Clerking & Administration Team

Friendly, reliable and efficient service.

Led by Martin Parker, Tooks Chambers has an experienced Clerking and Administration team that prides itself on providing a professional and efficient service to all its clients. Clients have consistently commented that they instruct Chambers because of the knowledge and friendliness of its staff.

Members of the team regularly meet with both existing and prospective clients, enabling Chambers to have a better understanding of the requirements of our clients.

"an admired clerking team." Chambers & Partners 2011

The clerks, led by Martin Parker, are "excellent and accommodating". Legal 500 (2011)

Further information on the services we offer, including training, can be obtained by contacting:

• Martin Parker on 020 7842 7609 or martin.parker@tooks.co.uk

Chambers opening hours are 8.30am to 6.30pm.
Our Senior Clerk, Martin, can be contacted in cases of emergency on 07850 823676.

Martin Parker

Senior Clerk

Martin joined Tooks Chambers in 1994 as 1st Junior Clerk. He was appointed Senior Clerk in 1999. Before joining Tooks Martin was the 1st Junior Clerk at Goldsmiths Buildings for 7 years. He is responsible for the development of Chambers systems and services, and the training and management of staff. Martin is a member of Chambers Management Committee.

Telephone: 020 7842 7609
Email: martin.parker@tooks.co.uk

Simon Gardner

Deputy Senior Clerk

Simon joined Tooks in 1998 having previously clerked at Garden Court Chambers. He supports the Senior Clerk, Martin, in the running of Chambers and has direct responsibility for all aspects of Chambers' civil and family practice areas. Interests include Chelsea Football Club , socialising and travel.

Telephone: 020 7842 7610
Email: simon.gardner@tooks.co.uk

Carol Thomas

Executive Clerk: Marketing Co-Ordinator & Quality Mark Representative

Carol was the Senior Clerk at 2 Garden Court Chambers from 1976 to 1989. She became Senior Clerk at Tooks in February 1993. Since July 1999 she has been the Executive Clerk at Tooks,  primarily responsible for Quality Mark and Marketing.    

Telephone: 020 7842 7611
Email: carol.thomas@tooks.co.uk

Sumaya Gilmore

Civil Clerk

Sumaya has recently joined Tooks having previously worked at other Chambers for nearly twelve years and prior to that, seven years in the Court Service. She supports the Deputy Senior Clerk, Simon in all aspects of Chambers civil practice areas. Sumaya is a member of the Board of Management for Brighton Housing Trust, www.bht.org.uk 

Telephone: 020 7842 7608
Email: sumaya.gilmore@tooks.co.uk

Alistair Roberts

Criminal Clerk

Alistair joined the clerking team at Tooks in January 2005 as Criminal Clerk. Previously Alistair spent over 10 years clerking in two other London chambers.

Telephone: 020 7842 7614
Email: alistair.roberts@tooks.co.uk

Lynsey Waugh

Family Clerk

Lynsey previously worked in two other chambers and after a short 6 months away travelling she is now looking after all aspects relating to the Family team. 

Telephone: 020 7842 7615
Email: lynsey.waugh@tooks.co.uk

Kieran McCool

Junior Criminal Clerk

Kieran clerks the Crime team at Tooks , taking new instructions and managing existing cases. He bills Magistrate, Crown Court and some Court of Appeal cases for the Crime team. Kieran has been at Tooks since 2001. He did work experience in 1998 and never looked back !

Telephone: 020 7842 7612
Email: kieran.mccool@tooks.co.uk

Carol Basulwa

Junior Civil Clerk

Carol (often referred to as Carol B) joined Chambers in 2005. She is the Junior Clerk in the Civil team and her duties include booking in briefs and instructions, helping with the processing of cheques and assisting solicitors with counsel's availability.  Carol B enjoys reading, socialising with friends, camping in the great out-doors and attending her local church, which she is actively involved in.

Telephone: 020 7842 7613
Email: carol.basulwa@tooks.co.uk

Lee Wakeling

Fees Clerk

Lee has been Tooks Fees Clerk since 1994. He chases all outstanding fees and is involved in the billing of Court of Appeal criminal cases and VHCC cases. As well as financial matters Lee deals with building maintenance and suppliers.

Telephone: 020 7842 7604
Email: lee.wakeling@tooks.co.uk

Lennox Lees

Office Services Assistant

Lennox has been part of the clerking team at Tooks since 2005. He provides general office services, outdoor clerking, and assists in the smooth running of Chambers seminars and events.  Lennox interests include socialising, tennis and cycling.   

Telephone: 020 7842 7606
Email: lennox.lees@tooks.co.uk

Sandra Joseph

Personnel & Administration

Sandra joined Tooks in 1993 having previously worked for local and West End solicitors. Sandra is responsible for Chambers book-keeping and Human Resources administration. She lives in Watford with her husband and their son Tyler. Her interests include travelling to the Caribbean, cookery and gospel singing and she has in the past directed a gospel choir at her local church.

Telephone: 020 7842 7605
Email: sandra.joseph@tooks.co.uk

Yvonne Esson

Telephonist Receptionist

Yvonne joined Tooks in November 2010. She brings with her a wide range of administrative experience gained from both the public and private sector. Yvonne runs our reception and conference rooms, deals with all Mini Pupillage and Work Experience applications, and assists in the administration of our events and seminars. Yvonne enjoys meeting people as well as socialising with family and friends.

Telephone: 020 7842 7601
Email: yvonne.esson@tooks.co.uk

Philippa Smart

Librarian

Philippa joined us as part-time Librarian in July 2008. She began her career as a probation officer in inner London and then qualified as a librarian in the 1980s. She worked for some years abstracting and indexing academic journals in the applied social sciences for the Library Association, before working in various law libraries. Outside work, Philippa enjoys her friends, and is a Reader in the Church of England; she is also an organist and plays regularly for services.

Telephone: 020 7842 7617
Email: philippa.smart@tooks.co.uk