James Ladbrook
Portrait of James Ladbrook-XXIV Old Buildings

James Ladbrook

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, James is responsible for all non-clerking areas of Chambers management. He oversees and manages, along with the support of the administration team, the operational and logistical strategy of Chambers including compliance, regulation, corporate social responsibility, finance, HR, accommodation, facilities and event management. James is jointly responsible for the management of Chambers and sits on our Management Committee.

Before his promotion to COO in August 2024, James gained over two decades of experience as a clerk, including seven as Senior Practice Manager.  This dual perspective provides him with a unique and comprehensive understanding of Chambers’ operations.

Clients commented “James Ladbrook is a particular standout performer”, and that he “offers a first class problem solving service”, “goes above and beyond and is a thoroughly nice guy” (The Legal 500 UK Bar). Clients value that he “will respond quickly… and will do all he can to accommodate requests” and that he has “wonderful client service skills”.

Chambers & Partners comments “James Ladbrook is exceptional… he is commercial, easy to work with and goes out of his way to help”.  He is also described as “really efficient”, “fantastic and very responsive”.

James is a member of the Legal Practice Management Association and the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks, and has been appointed as a ‘Pro Bono Champion’ as part of a Chambers initiative to encourage not-for-profit work.