Clerking & case management

The Clerks assist solicitors and other clients by recommending the barrister or team best suited to deal with a particular case and they provide administrative assistance with regard to work done by the individual barristers in Chambers. In particular the Clerks are responsible for:

Accepting instructions on behalf of individual barristers to advise or to represent clients as necessary.

Fixing appointments for conferences and consultations. These can be held in Chambers or, if necessary, at solicitors' offices or elsewhere. Chambers is able to provide an arbitration room as well as several spacious conference rooms for large meetings. Video conference facilities are available.

Booking arrangements

There is a strict no double booking policy when booking arrangements for trials and other hearings in Court and arbitrations, monitoring deadlines and ensuring effective case management. This is a vital part of the work done by the Clerks. As part of that work, the Clerks maintain close relationships with the administrative staff in all divisions of the High Court. The Clerks will always do their utmost to agree a hearing date convenient to the clients' chosen barrister. Once a suitable date is fixed the Clerks will ensure that the booking is honoured save only in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as a previous trial overrunning its original estimate.

Agreeing fees

Because of the wide differences in the length and complexity of the cases undertaken by barristers in Chambers and the need to remain flexible and competitive, fees - and the fee structure - for each case are agreed separately. If requested the Clerks will quote hourly rates for individual barristers. In appropriate circumstances individual barristers are prepared to undertake work on a pro bono basis.

David Grief and his team are always willing to discuss the general services provided by members of Chambers or specific arrangements with regard to a particular case. The Clerks regularly have meetings with solicitors and other lawyers in London and other major centres throughout England and Wales and many overseas jurisdictions including Australia, Bermuda, Brunei, Cayman Islands, France, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, India, Pakistan, USA, BVI, Malaysia, Canada and Singapore

Summary

• The clerks team at Essex Court Chambers has a reputation for responsiveness and integrity
• They listen to your requirements (not just legal) and adhere to the terms agreed
• When the barrister requested is unavailable, the clerks can source an alternative to meet your needs
• They take seriously the fact that you entrust your clients to them
• They recognise the need for flexible fees and fee structures
• They  consider themselves and the individual members assigned the case a part of your client team
  
• They  aim to be accessible at all times

The clerks are organised into separate, self-contained teams. Each is assigned to individual barristers in such a way as to avoid conflicts of interest or any issue as to confidentiality with respect to other members of Chambers or arbitrators.