Blackstone restructures as it expands into new space

Blackstone Chambers has undertaken a shake-up of its management structure as the set completes its building expansion.

Practice manager Julia Hornor is to become Blackstone's first chambers director - a newly created role to focus on marketing and strategic development.

Hornor will be assisted by former deputy editor of The Lawyer Mat Swallow, who rejoins chambers in the new post of deputy chambers director. In addition, Mike Couser has been promoted to deputy senior clerk and will work closely with senior clerk Gary Oliver.

The building expansion sees chambers take over part of 2 Garden Court Chambers.

Blackstone joint head of chambers Ian Mill QC said the set's standard of client service "will be further enhanced by our impressive new accommodation and our strong and dynamic management team".

The management overhaul comes almost eight months after The Lawyer (26 November 2007) revealed that former senior clerk Martin Smith resigned.