Family

Sarah joined St Ives Chambers in 1999 and is responsible for the management of our large Public Law Children team alongside the Assistant Practice Managers Nick Burdon and Asma Akhtar. Legal 500 has described Sarah as "one of the best clerks in the West Midlands”.

Scott is the Practice Manager for the Family Private Client teams at St Ives Chambers, with responsibility for Family Finances, Private Law Children and Family Dispute Resolution.

Recommended in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as one of the best family clerks in Birmingham, Scott has over eight years of experience specialising in Family work, and has progressed through St Ives Chambers since joining in 2017.

Scott offers a first-class clerking service, and is known for being efficient, friendly and transparent. He is able to assist with any enquiry in relation to Divorce and Financial Remedies, Private Law Children and Family Law Act matters as well as any Family Dispute Resolution enquires.

Scott is also a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks.

Peter is the Assistant Practice Manager for the Private Children and Divorce & Financial Remedies Team, having previously clerked Commercial and Employment law for over 2 years at a Tier 1 set.

Nick has over 15 years’ experience in barristers chambers in the Midlands. As Deputy Practice Manager, he is involved in all aspects of the family team, including diary management, liaising with courts and billing. Nick is also the Business Development Team Lead. Last year, the Legal 500 stated “Nick Burdon will go above and beyond and endeavour to ensure that you have just the right counsel for the instruction.”

Asma joined St Ives in 2015 as an Assistant Practice Manager for the Public Law Team, having previously worked as a Commercial Litigation Paralegal. Last year, the Legal 500 noted that "Asma Akhtar’s confident and approachable persona has ensured that the service she offers is of an excellent standard." 

Stuart joined St Ives in 2024, having previously worked for another multi disciplinary set on circuit in a senior Civil & Family clerking position. Prior to working in Chambers, he worked at the Crown Prosecution Service in both Nottingham and Sheffield. This unique combination of experience provides him with a wealth of knowledge and a thorough understanding of clients expectations from clerks and counsel. 

As Assistant Practice Manager to the Civil & Family teams of barristers, Stuart assists with the development and implementation of career strategies for counsel and he works with the teams to maintain high standards in relation to client relationships, diary management, career planning and billing.

Stuart also remains keen to support team members, and as a qualified Mental Health First Aider he is alive to the wellbeing needs of the team. His support for staff is not limited to internally within St Ives, as he is also a mentor on The Institute of Barristers’ Clerks’ Mentoring Scheme offering support and guidance to help clerks nationwide feel empowered to reach their potential.

Stuart is also responsible for Chamber's Business Development efforts in the East Midlands.

Recommendations

“Stuart Walker is responsive and helpful at all times.“
Chambers & Partners, 2024

Stuart Walker will go out of his way to assist in any way he can.'

Legal 500 2023

Stuart Walker is brilliant - always responsive and helpful.'

Legal 500 2023