A few weeks ago senior clerks and practice managers attended a conference on chambers management called ‘Expansion and merger mania, will the grass be greener?’ – a rather prophetic title, given the unexpected decision a few days later of Monckton Chambers and 4-5 Gray’s Square to break off their merger.
One of the speakers at the event was Alex le Clezio, Moncktons’ chambers director. She told the gathering that there “was no magic formula” to achieving a successful merger – but you did need “a realistic business plan, culture and market match and full commitment”.
