42BR Barristers > London, England > Set Profile
42BR Barristers Offices
11 Staple Inn
LONDON
WC1V 7QH
England
42BR Barristers > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Social housing Tier 2
42BR Barristers's social housing practice stands out for its 'specialist knowledge of the sector' and 'extremely knowledgeable and talented counsel'. Newly appointed silk Iris Ferber KC is 'a tenacious advocate' with 'a deep understanding of disrepair matters'; she is acting for the claimants in an ongoing disrepair claim brought against a private landlord concerning a private groundwater supply, which was contaminated with Legionella bacteria, being provided to the tenants at the property. At the junior end of chambers, Desmond Kilcoyne 'demonstrates a strong command of his practice area, which enables him to provide accurate advice' and is sought after by social housing providers, and the 'first-class advocate' Naomi Hawkes has expertise in anti-social behaviour claims, homelessness matters and cases involving intersection with human rights issues. Mathew McDermott is 'very good on his feet in court' and has a strong track record in acting in judicial reviews concerning local authorities’ homelessness duties.2023 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Steve Sheridan is a brilliant team leader. He is always prompt and efficient at resolving issues.’
‘A great set.’
‘A strong set.’
‘Great availability of counsel.’
‘The clerks are all extremely efficient.’
‘The clerks are all very helpful.’
‘The clerks at 42BR are always extremely professional, polite and helpful.’
London Bar > Employment Tier 3
42BR Barristers is ‘an excellent set with a strong employment team‘. The team reports an increase in instructions concerning disability discrimination claims, and has also been kept busy handling whistleblowing cases, which is a key area of strength for the ‘pragmatic‘ Jude Shepherd. The ‘very personable‘ Michael Salter is instructed by individuals, local authorities, public sector employers and trade unions in a wide range of employment matters, including TUPE issues and unfair dismissal cases. In recent work, the ‘diligent‘ Catherine Urquhart successfully defended Transport for London in a case involving multiple discrimination claims, including on the grounds of disability, race and pregnancy. The senior end of the group was recently bolstered by the elevation of Iris Ferber KC to silk in March 2023.2023 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Excellent set with a very good employment offering.’
‘The set has a good reputation in employment law with a significant number of well-respected practitioners.’
‘They have good strength in depth.’
‘The barristers are knowledgeable, approachable and reliable.’
‘An excellent set which is very efficient, friendly and easy to deal with.’
‘Clerking team are all very helpful and efficient. Steve Sheridan is excellent.’
‘Steve Sheridan is prompt, approachable and makes sensible suggestions. He deals with any issues sensitively and pragmatically.’
‘Steve Sheridan is outstanding – always helpful and quick to reply to enquiries.’
London Bar > Family: children and domestic abuse Tier 3
42BR Barristers is ‘a fantastic set with several experienced counsel, who cover a wide range of family work’. ‘Robust advocate’ Tina Cook KC handles children matters related to both public and private law with specific expertise in challenging sexual abuse cases. Damian Woodward-Carlton KC is known for providing ‘pragmatic and result-focused advice’ and represented Hertfordshire CC in H-W (Children), a case dealing with the proper approach of courts for removal of children from families. Katie Phillips garners praise for her ‘excellent writing’ and specialises in cases involving serious physical abuse of children. Ann Osborne joined the team in September 2023 - a ‘very impressive advocate’, her practice focuses on representing parents and local authorities.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘The clerks always go above and beyond to make counsel available as needed wherever possible and will endeavour to provide continuity. The clerks are approachable and accessible, good-humoured and helpful. James Tidnam and Luke Goodman, in particular, are always willing to assist, no matter the urgency or time of day.’
‘The clerks at 42 Bedford Row are superb. James Tidnam is the very best. He is very responsive, diligent and organised. He and the team are very approachable. Luke Goodman is also excellent, as is Daragh Henderson.’
’42 Bedford Row is a fantastic set. The barristers are knowledgeable, strong advocates and readily available to assist as required.’
’42 Bedford Row is a very strong set with a great spread of counsel at all levels, with a huge knowledge base available.’
’42 Bedford Row has an excellent group of public law practitioners. The breadth of experience and knowledge of chambers is difficult to beat.’
Work highlights
South Eastern Circuit > Family: children and domestic violence
Rising stars
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud
Personal injury - Leading Juniors
London Bar > Clinical negligence
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Inquests and inquiries
London Bar > Property litigation
Leading Juniors
42BR Barristers > Set Profile
42BR Barristers is one of the leading multi-disciplinary sets of chambers with 120 members specialising across the spectrum of civil and family law. The set is instructed across England and Wales and internationally on both complex and sensitive matters requiring the highest levels of skill, and on relatively more straightforward matters that require very efficient resolution.
The set: 42BR Barristers represents a group of 120 barristers who work for law firms, corporate clients, local authorities, public institutions and private individuals. It has well-established practice groups in family, business and property, employment, housing, personal injury and clinical negligence, with increasing strength and depth in every field year on year. Further specialist teams have now been developed in the fields of coronial law, Court of Protection, animal welfare, disciplinary and professional regulatory matters. Building such a breadth of expertise under one roof has proved to be a compelling proposition for clients of all types.
42BR Barristers is well-known for the quality of its advice and advocacy and for its high levels of client service and it is especially proud of the fact that it works for clients from all parts of the UK and internationally. On any given day, members will be working for clients in courts and tribunals across England and Wales and in countries across the world.
