The level of service at 18 St John Street is second to none. The barristers and clerks in the criminal department are proactive and help solve case issues. This enables instructing solicitors to concentrate on client care. Such assistance from clerks in criminal legal aid chambers is now almost unknown. We highly recommend this set for all complex criminal work due to the exceptional quality of counsel (notable mentions Nicholas Clarke and Richard Vardon) supported by the best clerking team on the North West circuit (headed by James Hotchin)

It starts with the assistance and support from a tremendous clerking team namely Katie Brown. We have developed a strong professional relationship of trust and I know that if I call them at any time they will provide the support that is needed not only in finding the right counsel but also on the question of fees. Over the years there has been difficult issues particularly relating to fees and we have always been able to sort out these issues sensibly and commercially, mainly because there is this long-standing relationship of trust and confidence. At the end of the day one uses a barrister’s chambers for the quality of the barristers within it. Over the years I have used many of the Counsel in the commercial section. Most notably Malcolm McEwan, Elizabeth Tythcott, Richard Chapman QC, Christopher McNall, Mike Wilkinson, Oliver Caplan, Mark Laprell, Kane Simons, Gemma McGungle to name but a few. The service I have received over the years is always excellent and what I value the most is the ability to be able to pick up the phone and speak to each counsel in a relaxed and supportive manner demonstrating the ability to work with counsel and our client as a team. Often cases involve difficult and thorny issues where the answers are not simple and straightforward and the ability to be able to talk through these issues,( often without a fee note following), emphasises the “added value” and the strength of the relationship

I therefore hope that my professional relationship with 18 SJS will continue in this vein for several years to come.

Our practice has been instructing counsel from 18sjs for many years. We have always been Very Impressed by the quality of service received, both from the team of barristers through to the clerks. The barristers are always very well prepared , professional and provide prompt feedback. The clerks, particularly Camille Scott and Garrick Brown, do their upmost to ensure that they are able to assist and accommodate us wherever possible.

My team regularly instruct 18 St Johns Street Chambers in multi-track personal injury matters. The service provided by Chambers is prompt/friendly and that provided by Counsel, detailed and supportive of both us as instructing solicitors and lay clients, particularly where seriously injured claimants are involved where, in turn, an extra element of client care and empathy is often required. Typically, clients will have suffered extensive losses and require lengthy rehabilitation so having a supportive legal team, as I report from my experiences of Chambers, is imperative to a successful outcome.

‘The clerks are fantastic! Camille Scott is head of the family team and she goes above and beyond to try to help cover in difficult situations. She is professional and friendly and has an excellent team.’

‘The business and property clerks are fantastic with particular praise reserved for Katie Brown and Ryan Pugh. The recent introduction of James Parks as head clerk has improved the already exceptional service level the clerks provide.’

‘James Hotchin is a stand-out clerk. He makes sure the job is done and anticipates potential listing issues and resolves them before they escalate. He is intuitive and extremely helpful.’