Clerks & staff

Derek Sutton started his clerking career at Blackstone in 1994 and has developed an excellent understanding of all Chambers’ practice areas.

Derek works alongside Adam Sloane with practice development for all members of Chambers, working closely with clients, from Counsel selection to fee negotiation, providing ongoing support and assistance throughout the lifetime of a matter. Derek also assists Gary and Mat Swallow with marketing initiatives both with UK and overseas clients.

The legal directories describe Derek as “very thorough, responsive, professional, easy to work with, and runs a smooth operation" (Chambers and Partners, 2022), “very personable and great at giving honest recommendations of the right person for a case” (Chambers and Partners, 2022), and “just superb to work with” (Legal 500, 2022). "Derek Sutton stands out in terms of his client care and pragmatism"(Legal 500, 2022). "I have known Derek Sutton for over 10 years. He goes out of his way to get things done for you" (Legal 500, 2022).

Derek was shortlisted by Legal 500 in 2019 category clerk/practice manager of the year. 

Adam Sloane has been with Chambers since 2000.

In his role as Joint Senior Clerk Adam works alongside Derek Sutton in the management and development of barristers practices at all levels of seniority.

Adam's time at Blackstone Chambers has provided him with a breadth of knowledge across all of chambers practice areas, enabling him to play a key role in both the domestic and international growth of chambers.

Adam receives high praise in the legal directories: "Very approachable and highly knowledgeable. Always willing to work things through with us, hugely professional, supportive and helpful." (Chambers and Partners, 2025), "The clerks are always on hand and the excellent Adam Sloane, deputy senior clerk, in particular, is terrific."(Chambers and Partners, 2025), "Deputy senior clerk Adam Sloane is very professional, supportive and helpful." (Chambers and Partners, 2025) and "Very good, Adam Sloane always a pleasure." (Legal 500, 2025)

Mat Swallow, together with Gary Oliver, is responsible for the strategic planning, management and administration of Chambers. 

This is his second stint at Blackstone Chambers, having first been employed as the Communications and Marketing Manager (2005-2007). He was then recruited to launch and run a joint venture between YouGov, the leading research organisation, and Centaur, the listed publisher. Previously, Mat spent seven years as a journalist with The Lawyer magazine, latterly as deputy editor. He rejoined Blackstone Chambers in June 2008.

Working closely with the Senior Clerk, Mat’s role encompasses practice management and marketing/business development.

Mat sits on the Executive Committee of the Legal Practice Management Association and is one of the founders and a trustee of Bridging the Bar, a charity committed to improving the equality of access to opportunities in the legal profession across all underrepresented groups.

Dean has over 28 years of clerking experience and has been part of the Blackstone clerking team since 2007. In 2025, he was appointed Deputy Senior Clerk, where he works closely with Derek and Adam.

Dean has an excellent understanding of all chambers' practice areas, providing support with the practice development of members and working with clients to provide the smooth operation of chambers. Additionally, he is solely responsible for the clerking of Sir James Eadie KC and managing the Attorney General panel list.

'Dean Tolman is a stand-out clerk.' (Legal 500, 2026)

'A strong team of clerks. Dean Tolman is highly capable and helpful. A real pleasure to work with this team.' (Legal 500, 2025)

‘Dean is a committed clerk with excellent communication.' (Legal 500, 2025)

'The clerks are always easy to reach and helpful. Dean Tolman in particular is always very helpful.' (Legal 500, 2025)

Billy joined Chambers in 2019 and was promoted to the position of Deputy Senior Clerk in January 2025. He draws on almost two decades of experience as a barristers clerk in three of the countries leading commercial chambers.

Billy takes pride in his detailed knowledge of all of Chambers’ practice areas and is an integral part of the clerking team which strives to provide an outstanding service to both members and clients. He supports the practice management and development of all members of Chambers’ practices and plays an active role in Chambers marketing initiatives.

