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We were founded in 1956 at 2 Crown Office Row. In 1995 we bought new premises at 9 Bedford Row. In 2000, we purchased larger premises at 7 Bedford Row, where we remain.

Chambers has always had a strong presence on the Midland Circuit. However, the last two decades have seen us emerge not only as a force in London but nationally, and increasingly internationally. Throughout our existence members of these chambers have appeared in many of the headline cases of the day. Examples in the last year alone include:

the “lottery rapist” case before the House of Lords (A v Hoare; H v Suffolk County Council; X & Y v London Borough of Wandsworth; C v Middlesbrough County Council and Catholic Care v Young);

the IPCC review into the shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes;

the first major terrorism trial to take place outside London (R v Altamimi);

the first case in the Family Division where the media was allowed to attend proceedings (Norfolk County Council v Webster and Ors);

and a multi-million pound money-laundering case in an offshore jurisdiction (AG of Jersey v Michel and Gallichan).

We are recognised as being one of the top 30 sets at the Bar. Collectively and individually, we are recommended by other lawyers in many of the key areas in which we practise. In 2004, Richard Latham became the first criminal barrister to receive The Lawyer’s prestigious “Barrister of the Year” Award. In 2007, we were the only common law set to be short-listed for The Lawyer’s “Chambers of the Year” Award, and the first ever to finish in the top three.

Our success has been built upon a sustained commitment to first-class advocacy and a deserved reputation for independence. These, combined with a friendly and down-to-earth approach, are the qualities that we bring to every case large or small.  While we have grown in recent years, our expansion has been mainly through internal recruitment. It is an indication of the standards we set ourselves that many of our QCs began their careers as pupils in these chambers. We have deliberately avoided evolving into a specialist set. Our clients appreciate that legal problems are sometimes not easily pigeonholed and see it as a real advantage that we offer expertise across a range of criminal and civil disciplines. We can deliver a team tailor-made to suit the requirements of a particular case.

Many former members have gone on to distinguished service in the judiciary. Currently, two of our members sit as deputy High Court Judges and 24 as Recorders in the Crown and County Courts. Others sit as arbitrators, on the Information Tribunal, on the professional conduct committee of the General Medical Council, and one as a Judge Advocate. We are actively involved in Pro Bono work and efforts to promote equality and diversity at the Bar. If you would like to know more about these initiatives please select the community link.

While we cherish our traditions of independence and professionalism, we are not afraid of change. Whether it is through purchasing our own premises, introducing the latest IT or adopting new management structures, we have been among the pioneers in modernising work and life at the Bar. In 2000, we became one of the first sets to be awarded BarMark. In 2004, we gained the Legal Services Commission’s Quality Mark award. The legal world is evolving. We are certain that our capacity to innovate means that we – barristers and clerks– will continue to give our clients the dedicated and professional service which has been our hallmark through the last five decades.