Introduction
Joe began his career in the Judicial Appointments Division of the Lord Chancellor’s Department, where he supported the selection process for appointments to the High Court, Circuit Bench, Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel), and Recordership.
He began his clerking career in London, where he quickly advanced to First Junior. In 2001, he made the move from London to Birmingham to join St Philips. In 2010, he became Chief Clerk, taking on responsibility for all practice groups and clerking functions.
Today, Joe is the Chief Executive & Director of Clerking, with responsibility for the overall management and leadership of the administration, ensuring best practice throughout. His role encompasses: strategic business planning, risk management, regulatory compliance, governance, finance, operations, pupillage, recruitment, IT, HR, ESG, EDI, CSR, business development, marketing, and practice development*.
*Practice and career development is hugely important to Joe who, in his 24 years at St Philips, has proudly seen through an unprecedented 52 full-time judicial appointments (1 Lord Justice of Appeal, 4 High Court Judges, 32 Circuit Judges, 7 District Judges and 8 Tribunal Judges); and the appointment of 25 King’s Counsel.
In March 2025, Joe was elected Vice Chair of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC) – the professional body representing barristers’ clerks in England and Wales. The IBC provides training, professional development, and support for clerks at all levels while also promoting high standards of service within the legal profession. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that clerks contribute effectively to the success of barristers’ chambers.
Key Achievements & Roles:
- Vice Chair of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks; member of the EDI, Wellbeing & Social Mobility Committee.
- Trustee of Advocate, the Bar’s Pro Bono Charity.
- Director & Board Member of the Birmingham Law Society; Chair of the HR Subcommittee.
- Member of the Bar Council Remuneration Committee and the Equality, Diversity & Social Mobility Committee’s Flexible Working Group.
- IBC Conference Chair, 2022.
- Shortlisted for ‘CEO of the Year’ at the Legal 500 Awards, 2022.
Joe is also a Common Purpose Alumni and continues to mentor the next generation of legal professionals. His dedication to practice development and career progression has been instrumental in supporting barristers’ growth and success within St Philips and beyond.
Testimonials
“Fantastic Service. Joe Wilson is very commercial, pragmatic, and always looking to assist clients either with work referrals or on service” Legal 500 2022
“Joe Wilson as head of clerking is excellent, commercial and personable” Legal 500 2021
“Joe Wilson is ‘a pleasure to liaise with and happy to go the extra mile to assist’.” Legal 500
“Joe Wilson leads an ‘excellent’ team, which is ‘responsive and understanding of time and fee pressures’.” Legal 500
“Joe Wilson presides over “a well-drilled clerks’ room” which is highly commercial in its approach.” Chambers and Partners
“Joe Wilson leads a very efficient and able clerking team. The clerks respond quickly, give sensible fee quotes and provide credible timescales in terms of when to expect work back.”
“They are a very good clerking team, led by Joe Wilson. They are flexible and friendly to deal with.”
“A very good clerking team, led by Joe Wilson. They are flexible, muck in and are friendly to deal with.”
“The clerks, led by Joe Wilson, are very good and very helpful. They respond promptly, they are flexible on fees and they don’t switch your barrister.”
“The clerks, led by Joe Wilson, are really, really good. They have a flexible approach and really value the relationship.”
“The dedicated clerks, led by Joe Wilson, are highly experienced and provide a personalised and professional service, as acknowledged in various legal directories.”