"The clerks at Blackstone go above and beyond to help. Deputy senior clerk Billy Brian in particular is excellent." (Chambers and Partners, 2026)

"Billy Brian is very easy to work with and very professional. He's always responsive and gives excellent recommendations on who we might instruct." (Chambers and Partners, 2026)

“Billy Brian is somebody who always goes the extra mile to maintain excellent relations in times of need." (Chambers and Partners, 2025)

'Billy Brian is excellent - very responsive and helpful.' (Legal 500, 2025)

Danny is one of the three Deputy Senior Clerks at Blackstone Chambers. Having joined the clerking team in 2010, Danny has over 15 years of experience supporting clients and managing the practices of members of Chambers with a particular focus on the junior barristers in Chambers.

In his role, Danny supports the practice development of all members of Chambers with a particular focus on diary and fee management, client relationships, and allocating work across a broad range of practice areas. Danny works closely with solicitors, in-house counsel, and international clients, most notably in India.

"Danny Compton is really quick, very user-friendly and has a can-do mentality. He's great.D" (Chambers and Partners, 2026)

"Danny Compton has always been responsive in identifying members with the requisite expertise and availability to support us." (Chambers and Partners, 2026)

“The clerks are very responsive and professional. They display courtesy, a willingness to help and fast turnaround times. Stand out clerks are Derek Sutton, Billy Brian and Danny Compton.” (Legal 500, 2026)

“Clerks are very supportive, with particular kudos to Danny Compton who is friendly, helpful, patient and willing to go the extra mile to support.” (Legal 500, 2026)

"Danny Compton is a go-to clerk at Blackstone. He is excellent.” (Chambers and Partners, 2025)

"At Blackstone, the clerks are straightforward and willing to help out, in particular, deputy senior clerk Danny Compton." (Chambers and Partners, 2025)

'Danny Compton is a pleasure to deal with. Practical, reasonable and charming.' (Legal 500, 2025)

'Danny Compton communicates well and is very professional.' (Legal 500, 2025)

Marc Armstrong commenced his clerking career in 2008 and joined Blackstone Chambers in 2017. His main responsibilities include advising clients on the distribution of work, fee negotiation, listing hearings, diary management and assisting with marketing initiatives.

Marc is commended in the legal directories "Marc Armstrong is brilliant." (Chambers and Partners, 2026) "offers exceptional service levels and responsiveness" and "incredibly helpful and great to work with". (Chambers and Partners, 2025).

Adam Fuschillo started his Clerking career with Blackstone Chambers in July 2008. His main duties within the clerking team include the distribution of work, liaising with solicitors, working with tenants called to foreign jurisdictions, fee negotiations and day to day diary management of tenants. He has successfully completed the BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers Administration.

Adam is described in the legal directories as "very quick, brilliant and ensures everything is super smooth." and "Adam Fuschillo is really good and friendly." (Chambers and Partners, 2026). "particularly helpful and always goes the extra mile" and "excellent to work with" (Legal 500, 2025).

Sophie Reeve began her clerking career with Blackstone Chambers in August 2015 after graduating from the University of Exeter. Her duties within the clerking team include liaising with solicitors, diary management, distribution of work and fee negotiation with a focus on the most junior tenants.

Sophie is described in the legal directories as "commercial and responsive" (Chambers and Partners, 2026) “efficient and quick” (Chambers and Partners, 2022). 

Joseph Sutton joined Blackstone Chambers in January 2025, having spent 14 years at another leading set. Joseph clerks across all levels of Counsel within Chambers, with primary responsibilities including advising clients on the distribution of work, diary management, fee negotiation, and court fixing.

Joseph has been commended in the Legal 500 as "lovely to deal with", "very hard working" and "does his best to accommodate urgent last minute instructions".

Toby Dennison started his clerking career at Blackstone Chambers in May 2021.

Toby’s responsibilities include supporting the Senior Clerking team with diary management, distribution of work, court fixing, fee negotiation and supporting the practice development of members of chambers. He is also a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC).

Toby is commended in the legal directories "Toby Dennison has been excellent, demonstrating a willingness to take a pragmatic approach in fee negotiation and proactively organise." (Chambers and Partners, 2026) and “exceptionally helpful” (Chambers and Partners, 2025).

