New Head of Chambers – Marcus Taverner QC

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Keating Chambers are pleased to announce the appointment of Marcus Taverner QC as Head of Chambers, with effect from 28 October 2015. Marcus follows Paul Darling QC who has been leading the set since October 2010. Marcus has a formidable reputation, as both barrister and arbitrator, in the fields of construction and engineering, professional negligence and energy. He will be assisted by three deputies, Finola O’Farrell QC, Alexander Nissen QC and Adam Constable QC, with wider support provided by the Executive Committee. Commenting on his appointment, Marcus said “I would like to extend my thanks to Paul for his hard work and dedication during his five year term. I am honoured to succeed him in this role and accept the position as Head of Chambers of such a prestigious and forward-thinking set”. Both Marcus and Paul remain in full time practice at the Bar.

In other news, members are delighted that Tom Coulson and Harry Smith have accepted offers of tenancy. Tom and Harry excelled during the pupillage process and are developing broad practices in line with Chambers’ specialisms. We have also recently welcomed Emma Healiss, Chris Johnson and Louis Zvesper as new pupils this academic year. They will work under the supervision of their respective pupil supervisors throughout their 12-month pupillages.

In addition, we welcome two new members of staff Holly Gavaghan and Marie Sparkes. Holly joins Keating in a newly-created role as Business Development Director, having most recently held the position of Chambers Director at Landmark Chambers, and Marie joins from 20 Essex Street as our Marketing & Events Manager. Holly brings with her a wealth of experience in the legal market and will work closely with CEO, Declan Redmond, and the clerking and marketing teams in steering the strategic development of Chambers. Speaking about her new role, Holly said “I am delighted to join the team at Keating and look forward to building on the existing global reputation of the set and it’s members.” We are also thrilled to announce the promotion of Ted Paterson to Senior Practice Manager. Ted has been clerking at Keating for the last 3 years, and is a well-liked and respected member of the team. Ted takes over from Chris Sunderland in leading the management and development of the senior Queen’s Counsel’s practices. Following 18 years of clerking for us, we are very sorry to lose Chris, but we wish him all the best in his new role at Crown Office Chambers.

Commenting on the recent developments, Declan said: “It is an exciting time of change in Chambers as we continue to evolve to meet the needs of the market. Holly’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to providing clients with a first-class service.”