Practice Management Teams

Civil

Telephone Number: 020 7400 9087
Email: s.wilkins@doughtystreet.co.uk

Having joined in 2011, Sian is the Civil Senior Clerk at Doughty Street Chambers. She leads the civil clerking team and has overall responsibility and oversight of the strategic management and development of all civil practices across Chambers. Recognising the need for the Bar to evolve and seeking to be better equipped to lead change, Sian was delighted to be awarded a distinction in her MBA in 2021.

Sian takes huge pride in delivering a high quality, efficient clerking service to clients and members of Chambers and works hard to proactively identify and take all opportunities using her detailed knowledge and understanding of the practice areas in which all members operate to ensure client expectations and needs are met.


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We are thrilled to announce Sian Wilkins, Senior Civil Practice Manager, was awarded ‘Mentor of the Year’ at this year’s First 100 Years’ Inspirational Women in Law Awards. This award recognises those within the legal profession whose dedication to their role as mentor has contributed to increasing equality within the legal profession.

 

What others say:

"Sian Wilkins is a star – really friendly and professional." - Chambers and Partners, 2024

"Sian Wilkins and her team are approachable and always helpful."  - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"The clerks and practice managers are helpful and great at suggesting individuals with the right expertise on an urgent basis. In particular I would commend Sian Wilkins, Rachel Finch and Emily Norman." - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"They are extremely good at suggesting individuals with the right expertise on an urgent basis. Sian Wilkins, Rachel Finch and Emily Norman are all standouts."  - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"Sian Wilkins is wonderfully responsive and provides an excellent all round service." - Legal 500, 2021

"I believe the clerks’ room is excellent and they are frequently praised by solicitors for their availability and helpfulness. Sian Wilkins, the senior civil clerk, has a particularly high reputation for her judgment and accessibility to solicitors." - Legal 500, 2020

Telephone Number: 020 7400 8895
Email: m.warner@doughtystreet.co.uk

Melvin is Senior Practice Manager for our Actions Against The Police, Inquest and Media team. His current responsibilities include all aspects of practice management, allocation of work, fee negotiation and practice development. With over 23 years’ experience of practice management, Melvin was shortlisted by the Legal 500 in the category of 2019 ‘Clerk/Practice Manager of the Year’. Melvin joined Chambers in July 2019 following 19 years at Media specialists, 1 Brick Court.  

Outside work, Melvin likes long weekend walks with his Wife and is a member of the Amateur Swimming Association and keen open water swimmer. Melvin loves to read and, like most, is prone to the odd stint on Netflix. A follower of most sports he occasionally likes to spoil a good walk with a round of Golf.

What others say:

"Melvin Warner is one of the best clerks anywhere in this area of practice." - Chambers and Partners, 2024

"Melvin Warner, practice manager, in particular is very responsive and helpful."  - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"Practice manager Melvin Warner is one of the leading lights in the clerking sphere; he understands us and the timescales we need and deals with the matter for us without unnecessary effort or drama." - Chambers and Partners, 2022

"Melvin Warner is an excellent clerk in the civil team. Very calm and efficient." - Legal 500, 2022

"Melvin Warner is one of the best (if not the best) media litigation clerks around." - Legal 500, 2022

"Melvin Warner is simply first-class." - Legal 500, 2022

Telephone Number: 020 7400 9050
Email: g.walton@doughtystreet.co.uk

Grace is a Practice Manager and joined Doughty Street Chambers in February 2019 having previously been a Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive at Matrix Chambers. 

Grace acts as a point of contact for all instructing solicitors, manages Counsels’ diaries effectively and undertakes any other tasks delegated by the Civil Team.

What others say:

"Grace Walton is an excellent clerk who was always quick to respond and very helpful."  Chambers and Partners, 2023

 

Telephone Number: 0207 400 8912
Email: b.davis@doughtystreet.co.uk

Ben Davis joined Chambers in February 2020 and is a Civil Practice Manager in the Actions Against the Police, Inquests & Inquiries and Media & Information Team. Ben is responsible for diary management, assisting with fixing enquiries, allocation of work and fee negotiation, as well as any other tasks delegated by the Civil Team.

Outside of work, Ben is a keen runner and has represented England in the past.

What others say:

“Very good. Well organised and helpful in finding suitable counsel when needed. Ben Davis is particularly reliable.” - Legal 500 2022.

Telephone Number: 02074041313
Email: h.ostrowski-hudson@doughtystreet.co.uk

Hania is the Assistant Practice Manager in the Actions Against the Police, Inquests & Inquiries and Media & Information Team.

Hania joined Doughty Street Chambers in May 2023.