Daniel Higgins started his clerking career at Blackstone Chambers in April 2022. His duties include conducting daily court runs, collating authority bundles and lodging relevant documents with courts. Prior to joining Chambers, Daniel worked in Retail Management and Education. Daniel graduated from Canterbury University in 2017. 

Lilly-Grace Hilliard started her clerking career at Blackstone Chambers in October 2023 from a background in sales. In her role she is responsible for assisting barristers to and from court, delivering and handling documents internally and externally, collating authorities bundles and assisting with travel and accommodation arrangements.

Gary was a Clerk for over 40 years before retiring in the role as Senior Clerk in December 2024. (The legend started in 1981.)

He now performs a very important role in Chambers as a Consultant, still giving strategic advice and guidance to members of Chambers and the Clerking team more widely. He plays an active part assisting Mat Swallow, Chambers Director in terms of focused business development and marketing of Chambers, across all areas of practice, particularly in relation to Chambers’ international work. During his time as Senior Clerk, Gary built strong relationships with clients worldwide, in particular India, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Cayman, BVI, Bermuda, Maldives, USA, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and Europe.

Gary was honoured in 2024, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Chambers & Partners. He was named Senior Clerk of the Year at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2022 and he was highly regarded by both of the independent legal directories, Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. He was featured as one of the legal stars of 2013 by The Lawyer in the ‘Hot 100’. The Lawyer citation reads, “as Blackstone Chambers’ Senior Clerk, Gary Oliver is a key force behind chambers’ phenomenal success”.

Jos Nicholls commenced his clerking career in 2021 and joined Blackstone Chambers in 2023 from a leading Chancery/Commercial set. As Team Leader for the Junior Clerks his main duties include their supervision and training, the filing and exchanging of case related documents, court liaison and assisting with diary management.

Tyler George started his clerking career at Blackstone Chambers, after leaving school in 2022. His duties include conducting daily court runs, collating authority bundles and lodging relevant documents with courts.

Emily Hill started her clerking career at Blackstone Chambers in August 2024, after finishing her A-levels. Her duties include assisting barristers to and from court, collating authority bundles and lodging relevant documents with courts.

Suzanne Adams joined Chambers in 2016 and is the Information Manager for Chambers. She is responsible for the development of the intranet, and support for the barristers’ information and research requirements.

Katia Barr joined Blackstone Chambers in 2023. Katia’s responsibilities include supporting and advising Chambers’ staff, managers, and senior team members on all key areas of Human Resources. Katia has also responsibility for developing Chambers’ Human Resources function and HR strategy, working closely with the Chambers Director. Katia is an established HR professional with over 17 years’ experience in Human Resources Management, specialising in HR strategy, employee development, policy development, inclusion and diversity. Before joining Blackstone Chambers, Katia worked in a variety of sectors including Higher Education, Banking, and the Service Industry.

Roger Burgess joined Blackstone Chambers in May 2023 as Consultant Chief Information Officer (CIO) and heads the technology function. Working closely with the Chambers Director, his responsibilities include all aspects of IT including Information/Cyber Security.

Nicola Hall joined Chambers in 2022. She oversees our Pupillage recruitment programme and Chambers’ legal, regulatory and compliance administration, working with members of the wider team to ensure Chambers’ obligations are met. Nicola comes to Chambers from a career in education, assessment and her own education consultancy.

Kate Hinckley joined Chambers in 2016. Her main responsibilities include practice management, compliance and regulatory requirements for barristers, administration of recruitment campaigns, internal training programmes and staff HR. Kate provides support to the Chambers Director and Senior Clerk to ensure the overall smooth-running of Chambers. 

David Jones is one of our Postroom Assistants. He joined Chambers in December 2014 and provides print, post and reprographics assistance to barristers and staff in Chambers.

Gavin Love is one of our Postroom Assistants. He provides print, post and reprographics assistance to barristers and staff in Chambers.

Matt Phelan is Chambers’ Facilities Manager and joined Blackstone at the start of 2019. He is responsible for all matters related to the building, including Health & Safety.

