Clerking and Administration

We are committed to providing a high quality of service to our clients by our members and our clerking team. We aim to be efficient, friendly and effective. The members of our clerking team are knowledgeable, courteous and understand the needs of clients and their professional advisors. They will help identify the most appropriate counsel for each client. Because members of Terra Firma Chambers frequently appear on different sides of the same dispute they also understand the need for confidentiality and will ensure that there is a proper degree of separation which will avoid any conflict of interest.

In order to check the availability of counsel, to discuss fees or any other matter telephone either 0131 260 5830, or fax 0131 225 3642. Our opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. In case of emergency, outside these hours, please call our Practice Manager on 07739 639254.

Our Practice Manager is Emma Philip. She joined us from the Murray Stable where she had been a Deputy Clerk since 2002 with a reputation for efficiency, reliability and approachability. She has accumulated considerable knowledge of civil court practice over the years.

Having extensive experience of responding to enquires regarding counsel and identifying appropriate advocates to meet the requirements of users, Emma understands the critical importance of this need. She is also experienced in negotiating fees and welcomes enquiries about fees.

She has built many positive and productive relationships with users of counsel over the years and looks forward to continuing and developing this over the years to come.

Andrew Veitch joined Terra Firma as a Deputy Clerk in September 2008. He has a 2:1 in Philosophy from the University of Glasgow and was previously employed by Miller & Bryce. Andrew has travelled extensively and with his skills, experience and personable nature he makes a valuable addition to the clerking team.

Lesley Irvine joined us as a Deputy Clerk in January 2008. She has come to clerking with a first class law degree, time in postgraduate study and part-time teaching of law. She has also worked for the National Trust for Scotland. Building on her legal knowledge and enthusiasm for the law and its practice she has gained a keen understanding of the needs of our users. Lesley is currently studying for her Diploma in Legal Practice at Edinburgh University, while continuing to work at Terra Firma on Mondays and Fridays.