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Telephone Number: 020 7400 9025
Email: r.finch@doughtystreet.co.uk

Rachel joined chambers in February 2011 and is a Civil Senior Practice Manager. Her current responsibilities include the management and development of all barristers’ practices in our Housing & Social Welfare, Court of Protection, Public Law, Immigration, Community Care, Education and Mediation teams. This includes practice development, allocation of work, fee negotiation and business development.

What others say:

"The clerking is excellent. Rachel Finch is amazing. She is very responsive, and she gets the job done as soon as possible. Anything you need help with, she will be there. She's a superstar." - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"The clerks provide a highly efficient, reliable and friendly service. Particular praise goes to Rachel Finch, practice director, and Emily Norman, senior civil practice assistant, for their commitment to client care and ability to maintain good working relationships."  - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"They are extremely good at suggesting individuals with the right expertise on an urgent basis. Sian Wilkins, Rachel Finch and Emily Norman are all standouts." - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"We find practice manager Rachel Finch in particular to be extremely helpful; she goes above and beyond her job description to assist." - Chambers and Partners, 2022

“The clerking at Doughty Street is second to none. I am always particularly grateful to Rachel Finch for assistance that goes well beyond that which is expected including helping me with roles I have outside of directly instructing chambers.” - Legal 500, 2022

Telephone Number: 020 7400 8897
Email: e.norman@doughtystreet.co.uk

Emily Norman joined chambers in March 2015 having previously been a clerk at 1 Pump Court Chambers and is a Practice Manager for the Community Care, Education, Housing, Immigration & Court of Protection teams, led by Rachel Finch. Emily is responsible for fixings, fee negotiation, allocation of work and assisting the Practice Manager with practice development.

Emily has completed the BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers Administration for Barristers clerks.

What others say:

"Emily Norman is a fantastic clerk who goes above and beyond." - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"Emily Norman is brilliant. She is down to earth and approachable."  - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"They are extremely good at suggesting individuals with the right expertise on an urgent basis. Sian Wilkins, Rachel Finch and Emily Norman are all standouts."  - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"The clerks provide a highly efficient, reliable and friendly service. Particular praise goes to Rachel Finch, practice director, and Emily Norman, senior civil practice assistant, for their commitment to client care and ability to maintain good working relationships."  - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"Emily Norman is so helpful, so hard-working, and responds to our queries quickly. The whole team is incredibly efficient, approachable, responsive, and always keen to assist." - Chambers and Partners 2022 

I would say that the service provided both by counsel and the clerks is second to none. Sian Wilkins, Rachel Finch and Emily Norman are all incredibly helpful, efficient and available to meet our needs.” 

"Emily Norman is brilliant. She is down to earth and approachable." - The Legal 500 2022

"The clerks provide a highly efficient, reliable and friendly service. Particular praise goes to Rachel Finch, practice director, and Emily Norman, senior civil practice assistant, for their commitment to client care and ability to maintain good working relationships." - The Legal 500 2022

Telephone Number: 020 7404 1313
Email: k.ahmed@doughtystreet.co.uk

Keya is the Assistant Practice Manager in the Community Care, Education, Housing, Immigration & Court of Protection teams. 

Keya joined Doughty Street Chambers in May 2023.

Telephone Number: 020 7400 9073
Email: c.stebbing@doughtystreet.co.uk

Callum joined chambers in May 2011 and is a Civil Senior Practice Manager. His current responsibilities encompass the management and development of all barristers’ practice in the Employment & Discrimination, Professional Discipline & Regulation, Media, Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury & Mediation teams. This includes diary management, allocation of new work, fee negotiation and managing client relationships.

In August 2021, Callum achieved a CILEX Level 3 Professional Qualification in Employment Law.

Outside of work, Callum enjoys all things sport and is one of the few remaining Charlton Athletic season ticket holders.

What others say:

"Callum Stebbing is outstanding. He is prompt and provides a level of client care which I cannot fault" Chambers and Partners, 2024

"Their clerking service is simply superb. Expertly led by the amazing Callum Stebbing, they are a safe pair of hands. They are very solutions focused." - Legal 500, 2024

"Callum Stebbing is superb." - Legal 500, 2024

"Callum Stebbing and Sam Cooper respond extremely quickly when contacted and are always helpful in meeting the needs and requirements of the client."  - Chambers and Partners, 2023

"Practice manager Callum Stebbing is brilliant, he is really responsive, he can get a message to counsel no matter what and he makes things painless." - Chambers and Partners, 2022

"Callum Stebbing is a star; astute, helpful and guaranteed to go the extra mile." - Legal 500, 2022

Telephone Number: 020 8057 4764
Email: n.smith@doughtystreet.co.uk

Naomi is the International Team Practice Manager. Naomi joined in September 2021 and is responsible for the oversight and general practice development for Doughty Street International, our group of leading international lawyers and legal academics.  In addition to the day-to-day international clerking responsibilities, Naomi works closely with the Practice Managers and DSI Team Leaders to support the team, develop new services, and build our internal and external development, including through website development, strategy, cohesion and events.

