James is Deputy Senior Clerk and began his career as a Barristers' Clerk in 1997. He started his career at the Chambers of Nicholas Valios QC (then at Francis Taylor Building) before his move to 2 Harcourt Buildings (Chambers of G Ryan QC), now at Francis Taylor Building.
James is responsible for building client relationships and business development, fixing hearings in various Courts and Public Inquiries, fee negotiations and strategic practice development for members and with more than 20 years’ experience in clerking, he understands the importance of matching clients to the most appropriate representation.
James is a member of the Legal Practice Management Association and also a member of the Institute of Barristers' Clerks (IBC).
James has a reputation for being able to meet the ever increasing demands of modern day clerking with particular efficiency in an approachable and friendly manner.
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"The clerks are very professional. James Kemp and Harry Killick always polite, polished and responsive to all enquires."
The Legal 500, 2025"All the clerks are excellent. Paul Coveney runs a tight ship. James Kemp is always helpful and goes the extra mile. More junior clerks, like Molly Dumbleton, are helpful and efficient."
The Legal 500, 2025"Paul Coveney, Andrew Britton and James Kemp stand out. They understand their barristers' practice areas and take the time to get to know instructing solicitors."
The Legal 500, 2025"The clerks are very helpful particularly James Kemp and Molly Dumbelton."
The Legal 500, 2025"James Kemp is excellent as deputy senior clerk." "James Kemp is excellent." "James Kemp is extremely responsive and helpful."
Legal 500, 2024"Clerks are very approachable and helpful. Great client service and knowledge of the sector from Paul Coveney and James Kemp in particular."
Legal 500, 2024"The clerks team is very strong, and the set are always a pleasure to deal with. In particular they are very good at liaising with the courts and other sets to help get hearings listed etc. My dealings are mostly with Andrew Briton but special mentions also for James Kemp and Harry Killick."
Legal 500, 2024"The clerks are very good – reliable and communicative – especially James Kemp the deputy senior clerk. The facilities at FTB are excellent."
Legal 500, 2022"I know James Kemp the best, but find all the clerks at Francis Taylor Building to be first-class and a pleasure to deal with, being both responsive and extremely helpful. The clerks are a credit to Francis Taylor Building and should be commended highly."
Legal 500, 2022"James Kemp has been incredibly reliable and very responsive throughout some incredibly stressful planning litigation."
Legal 500, 2022"The clerks are all very good. I have worked with Paul Coveney and James Kemp in particular who always provide excellent service."
Legal 500, 2022"I work with several chambers and would single out James Kemp as responsive and very easy to work with. He is always one step ahead of the project needs. James and others are creative in the way they ensure barrister availability at the right point in a project cycle."
Legal 500, 2022