kraig assists with diary bookings, court listings for the following day and along with Jess, helps to input all incoming papers received in chambers onto the fees and management system.  His hobbies are football, supporting West Ham United and keeping fit.

Jess Walker joined Chambers as junior clerk in January 2012.  She assists with inputting all incoming papers received in Chambers onto the fees and management system, takes diary bookings and assists the clerking team with all aspects of work. Her hobbies are karate and tennis. 

Administration and Reception

Janet Eades is our Chambers Manager and has been with us now for nearly twenty years. She ensures the orderly and efficient running of Chambers' administration and manages our advanced IT system and other office equipment. Janet has day to day responsibility for the Chambers finances and accounts, Health & Safety, stationery and prepares monthly reports for the Chambers' Management Board.

Her interests include reading, walking, her golden retriever and travel.

Susan Shaw assists with the Chambers administration, including maintaining the Chambers database, ordering of stationery, the collection and payment of fees and the organisation of Chambers' seminars and events.

Sue started in Chambers in October 2001 and in her spare time she enjoys travel, food and the history of London.

Amena Cassagne-Smith is our Afternoon Receptionist and only recently joined us  She has a dog, Poppy, which takes up much of her spare time but also enjoys hiking and camping.

Being the first point of contact for clients, she plays an important role in making everyone feel welcome to Chambers and ensuring all calls are transferred to the correct clerk.  In addition to looking after the reception and refreshments for both clients and Chambers, she helps with the word processing of letters for the clerks and administration teams.