Family law set St. Mary’s names new Joint Heads of Chambers

Family law chambers St. Mary’s has named Claire Howell and Gareth Jacques as Joint Heads of Chambers, with the pair taking up their new positions from 17 June 2023.

Howell and Jacques have succeeded Vickie Hodges and Judy Claxton, who have been leading St. Mary’s together since 2016.

Howell has been a member of St. Mary’s since October 2019 and practices exclusively in Public Law. She was appointed a Deputy District Judge in September 2021 and a Recorder sitting in Family Law in May 2023.

Jacques meanwhile has been a member of St. Mary’s since December 2013 and practices exclusively in Financial Remedies. He qualified as an Arbitrator (Financial Scheme) in September 2021 and sits as a Private FDR evaluator.

The new Joint Heads will be assisted by Andrew Wren, who has been elected Treasurer, Clare Coles who remains Deputy Head of Chambers, and all of the Management Committee.

Commenting on their appointment, Scott Baldwin CEO, said: “In my role I work closely with the Heads of Chambers, and we have been through some very challenging but rewarding times. In the early days of the pandemic, we probably spent more time communicating with each other than we did of our own families. It is impossible to work that closely and not to create a strong bond, I am therefore very sad that our time together has ended. I am however looking forward to working with our new Heads of Chambers in the coming years, and facing together the challenges and triumphs to come. ”

The set expressed its “considerable thanks” to Hodges and Claxton, the outgoing Heads of Chambers. “This was a period in which we faced huge changes, but under their supervision we saw continuous growth, and considerable success. Claire and Gareth are looking forward to building on their work and are keen to explore new opportunities for St. Mary's in the coming years.”