The arrival of autumn heralds excitement and, no doubt, a small hint of trepidation throughout law firms the length and breadth of the UK as the change of seasons coincides with the release of both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners enormously influential annual rankings.
Following the publication of the results, we all rightly shout to the world about our practice rankings, the tiers we have achieved; and how individual barristers have been independently appraised.
What however often gets lost in the fanfare and raft of positive PR is the role of the clerks in allowing both sets and barristers to excel.
So, I thought we would take this overdue opportunity to highlight some of what our clients said about the exemplary work that our specialist team of clerks do.
I should add that not everyone gets a mention – it would be impossible to do so – but I certainly do not overlook the tremendous work of all of the staff team at St Philips. I thank each and every one of them for their invaluable contributions.
On our Business and Property team, Senior Clerk Justin Luckman and 1st Junior Arron Snipe picked up some excellent praise to compliment team wide feedback:
“Justin Luckman is the best. He looks after us really well and is very commercial in his approach. He and his team understand the challenges with different types of clients and always tailor their terms to be commercial. Justin always goes out of his way to ensure the advocates are available to us when we need them. He’s the most effective of all the barristers’ clerks I’ve ever worked with.”
“Arron Snipe, first junior clerk, is a real asset to chambers and a pleasure to work with.”
“Second to none, friendly, efficient, pro-active and understanding of the way insolvency works.’
“The clerks have always been communicative and efficient exactly as we would expect in a high-quality chambers.”
Similarly, our personal injury and employment clerks, Gary Carney, Janita Patel and Manpreet Kaur, enjoyed much praise:
“The clerks of St Philips are always keen to help and assist in finding counsel, agreeing fees and also liaising with the court where the strength of their relationships can prove invaluable.”
‘Gary Carney and Janita Patel are particularly good, personable and will do what they can to accommodate their instructing solicitor’s needs.’
“The clerks are friendly and helpful; they’ll go the extra mile when we need a last-minute instruction.”
“Senior clerk Gary Carney is a marvel. He provides an incredible service and can work wonders under pressure of time – even over the weekend.”
Within our Criminal and Regulatory teams, Alan Durham and Dan Giles were highlighted for praise alongside their colleagues.”
“Excellent service…. Dan Giles is exceptional in client care.”
“Exceptional level of service, particularly from Alan Durham, for whom nothing is too much trouble.”
“The clerking is brilliant. They are absolutely on top of their game.”
“The clerks are slick and proactive.”
Our clients were also fulsome in their praise for our Family clerks:
“As ever, the clerking team at St Philips is first-class, led by senior family clerk Mark Mansell who is the standout family clerk in the Midlands.”
“The clerking team is superb, led very well by the vastly experienced Mark Mansell with outstanding junior clerks in Kelly Fullwood and Anthony Burgess who are efficient, effective and very helpful. They have an excellent manner and provide an excellent service.”
“The clerks at St Philips endeavour to ensure that you are offered counsel with the appropriate seniority for a case. They also ensure that you are happy with the service provided and offer a good level of client care.”
“The clerks are responsive, flexible and there’s a real team sense.”
May I also take this opportunity to thank all of our clients and in particular to those that provided feedback as part of the research process.
Joe Wilson, Chambers Director
