Phil has over 30 years Clerking experience having spent the first fifteen years of his career here at Erskine, followed by a successful period at a leading Chancery set, the last seven of which as Senior Clerk.

Phil is one of the Pro Bono Champions, he manages the actions outlined in The Framework, and highlights pro bono opportunities or initiatives in Chambers.

According to Legal 500 (2022):

“Phil Reeves is the Senior Clerk and is very helpful, responsive and eminently commercial. They are lucky to have him.” 

“I think the clerking team is well run and that is thanks to the expert leadership given in Phil Reeves.” 

As Deputy Senior Clerk, Michael brings over two decades of experience to the role. He is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to our clients.

Michael possesses a comprehensive understanding of practice management, specialising in diary management, work allocation, fee negotiation and effective case listing. His role includes building strong client relationships and working closely with members of Chambers to optimise their practices and achieve their business development goals. He also plays a key role in mentoring and managing the junior clerking team.

Michael is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC) and holds an ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management. He has also completed the IBC BTEC in clerking and administration and The Bar Council’s public access course for barristers’ clerks.

What the directories say:

“The clerks at Erskine are excellent and more responsive and user friendly than most other sets that I work with. Michael Shillingford is my favourite clerk to work with.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

“Michael Shillingford is excellent and responsive.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

“Michael Shillingford is consistently excellent.”  Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

“Excellent service, including picking up the phone out of hours. Michael Shillingford, deputy senior clerk, stands out for me.” Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024

“The quality of clerking at Erskine is impressive. Michael Shillingford, in particular.” Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024

“Generally very good – Michael Shillingford is particularly responsive.”  Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

“Very good indeed. Exceptional service from Michael Shillingford.”  Legal 500 UK Bar 2023

Alex began his clerking career in 2013 at Erskine Chambers and has continued to progress from junior clerk to Second Junior Clerk and has now been promoted to Senior Practice Manager in May 2022.

As Senior Practice Manager, Alex’s role involves all aspects of practice management including work allocation, fee negotiation, business development and the overall development of members’ practices.

He has completed the BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers Administration, and is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks.

What the directories say:

“Alex Calder is excellent. He is very helpful and provides timely responses which is important.”  Legal 500 English Bar Offshore 2025

“Alex Calder, senior practice manager, is very user-friendly, helpful and responsive.” Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2025

“Alex Calder is very helpful. Overall the clerks are excellent.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

“Alex Calder is extremely helpful and diligent.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

“Alex Calder, senior practice manager, is a pleasure to deal with.” Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024

“Alex Calder, senior practice manager, is excellent. Alex is responsive to our needs and proactive in planning for hearings, which is very helpful.” Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024

“Responsive, helpful and easy to work with. Special mention to Alex Calder.”  Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

“Alex Calder has been very responsive and friendly with a reasonable approach to fee negotiation etc.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

“Excellent service. Alex Calder in particular is very helpful.”  Legal 500 UK Bar 2022

Seamus began his clerking career at Erskine Chambers in March 2016, was promoted to Third Junior Clerk in July 2019 and has now been promoted to Practice Manager in May 2022.

Seamus assists with the day-to-day running of the clerks room and is responsible for diary management, work allocation, fee negotiation, clients relations and fixing cases in all divisions of the High Court.

In 2018, Seamus completed the IBC BTEC Award in Chambers Administration. He is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks.

Outside of Chambers, Seamus is an avid fan of Formula 1 and enjoys socialising with his friends and family.

What the directories say:

“‘Seamus Nixon has been first-class in managing diaries and understanding the pressures of an instructing solicitor.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

“ Seamus Nixon is responsive and effective.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

“‘Alex Calder and Seamus Nixon have been extremely helpful and very user-friendly.” Legal English Bar Offshore 2025

“All of the clerks I have dealt with are helpful and friendly, especially Seamus Nixon.”  Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

“Seamus Nixon is very good to deal with.”  Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

“Alex Calder and Seamus Nixon are very responsive and very good at assisting with getting matters listed and liaising with the Court.”   Legal 500 UK Bar 2023

Jake joined Chambers in July 2019 as Junior Clerk and was promoted ​to his current position of Practice Manager in May 2022.

As a Practice Manager, Jake is responsible for diary management, work allocation, fee negotiation and listing of hearings and trials, ​where he has an excellent relationship with all the listing clerks.

He is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and has completed the IBC Introduction to Business Management Course.

What the directories say :

Jake Taylor is “always quick to assist ” and “good.” Legal 500 UK Bar 2025

Isabel joined Erskine Chambers in March 2024 as a Junior Practice Manager. She is responsible for helping the Practice Managers and other Clerks with administrative duties such as preparing documents for court, lodging bundles and general tasks around the clerks’ room. Other duties include helping barristers to and from court.

Ella joined Erskine Chambers in September 2024 as a Junior Practice Manager. She is responsible for helping the Practice Managers and other Clerks with administrative duties such as preparing documents for court, lodging bundles and general tasks around the clerks’ room. Other duties include helping barristers to and from court.

Joanna Fuller-Brown joined Erskine Chambers as Finance Manager in 2017.

Prior to that, she spent 6 years gaining experience as a chambers bookkeeper and fees clerk in leading PI set.

She is responsible for all matters relating to the financial operation of chambers.

Joanna is a member of Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

Monika joined Chambers in 2010 as Administration Manager. She is responsible for the day to day management and administration of Chambers, including dealing with Chambers IT and Telecommunications, procurement, building and facilities management.

Sanuja started her Chambers career in May 2022, She is responsible for executing all marketing events and duties.

Sanuja is a BA Criminology graduate from Middlesex university, previously employed as an operational support assistant at World Duty Free Stansted airport. She has gained extensive administrative experience working at a fast pace business.