John is Chambers' Director of Clerking.
He has overall responsibility for Chambers' clerking team, working closely with the Senior Clerks, Robert Penson and Luke Irons, and has overall responsibility for business development and the commercial strategy of Chambers.
John started his career as a junior clerk at Atkin Chambers in 1990. He moved to Maitland in November 2005 and has been Chambers' Senior Clerk since September 2006. He commenced his current role of Director of Clerking in December 2024.
He continues to work closely with both Senior Clerks in relation to all clerking matters, with a particular focus on direction and strategy od Chambers, but also managing members' practices and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality service to Chambers' clients both domestically and internationally. He has an in-depth knowledge of each member’s practice and is therefore able to advise clients on their choice of Counsel as well as discuss fees.
John also has responsibility for Chambers' business development and the commercial strategy of Chambers.
John is a fully qualified member of the Institute of Barristers Clerks and served on its management committee, and on its executive committee for many years. He has also sat on various committees within the Bar Council.
The Legal Directories have described John as follows:
“John Wiggs is exceptional - always responsive, amenable and understanding”
“John Wiggs is a legend, outstanding”
"John transcends the role of senior clerk, adding real value to client relationships and chambers as a whole".
He runs "a slick operation", is "always courteous" and "makes you feel like your needs are his primary concern".