Clerks
Phil Reeves – Senior Clerk
Phil has over 30 years Clerking experience having spent the first fifteen years of his career here at Erskine, followed by a successful period at a leading Chancery set, the last seven of which as Senior Clerk.
According to Legal 500 (2022):
“Phil Reeves is the Senior Clerk and is very helpful, responsive and eminently commercial. They are lucky to have him.’
‘I think the clerking team is well run and that is thanks to the expert leadership given in Phil Reeves.
Chris Reade – Senior Clerk
Chris is one of the Senior Clerks and has been with Erskine Chambers for over 30 years having previously worked for 12 years at a general Chancery set in Lincoln’s Inn. He is a fully qualified member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks. He serves on various committees in Chambers including the management committee and is involved in all aspects of the day to day running of Chambers. He has a detailed knowledge of the specialist areas in which members operate and of their individual practices
Michael Shillingford – Deputy Senior Clerk
Michael began his clerking career at Erskine in 2000. He was promoted to First Junior Clerk in February 2016 and has now been promoted to Deputy Senior Clerk in May 2022.
Michael is responsible for the management and development of members’ practices, including diary management, work allocation, fee negotiation, business development, client relationship management, the listing of cases at Court and assisting with the overseeing and management of the junior clerking team.
In 2017, Michael completed the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management with the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). Michael is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC) and has completed the IBC BTEC in clerking and administration.
Michael has also completed the public access course for barristers’ clerks run by The Bar Council.
Testimonials,
Legal 500 (2020)
The clerks are great – always really responsive and helpful, particularly when dealing with Court matters. Mark Swallow and Chris Reade in particular are standout, and we’ve had good experience with Michael Shillingford as well.
Alex Calder – Senior Practice Manager
Alex began his clerking career in 2013 at Erskine Chambers and has continued to progress from junior clerk to Second Junior Clerk and has now been promoted to Senior Practice Manager in May 2022.
As Senior Practice Manager, Alex’s role involves all aspects of practice management including work allocation, fee negotiation, business development and the overall development of members’ practices.
He has completed the BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers Administration, and is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks.
“Alex Calder is great to work with, he is personable and quick in responding to queries which makes moving urgent insolvency matters all the more efficient.”
“Excellent service. Alex Calder in particular is very helpful.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2022
“Alex Calder is very efficient and my main contact.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2021
Seamus Nixon – Practice Manager
Seamus began his clerking career at Erskine Chambers in March 2016, was promoted to Third Junior Clerk in July 2019 and has now been promoted to Practice Manager in May 2022.
Seamus assists with the day-to-day running of the clerks room and is responsible for diary management, work allocation, fee negotiation, clients relations and fixing cases in all divisions of the High Court.
In 2018, Seamus completed the IBC BTEC Award in Chambers Administration. He is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks.
Outside of Chambers, Seamus is an avid fan of Formula 1 and enjoys socialising with his friends and family.
Jake Taylor – Practice Manager
Jake joined Chambers in July 2019 as Junior Clerk and was promoted to his current position of Practice Manager in May 2022.
As a Practice Manager, Jake is responsible for diary management, work allocation, fee negotiation and listing of hearings and trials, where he has an excellent relationship with all the listing clerks.
He is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and is currently completing the IBC Introduction to Business Management course.
Samantha Rouse – Fees Clerk
Client Services
John Campbell – Head of Business Development
John Campbell Head of Business Development BA(Hons) MSc LLB
Originally from the West Highlands John has a wealth of business experience having worked in both the public and private sectors before becoming a lawyer.
John was a partner in a leading Edinburgh law firm, he has also worked internationally.
John is a strong relationship builder, he understand the benefits of building enduring business relationships, he is regularly recognised in the Legal Directories.
“I think the role played by John Campbell cannot be underestimated. He has done a fantastic job in promoting the services on offer”
Legal 500 UK Bar 2022
“ We have a very good relationship with John Campbell whom we meet regularly to discuss new instructions, events, better ways of working”
Legal 500 UK Bar 2021
Toni Sansom – Marketing Manager
Toni Sansom joined Erskine Chambers as Marketing Manager in 2022.
Toni has a wealth of experience marketing in chambers, having spent the last 3 years as a Marketing and Events Executive and prior to those 3 years as an Administration Assistant. Toni has a degree in Global Cinemas and Screen Arts from SOAS, University of London.
She is responsible for all matters relating to the marketing of chambers.
Finance
Joanna Fuller-Brown – Finance Manager
Joanna Fuller-Brown joined Erskine Chambers as Finance Manager in 2017.
Prior to that, she spent 6 years gaining experience as a chambers bookkeeper and fees clerk in leading PI set.
She is responsible for all matters relating to the financial operation of chambers.
Joanna is a member of Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
Administration
Monika Graczykowska – Administration Manager
Monika joined Chambers in 2010 as Administration Manager. She is responsible for the day to day management and administration of Chambers, including dealing with Chambers IT and Telecommunications, procurement, building and facilities management.
Sanuja Linkeswaran – Front of House Administrator
Sanuja started her Chambers career in May 2022 as our Front of House Administrator, taking on various administrative duties and all front of house management.
Sanuja is a recent BA Criminology graduate from Middlesex university, previously employed as an operational support assistant at World Duty Free Stansted airport. She has gained extensive administrative experience working at a fast pace and extremely substantial business.