These Chambers were formed in 1975 and first operated from 17 Carlton Crescent with the objective of providing a specialist, user friendly, professional advocacy and legal service to organisations, businesses and individuals throughout Central and Southern England. Over the years the membership has grown from its initial membership of 9 to its present size of 42 (including 3 QC's) making us the largest independent set in the Wessex area. In 1995 we had our first silk appointed and then in 2000 we were one of the very first sets in the country (and the first ever in the provinces) to be accredited by BarMark and latterly by Quality Mark for our quality assurance systems, further demonstrating our commitment to providing the highest levels of service to our clients.
Since the inception of Chambers, three members have been appointed to the Circuit Bench and another has been appointed as a Chairman of Employment Tribunals. Two members have been appointed Queen's Counsel and we currently have three Recorders, two Deputy District Judges and a Deputy Chair of Employment Tribunals among our membership. Additionally, within our specialist teams, three members have been appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown (Provincial Civil List) and a further six have had their expertise in the criminal field recognised by their appointment to the Attorney Generals list of approved prosecuting advocates.
Objectives
Our underlying approach is to offer genuine expertise at each level of call, both individually and through the specialist teams so that the client receives the best and most appropriate service in as cost effective manner that is suitable to the needs of the case. We strive to make ourselves as accessible as possible, whilst actively seeking to establish constructive and open relationships with our clients. We believe that the quality of service offered by our barristers is enhanced by the flexibility of our clerking team and our willingness to implement and exploit developments in information technology. All our cases are actively monitored to ensure, as far as is possible, that continuity of counsel is maintained throughout the life of the case and that we maintain the highest quality of service at all times. Accordingly all instructions and briefs are monitored for relevant information on any dates, time limits or fees agreements. Each member of Chambers is required by our quality systems to read all instructions as soon as is practicable to ensure that all time limits are spotted and complied with. The clerks will regularly liaise with the professional client to ensure that the information noted within our system is accurate and up to date.