Derek Jenkins, Chief Executive of St John’s Chambers in Bristol is retiring after 13 years in the role. He came from London to Bristol in 2009, having spent 29 years in the Temple, latterly as senior clerk and as Business Development Director at Outer Temple Chambers. He brought to St John’s Chambers his considerable experience of marketing in the legal sector which led to significant growth in Chambers, which is now Band 1 ranked in all of its core practice areas, and has this year been nominated for ‘Set of the Year’ (outside of London) – 2022 (Legal 500), and ‘Regional Set of the Year’ (Chambers UK).
Derek’s skills in financial management and staff development were hugely important contributors to the development of Chambers. Derek committed himself wholeheartedly to St John’s and led us through the uncertain times of Covid with a steady hand. We will miss his wit, wisdom and friendship.
Derek formally retires on 30th September 2022. Whilst recruitment of his successor is well underway, Derek has agreed to provide ongoing support to St John’s as a consultant for a period, as the recruitment process reaches its conclusion, and we remain grateful for his unstinting service. So we wish him a very happy retirement, but not quite yet!