Nicholas Hockney

Nicholas Hockney has over 35 years’ clerking experience. He joined Serle Court in 2000 from 1 Hare Court, and has been Practice Director since 2023.

Nick advises on the full spectrum of client services. His key responsibilities include distribution of work, fee negotiation and developing the practices of members of Chambers. He has excellent relationships with the listing departments in the High Court.

In 2014, Nick was one of the first clerks to achieve the Level 5 diploma in Leadership and Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management. He is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC).

Recent client feedback includes:

• “Practice director Nick Hockney is brilliant. He is very funny and knows his business.” 
• “Practice directors Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler are both brilliant clerks with a really high level of professionalism and experience.” 
• “Nick Hockney is excellent. He is very supportive and understanding of cost pressures.” 
• “Nick Hockney and Charlie Payne are the best at what they do – offering access to the set, flexibility and responsiveness whenever required and managing with humour and charm.”  
• “Nick Hockney is the best clerk at the Bar! He is quick to respond, very commercial and helpful in ensuring clients get the right person for the job.” 
• “The clerks here are what other chambers should aspire to. Well led by Nicholas Hockney, they are responsive, commercial and really helpful.” 
• “Serle Court has great clerks, who can make magical things happen. Nick Hockney and Charlie Payne are really user-friendly and good at what they do.” 
• “Nick Hockney is outstanding…always charming and will go the extra mile for me.”

Nick has been shortlisted as Senior Clerk of the Year at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2026.