Kenworthy’s Chambers hosted a double-header evening of food, drink and celebrations for Senior Criminal Clerk Paul Mander and septuagenarian Barry Grennan.

Head of Chambers, Criminal Barrister Barry Grennan was celebrating turning 70, meanwhile, Paul Mander had just reached a milestone work anniversary: 25 years of service!

Having recovered from the festivities over the weekend, now is the perfect time to rewind and look back over some of Paul’s career highlights to date.

Paul is very popular in Chambers and is known for his wind-ups and witty one-liners, but he wasn’t always so outgoing! Chambers Administrator Sue Barlow remarked on how things have changed, recalling: “Back in the year 2000, Paul sat quietly at his desk doing the post and not really saying much.

“He has achieved so much to get where is today. He’s an outstanding Senior Clerk, an absolute pleasure to work with and a good friend. Despite initially being quiet, he has kept the team entertained over the years with his pranks and was a brilliant double act with our former Junior Criminal Clerk Tom.”

Paul made an impression on Kenworthy’s Chambers’ Practice Manager Maria Rushworth right from the start. Reminiscing about her first-ever day, she remembers being greeted by what she describes as ‘the best smile’ from a young handsome boy band look-alike! She was happy to state how she loved him on her first day and still loves him now, also noting how he is a great colleague and friend.

Sue added that “He’s always positive, calm, and professional no matter what stresses he is under. Paul Mander is a valuable asset to Chambers and respected by us all. He’s a great guy and is absolutely hilarious!

Practice Manager Maria Rushworth concurred saying: “Paul Mander has always been my right-hand man. Reliable, discreet, trustworthy. But more than anything, a really nice witty guy.

Over his 25 years of service, Paul has worked with some of the biggest names in Criminal Law. He has helped Kenworthy’s team of Criminal Barristers handle hundreds of serious cases of crime involving murder, rape, manslaughter, and conspiracy to supply drugs.

Over the years, Paul has been an ever-present at staff socials and has participated in many charity fundraising events, such as the ‘Going the Extra Mile’ challenge in which members of chambers cycled, ran, and walked a combined 500+ miles, raising £590 for Mind and The Trussell Trust.

More recently, while working as a Senior Criminal Clerk Paul has been able to provide support and guidance to the wider clerking team.

Family Clerk Daniella Howarth said: “I have had five years of his witty banter and positive personality which makes the clerks’ room a really enjoyable place to work! He is an asset to chambers and a fabulous colleague to work with.”

Paul has also made an impact on our new Employment and Criminal Clerk Greg Highton who said: “Since I have joined he’s made me feel welcome and has been great to work with because he takes everything in his stride and is always calm.”

Everyone at Kenworthy’s Chambers is grateful for Paul Mander and his 25 years of service. Thank you, Paul!