Varuna Askoolum

  • The clerks stand out because they are on top of things, are helpful and respond straight away.

    Chambers UK 2025

  • The clerks are all extremely friendly, always welcoming and want to be helpful. 

    Chambers UK 2025

  • The clerks are always ready to assist and really seem to listen to what is required. They are always open to discuss any particular concerns or requirements. 

    Legal 500 2025

  • The clerk’s room know each other well with a number of people returning having gained more experience elsewhere. A true sign you are doing something right.

    Legal 500 2025

  • The clerks are brilliant.

    Chambers UK 2024

  • One of the best criminal clerks’ room at the bar.

    Legal 500 2024

  • The clerks’ room provides a very efficient service to clients and is a modern working environment.

    Legal 500 2024

  • The administration of the clerking team is superb and they are always on hand to please.

    Chambers UK 2024

  • The clerks room is very well run and highly efficient. It has received awards for the quality of service, and the staff at all levels show real commitment to their work.

    Legal 500 2024

  • The clerks room at 25 is staffed by willing and enthusiastic people with a can-do attitude. It is a pleasure to work with them.

    Legal 500 2024

  • The clerks’ room at 25 Bedford Row is extremely organised and efficient. It is forward thinking and does its best to keep solicitors informed in relation to any potential problems that arise in cases.

    Legal 500 2024

  • Outstanding – the best criminal defence chambers in the UK.

  • Legal 500 2023

  • 25 Bedford Row is a set that understands the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with those who instruct it.

  • Legal 500 2023

  • The barristers are strong from top to bottom. It deserves its reputation as one of the very top sets in criminal law.

    Legal 500 2023

  • The clerks' room is the backbone of chambers. They are without doubt second-to-none. They never let you down ... I would be lost without them.

    Legal 500

  • The clerks offer an excellent service and when issues do arise the contact is timely and realistic with a solution to the problem already on hand. Very impressive clerking team.

    Legal 500

  • All of the clerks go out of their way to ensure that instructing chambers is smooth and goes without issue. 

  • Legal 500

  • The ‘out of hours service’ provided is also exceptional and a member of the clerking teams can be contacted 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

    Legal 500

  • The clerks are completely on the ball. They simply understand what a solicitor wants from a set of chambers. They guarantee exceptional service in terms of the Counsel that they are able to offer, and the service that they, as a Chambers, should offer over and above that. 

    Legal 500

  • The clerks are professional and reliable.

  • Chambers UK

  • The quality of clerking is held by some to be “second to none” amongst criminal sets.

    Chambers UK

  • They offer a combination of good clerking and good counsel.

    Chambers UK

  • Immediately approachable, and always very accommodating.

    Chambers UK

  • They attract further plaudits for their reliability and efficiency, and for "bringing order to what otherwise could be a chaotic existence".

    Chambers UK

  • When they deal with instructing solicitors, it's with respect.

    Chambers UK

Varuna Askoolum

Administration Manager

January 2020 - Present: 25 Bedford Row, Administration Manager
August 2013 - January 2020: 6KBW College Hill, Chambers' Manager

Prior to starting her career in chambers administration, Varuna studied Law at King's College London and worked at the Government Legal Department.

Varuna has overall responsibility for the efficient and effective running of the administration of Chambers. Her role includes overseeing financial operations, regulatory compliance, Chambers' infrastructure and premises, human resources and personnel.

Varuna is a member of the Legal Practice Management Association, the Institute of Barristers' Clerks and Women in Criminal Law (WICL). 

Outside of work, Varuna enjoys baking, spending time with her family and friends and likes to keep fit by attending Zumba classes.

25BR is one of the best leading criminal sets. They have a wealth of very good and experienced barristers.

Legal 500