Chambers of Howard Stevens KC

Darren Whitbread

Darren Whitbread leads the practice management for our commercial, insolvency and property practice streams. His role includes the management and development of all aspects of members’ practices, client relations and business development having attended conferences and events in many different jurisdictions. Known for his commercially minded and professional approach, he has extensive knowledge of the commercial, insolvency and property markets. Darren is friendly and approachable and plays a key role in Chambers’ ongoing success. Darren is responsible for all aspects of Chambers’ work relating to: commercial banking & finance crypto & digital assets civil fraud insolvency insurance & reinsurance real estate & property sports law commercial aviation Darren joined 3 Hare Court in 2011 having started his clerking career in 2000. Darren is a member of R3 and INSOL and he has also completed the Bar Council courses on Public Access and Equality & Diversity. Darren’s interests include sports, traveling, food & drink, and listening to music.

James Donovan oversees the development of all members’ practices and ensures the efficient operation of the practice management team. He also has primary responsibility for all aspects of Chambers’ international and offshore work, with a particular focus on international arbitration and appeals to the Privy Council. He travels regularly to visit clients and contacts around the world and is known for his considerable knowledge of the international and Caribbean market. Since joining Chambers as a clerk in 1985 and becoming Senior Clerk in 1995, James has developed a unique understanding of the complexities of international and offshore work. He is exceptionally well-qualified to recommend the most suitable members with expertise in: appeals to the Privy Council international arbitration international/offshore matters Since joining in 1985, James has worked with several heads of Chambers including Mervyn Heald QC, Sir Stuart McKinnon, Sir George Newman, Mark Strachan KC SC, James Guthrie KC, James Dingemans QC (now Lord Justice Dingemans), Peter Knox KC, Jeffrey Golden KC (Hon) and with our present Head of Chambers Howard Stevens KC. James is also involved in all aspects of Chambers’ management and attends Management Committee meetings. He is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, FREEBAR, and the International Bar Association (IBA) where he is the Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the LGBTQI+ Law Committee. He has a BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers Administration from Westminster Kingsway College, London. James enjoys all things food, wine, and travel related.

Toby Eales leads the practice management of our personal injury, travel, and public law practice streams, and deputises to James Donovan. With over 30 years of clerking/practice management experience, Toby has developed a stellar reputation for client service and is known for his helpful and friendly approach. Toby is responsible for all aspects of Chambers’ work relating to: personal injury conflict of laws travel litigation employment professional negligence administrative & public law inquests and inquiries Toby has been at 3 Hare Court for over 20 years. Toby enjoys spending time with family and friends, clay pigeon shooting, walking his dog, and driving his classic car.