Matthew Phipps joined Chambers as a school leaver in 1983 and qualified as a member of The Institute of Barristers’ Clerks in 1988. When he joined there were 24 members including 4 silks. He has played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of the set, which now comprises over 120 members including 25 silks and became senior clerk in 1999.
Although still an active clerk himself Matthew heads up the clerking team and is responsible for all aspects of Chambers’ practice management and in conjunction with the Chambers Director plays a key role in the marketing, business development and strategic planning.
Recommended by the directories as “excellent” and “runs a tight ship” our chambers remain in the top twenty sets for client service.
In the Legal 500 2023 and the Chambers UK Bar Guide 2022 the clerks are praised by clients, who say:
‘The clerks at this set are outstanding. Their response times are speedy, and they are always ready to offer alternatives or find solutions when there is an issue. They are accessible by phone and email, and I find that I can email any of them and get a helpful response.’
‘Experienced and likeable team of clerks. Matthew Phipps and Andrew Tull consistently make themselves very available. John Mclaren and Chloe Turvill are very capable and efficient, but really that filters down through the whole team.‘
‘I am always very impressed with this chambers. Their clerking service is one of the best and their service continued to be seamless despite the pandemic and the difficulties that brought with it.‘ ‘The service from the clerks is excellent. They are always helpful and accommodating.‘
‘The clerks, led by Matthew Phipps, are excellent and eminently sensible about capacity, experience and fees.‘ ‘The clerks’ room is friendly, efficient and slick. Andrew Tull is immensely popular, sensible and has a good sense for how to meet clients’ needs. Chloe Turvill has established herself as an excellent junior clerk.‘
‘Their clerking team do an amazing job and is one of the reasons I will come to them time and time again.‘
‘Having worked with other sets of chambers, the clerks’ room at 1 Crown Office Row is efficient, organised, and rarely (if ever) lets me down – I will always recommend them to clients.‘
‘Senior clerk Matthew Phipps and 1st junior clerk John McLaren are fantastic, and lead a team of excellent clerks who always ensure that counsel are available when we need them – no deadline is ever too tight and I always feel that I am getting an excellent service from them.‘
‘The clerks at 1 Crown Office Row are all excellent. Senior Clerk Matthew Phipps is excellent as are Andy Tull and Chloe Tourvil. The clerks are always quick to get back to any queries and will bend over backwards to try and accommodate requests. These clerks are the best in the business.’
‘The 1COR clerks are excellent, and extremely helpful and honest about barrister’s diaries. Matt Phipps, Andy Tull and Chloe Turvill have provided first class service over the years.’
“Matthew Phipps leads the show and he is brilliant, but they are all excellent and if there’s anyone I can’t get hold of I know someone else will always step into the breach to help me.” “The clerks are very pleasant, responsive, helpful and delightful to work with.”
“The clerking service at 1 Crown Office Row is second to none. They are excellent, responsive, extremely personable and nothing is too much trouble. I know my case is in safe hands.”
His interests include gardening, horseracing, following most sports and wine.
