Our Staff

Our Managing Clerks are contactable during normal working hours, 8.30am – 5.30pm. Outside of these hours our Chambers Director can be contacted on 07876 652758.

If you would prefer to visit in person please let us know and we will be happy to arrange a suitable time and date. They have a wealth of experience between them and are focussed on providing the very best support they can to our barristers and clients.

Walnut House is recruiting

We seek an enthusiastic and conscientious Practice Manager for our Crime Team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a career in a busy and challenging role in a highly respected barristers’ Chambers. The deadline for applications is 29th November 2024. For further information please click here.

Clerks team members

Bernard Hayward

As Practice Director, Bernard has overall responsibility of running Chambers and should always be your first point of call should you wish to discuss any management issues. Bernard took over leadership of Chambers in 2012 after having been Senior Clerk in another London common law set.

Prior to that he managed a solicitor’s firm, clerked in another top London Chambers and worked for the CPS. His 30 years, in different aspects of the business, has given him an invaluable wealth of experience. In addition, having worked in corporate hospitality for many years he also gained experience of different business models.

Bernard takes great pride in having built very strong relations with the region’s solicitors in the time he has been here and his drive is to treat all Chambers clients fairly and with professional courtesy.

bernard.hayward@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Bernard Hayward

Our Crime Team is currently being managed by our Practice Director and so all enquiries should be directed to Bernard Hayward.

clerks@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Tracey Gale

Tracey heads up both our Civil and Family Teams in Chambers. She has the responsibility of managing the commitments of both her teams and ensuring our clients are provided with the appropriate Counsel for each case.

With more than 15 years in the legal system and having joined us after her role as a listing officer for the Courts Service she has invaluable experience of how the legal framework operates and utilises her strong relations with the courts to her advantage. Tracey will be your first point of call for any initial enquiries relating to fee estimates.

tracey.gale@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Jacky Coe

Jacky has been our Accounts Manager for 11 years and knows everything there is to know about the financial running of a successful Chambers.

She works closely with Bernard and the Management Committee and will be happy to answer any queries related to Chambers Accounts.

jacky.coe@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile