As 2025 draws to a close, we have taken time to reflect on a year that has been both remarkable and unprecedented for Chambers. It has been a year of national recognition, sustained growth and continued investment in our people, alongside moments that have prompted quieter reflection.
Above all, it has been a year that speaks to the strength of Chambers and the quality of the work we have accomplished.
National Recognition and Awards
November marked a defining moment for Chambers, with two major honours secured on the national stage. We were named Chambers of the Year at the British Legal Awards and Regional Set of the Year at the Chambers UK Bar Awards. These accolades place us firmly among the leading sets in the country. They are a shared achievement, reflecting the collective effort of our barristers, clerks and staff.
Directory Rankings
Our work was again positively reflected in the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories, where we were named ‘Top Ranked’ and ‘Top Tier’ respectively. These rankings are based on feedback from solicitors and peers and continue to recognise the strength and range of expertise available across Chambers.
High Profile Cases
Our members have delivered exceptional advocacy across a diverse range of courts, from local tribunals to the International Criminal Court. Highlights include:
- Crime: Peter Haynes KC instructed in one of the world’s most significant international cases in recent times before the ICC – the defence of Joseph Kony – described for some time as “the most wanted man in the world”.
- Business & Property: Michelle Caney secured a £1.1m award in an unlawful eviction claim, upheld at appeal and under national media scrutiny (Scalora v Clarion Housing Association Ltd [2024] EWHC 1414).
- Employment: Elizabeth Hodgetts successfully defended the Ministry of Defence in a high-profile race discrimination claim (Stanley-Idum v MoD), achieving full dismissal.
- Family: William Horwood and Lauren Starmer acted pro bono in a complex international removal case, setting new jurisdictional ground (CX [2025] EWFC 27).
Developing Senior Practice
This year saw further growth at Silk level through both a strategic lateral appointment and internal progression. Denise Breen-Lawton KC joined Chambers, bringing with her a well-established and highly regarded practice that adds depth and experience at senior level.
Alongside this, Jennifer Josephs KC and Tom Walkling KC took Silk following stellar junior practices developed within Chambers. Their elevation is a particular source of pride and reflects the strength of the environment, support and continuity that enable senior practices to develop and flourish here.
Developing and Supporting Our People
Investment in the next generation has remained a priority. In October, we welcomed five new pupils who commenced specialist pupillages. This followed all six pupils from the previous year accepting tenancy.
Alongside this, we expanded our clerking, finance and marketing teams and welcomed Narinder Kudhail as Compliance and Inclusion and Diversity Officer. These appointments strengthen the infrastructure that underpins our work and support a Chambers that continues to grow in both scale and ambition.
In March, Joe Wilson made history by becoming the first regional clerk in the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks’ 103-year history to be appointed to the Vice-Chair position.
Giving Back
Access to justice remains a core Chambers value with work undertaken for Advocate, BCLIPS, ELIPS and various law clinics.
- Six members recognised in the Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales
- Chambers-wide delivery of training workshops during Pro Bono Week
- Every pupil completed Advocate’s “Pro Bono Pupil Pledge”
- Active signatory to the Chambers Pro Bono Framework
Beyond our legal work, Chambers has remained active and outward-looking. Our CEO and a team of six barristers undertook a demanding 100km trek across the Sahara Desert in support of Carter the Brave and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Not content to stop there, another group completed the Edale Skyline Route for the same cause. These efforts reflect the generosity, resilience and spirit that sit at the heart of Chambers’ life.
In Remembrance
Amid the successes of the year, we have also taken time to reflect on losses that have been deeply felt. The passing of our colleague Amrisha Parathalingam in September was devastating. We were also saddened to learn of the deaths of former members Lord Justice William Davis and Sir Stephen Brown. Each made a lasting contribution to the profession and to Chambers, and each is remembered with great respect and affection.
Looking Ahead
We move into 2026 with confidence and a clear sense of direction. The coming year will see significant investment in Chambers, including a full refurbishment and modernisation of our own building. This work is intended to create first-class accommodation for barristers and staff alike, designed around the needs of modern practice.
Alongside this, we will continue to invest in our people and in the way we work. Development, training and the thoughtful use of legal technology will remain central, ensuring we are well placed to meet the evolving needs of those we represent and those who instruct us.
Our focus remains unchanged. We are committed to delivering careful, high-quality advice and advocacy, underpinned by professionalism, integrity and sound judgment.
Thank you to the instructing solicitors, clients and partners who have worked with us throughout 2025. We value those relationships and look forward to continuing them in the year ahead.