Working closely with the Chambers Director, his responsibilities include the smooth day-to-day running of the building, office moves and refurbishment works and providing the best working environment for both barristers and staff alike. 

Jilali Saih is our Print and Post Supervisor and joined Chambers in January 2014. He is responsible for overseeing the post room and reprographics department of Chambers.

Lucy Tylecote Thierl joined Blackstone Chambers as Executive Administrator in 2024, and supports the Administration, HR and Pupillage teams.

Neil Walker joined Blackstone Chambers in October 2023 as Head of Technology. With extensive experience in IT and governance in the Finance sector and for Managed Service Providers he oversees the day-to-day IT operations to offer a stable and secure IT environment. In collaboration with the Chambers Director and the CIO, Neil leads the implementation of key IT projects and initiatives, enhancing Chambers technological infrastructure and cybersecurity measures.

Lewis Baker joined Blackstone Chambers in 2017. He is responsible for all matters relating to the financial operation of Chambers. Working closely with the Chambers Director, his responsibilities include heading the accountancy and book-keeping for Chambers' management company and all individual practitioners. 

Jack Noone is Chambers’ Finance Administrator having joined Blackstone in 2025. Working closely with both the Head of Finance and the Fees Clerks, his responsibilities include assisting and supporting the accountancy and book-keeping for Chambers' management company and all individual practitioners.

Matthew Stone is Chambers Fees Clerk. He joined Chambers in 2017 and heads up our Fees Collection department. Matthew started his career as a Clerk in 2005 before deciding to focus on a career specialising in fee management. He works very closely with the clerks and is responsible for all aspects of fees collection at Blackstone. He has specialist knowledge of the many different funding mechanisms adopted within Chambers’ core practice areas.

James Thraves is Chambers’ Fees Clerk having joined Blackstone in 2018. He previously worked as a Revenue Controller at one of the UK’s largest sets. His responsibilities include all areas of fee collection and billing. 

James is described in the legal directories as "always very helpful" (Legal 500, 2026).

Ravinder Bram is a longstanding member of the reception team. She provides day-to-day support for Chambers' front of house operations.

Bianca Canaii is the Receptionist and Hospitality Assistant. She joined Chambers in 2024. Bianca provides support for Chambers’ front of house services and housekeeping.

Mandy Fitzgerald is a longstanding member of the reception team having joined Chambers in May 2008. She provides support for Chambers' front of house service.

Bernadette Lyons is Chambers’ Housekeeper having joined in July 2017. She is responsible for providing full conference room services and catering arrangements for client and barrister meetings, conferences and seminars in Chambers.

Stella White is our Head Receptionist and a longstanding member of the team. Stella plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of Chambers' front of house service.

Kathryn Bates is the Events Executive for chambers, assisting Stevie Moore in the organisation and marketing of Chambers functions, events, conferences, and seminars. Kathryn has a degree in Theatre and Performance from The University of Leeds.

Charlotte Chigoneka is the Marketing & Communications Executive for Chambers. Charlotte provides support to the marketing team, maintains Chambers’ contacts database and assists in the organisation of conferences and seminars. Charlotte has a degree in English Literature from the University of Sussex.

Olivia Cosgrove is the Database & Marketing Assistant for Chambers. Olivia provides support to the marketing team, maintains Chambers’ contacts database and assists in the organisation of Chambers' events. Olivia has a degree in International Fashion Management and Marketing.

Stevie Moore looks after the conferences, seminars, corporate functions and the marketing that goes with this. These events range from informal networking events to large-scale conferences with guest lists ranging from 10 to 1000. Stevie has project responsibility from planning to post-event analysis, involving management of fellow support staff and negotiation with external suppliers. Stevie has a degree in event management. 

Alec Parsons-Smith works closely with the Chambers Director, Mat Swallow and the marketing team, and has responsibility for the development and implementation of Chambers’ marketing strategy. Alec has over 15 years’ experience in UK and US law firms, working on a wide variety of communications and business development projects.