What others say

"Naomi Smith is a star" - Chambers and Partners 2024

Background

Naomi comes from a background of international law and human rights, including a Master’s degree in International Law (and International Humanitarian Law) from Leiden University, and an LLB in Law (and Spanish Law) from the University of Sheffield.

Outside of work, Naomi is a keen runner and athlete and loves travelling. She has spent time living, working and studying in The Netherlands, and Spain, and speaks Spanish.

Telephone Number: 020 7404 1313
Email: f.wilkins@doughtystreet.co.uk

Freddie joined Chambers in August 2018 and is a Civil Practice Manager in the the Employment, Discrimination, Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury and Professional Discipline and Regulation team. Freddie is responsible for diary management, assisting with fixing enquiries, allocation of work and fee negotiation, as well as any other tasks delegated by the Civil Team.

Outside of work Freddie enjoys playing golf and attending Chelsea games at Stamford Bridge.

 

Crime

Telephone Number: 020 7400 9074
Email: m.butchard@doughtystreet.co.uk

Matt joined Doughty Street as our Senior Clerk (Crime) in April 2019 having spent the previous 25 years working at some of the country’s leading sets.

He has responsibility for the development and management of all criminal practices in Chambers and is committed to providing an excellent level of service for our instructing solicitors, using his years of experience and in-depth knowledge of our members practice’s to recommend the most suitable counsel for each case.

What others say:

"The senior clerk Matthew Buchard is simply superb."  - Legal 500, 2023

"Matt Butchard leads an excellent team of hard working and committed clerks, who are personable and conscientious. It is a pleasure working with a team that has such a collegiate approach." - Legal 500, 2023

"Matt Butchard has a wealth of experience in the profession. Will simply go out of his way to assist you time and time again. Offers real solutions which always work for our clients."  - Legal 500, 2023 

"Matthew Butchard leads a team of clerks who are "excellent - well organised and highly engaged." - Chambers & Partners, 2023 

The senior practice manager for crime Matthew Butchard "provides an exceptional service to chambers' clients. He is one of the most responsive and effective clerks in the city." - Chambers & Partners – Financial Crime

The very efficient criminal clerks’ room is headed up by the excellent practice manager Matthew Butchard.” - Legal 500 – Crime

Matthew Butchard is a modern thinking Senior Clerk- Legal 500 – Financial Crime

Telephone Number: 020 7400 9088
Email: s.reynolds@doughtystreet.co.uk

Sarah joined chambers in September 2018 to manage the billing for the crime team.  As the role developed, Sarah’s 20+ years of experience in barristers’ chambers was used to implement and update chambers’ processes in areas such as billing, GDPR and Fair Allocation of Work.

Having now returned to a Practice Management role in Criminal law, Sarah’s principal responsibilities include business and practice development, diary management and fee negotiation. Sarah’s role involves developing and maintaining strong relationships on behalf of members to their professional clients and supporting Senior Clerk, Matt Butchard with the management and development of the crime team barristers and clerks.

Sarah is a member of the IBC Management Committee and sits on the Education and Conference Committees.

 

Telephone Number: 020 8057 4761
Email: j.tippey@doughtystreet.co.uk

James joined Chambers in August 2021 having previously worked for a leading Criminal Chambers for the past 4 years. James started his Clerking career in 2012 at a Common Law set and is a Practice Manager. His responsibilities include overseeing the day to day diary, development of barrister’s practices, fee negotiations and business development.

Outside of work James enjoys playing Rugby, traveling and socialising with friends.

Telephone Number: 020 7269 6843
Email: c.cousins@doughtystreet.co.uk

Chloe is a Crime Practice Manager and she joined chambers in January 2022 from 2 Hare Court. Chloe acts as a point of contact for instructing solicitors and direct access clients in Criminal, Extradition, Business Crime & Investigations and Criminal Appeal teams. Chloe also deals with the management of members diaries and dealing with all new enquiries. 

Outside of work Chloe is an avid gym goer and enjoys socialising with friends.

Telephone Number:
Email: m.mckimm@doughtystreet.co.uk

Matthew is a Crime Assistant Practice Manager. 

He joined Doughty Street Chambers in September 2023.

Junior Clerks

Telephone Number:
Email: t.crealey@doughtystreet.co.uk

Tara is a Junior Clerk and joined Doughty Street Chambers in July 2023. Tara’s responsibilities include supporting both criminal and civil clerking teams and barristers.

Telephone Number:
Email: c.godfrey@doughtystreet.co.uk

Ciara joined Doughty Street Chambers in August 2022 after studying Criminology and Social Policy at the University of Kent. She currently works as a Junior Clerk.