Practice Director and Senior Clerk Mark Bennett celebrates 40th work anniversary

Congratulations to Practice Director and Senior Clerk Mark Bennett who is celebrating his 40th work anniversary with Red Lion Chambers.

Mark first joined RLC (then based in the Temple at 5 KBW) in 1984 aged 17 years old as a Junior Clerk and was subsequently appointed First Junior in 1993. He became Senior Clerk in 2010 and Practice Director in 2012.

Since 1984, Chambers has seen remarkable growth with 52 members being appointed to Silk and 24 of these appointments taking place with Mark in the role of Senior Clerk. In 2018, a record six members were appointed to Silk in a single year. Additionally, there have been over 20 appointments to the Bench during his tenure.

Over the last 40 years, Mark has worked under 8 ‘Heads of Chambers’ including the late Antony Arlidge KC and Sir Max Hill KC. He has helped grow the set, which includes an annexe in Chelmsford, from 26 members to over 108 full-time members including 26 Silks in Chambers.

He currently oversees a clerking room, marketing and admin department of 11 and is responsible for all aspects of practice management including silk-related work.

Recent client testimonials have cited Mark Bennett as “everything you would want in a clerk”, “simply superb” and as someone who “knows the business inside out”. In 2022, he received a well-deserved nomination for the category of “Senior Clerk of the Year” at the Legal 500 Awards.

Co-Heads of Chambers Gillian Jones KC and Tom Forster KC paid tribute commenting:

“From the moment Mark joined Chambers four decades ago, his commitment and professionalism has been nothing short of remarkable. Always approachable and ever supportive, Mark has mentored countless barristers, clerks and staff fostering a culture of excellence and camaraderie. Throughout the years there have been numerous challenges and triumphs at the Bar which he has navigated with grace and resilience. His strategic vision, pragmatic approach and ability to foresee the needs of Chambers have ensured that we remain at the forefront of the legal profession. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, on behalf of everyone in Chambers, we extend our deepest congratulations and thanks to Mark for his 40 years of service.”