Planning and local government Chambers 2 Mitre Court Buildings, headed by Michael FitzGerald QC, is the latest leading set to appoint a practice manager.

William Bale, a former partnership secretary with Middlesex solicitors Turberville Woodbridge, was selected from several hundred candidates.

Senior clerk Robert Woods helped draw up Bale's job description as part of the set's careful preparation to avoid any potential conflicts.

"I will be responsible for the development of the marketing strategy and involving chambers in long-term strategic planning," said Bale. "His [Woods'] role doesn't change at all."

Bale said employment with several solicitors firms during the past eight years would aid him in his new role of responding to their needs.

"The advantage is I know what they're looking for and how they work," he explained.