Types of work undertaken: Members are organised into specialist practice areas that share expertise with each other and organise workshops for clients. With 120 members the set is particularly known for its family work (child protection and growing financial remedy work); clinical negligence and personal injury; employment and rapidly growing business and property, housing, inquest, animal welfare and professional regulatory and disciplinary practices. Many barristers accept direct public access work.
20 members are listed individually as leaders in their fields in Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. Past members include Rose LJ, Janet Smith LJ, Leveson LJ, David Clarke J and Caroline Swift J.
In the last year 42BR Barristers has maintained or won places on over 20 client panels, often for multiple practice areas. The set continues to be a strong destination for barristers coming from other chambers looking to develop their careers and join a progressive, commercially managed set with a very strong client focus.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Chambers Director | Vincent Denham | vincent.denham@42br.com | 020 7831 0222 |
Director of Clerking | Steve Sheridan | steves@42br.com | 020 7831 0222 |
Senior Practice Manager | James Tidnam | jamest@42br.com | 020 7831 0222 |
Senior Practice Manager | Stuart Ritchie | stuartr@42br.com | 020 7831 0222 |
Member of Chambers | COOK KC, Tina (1988) | ||
Member of Chambers | TAYLOR KC, Gemma (1988) | ||
Member of Chambers | WOODWARD-CARLTON KC, Damian (1995) | ||
Member of Chambers | FARRINGTON KC, Gemma (1994) | ||
Member of Chambers | FERBER KC, Iris (2005) | ||
Member of Chambers | HENDERSON KC (Scot), Lisa (1995) | ||
Member of Chambers | NEWMAN, Philip (1977) | ||
Member of Chambers | LEDERMAN, Howard (1982) | ||
Member of Chambers | POTE, Andrew (1983) | ||
Member of Chambers | AZIM, Rehna (1984) | ||
Member of Chambers | FORD, Monica (1984) | ||
Member of Chambers | KING, Fawzia (1985) | ||
Member of Chambers | BENNETT, Jonathan (1985) | ||
Member of Chambers | VICKERY, Neil (1985) | ||
Member of Chambers | MAITLAND-JONES, Mark (1986) | ||
Member of Chambers | BRAITHWAITE, Garfield (1987) | ||
Member of Chambers | PHIL-EBOSIE, Sheila (1988) | ||
Member of Chambers | HALL, Jeremy (1988) | ||
Member of Chambers | CRAMSIE, Sinclair (1988) | ||
Member of Chambers | COSTER, Ronald (1989) | ||
Member of Chambers | HAUKELAND, Martin (1989) | ||
Member of Chambers | KILCOYNE, Desmond (1990) | ||
Member of Chambers | HIGGINS, Adrian (1990) | ||
Member of Chambers | TODMAN, Deborah (1991) | ||
Member of Chambers | FURNISS, Richard (1991) | ||
Member of Chambers | OTWAL, Mukhtiar (1991) | ||
Member of Chambers | WALTERS, Edmund (1991) | ||
Member of Chambers | HYDE, Marcia (1992) | ||
Member of Chambers | UDUJE, Ben (1992) | ||
Member of Chambers | BUTTIMORE, Gabriel (1993) | ||
Member of Chambers | McCORMACK, Philip (1994) | ||
Member of Chambers | HAWKES, Naomi (1994) | ||
Member of Chambers | CHAN, Susan (1994) | ||
Member of Chambers | BALDWIN, Marcus (1994) | ||
Member of Chambers | AHMAD, Aysha (1996) | ||
Member of Chambers | SHEPHERD, Jude (1996) | ||
Member of Chambers | WOODHOUSE, Nigel (1997) | ||
Member of Chambers | CREW, Gillian (1998) | ||
Member of Chambers | O'BRIEN, Niamh (1998) | ||
Member of Chambers | MANN, Christopher (1998) | ||
Member of Chambers | DAVIES, George (1998) | ||
Member of Chambers | THOMAS, Rebecca (1999) | ||
Member of Chambers | BHACHU, Sharan (1999) | ||
Member of Chambers | SALTER, Michael (1999) | ||
Member of Chambers | LITTLE, Richard (2000) | ||
Member of Chambers | GREGORY, Richard (2000) | ||
Member of Chambers | PIEARS, Angela (2001) | ||
Member of Chambers | KHAN, Arfan (2001) | ||
Member of Chambers | PHILLIPS, Katie (2002) | ||
Member of Chambers | BRAIER, Jason (2002) | ||
Member of Chambers | CHALONER, Mark (2002) | ||
Member of Chambers | WOOD, Thomas (2002) | ||
Member of Chambers | CAMERON, Robert (2003) | ||
Member of Chambers | DILLON, Anne (2003) | ||
Member of Chambers | DAVIES, Jonathan (2003) | ||
Member of Chambers | NABI, Sajjad (2003) | ||
Member of Chambers | WALKER, Maria-Amália (2003) | ||
Member of Chambers | SMITH, Siân (2003) | ||
Member of Chambers | WILLMER, Stephen (2004) | ||
Member of Chambers | THAROO, Safia (2004) | ||
Member of Chambers | CHAN, Rachel (2004) | ||
Member of Chambers | GLAISTER - YOUNG, Shelly (2004) | ||
Member of Chambers | HOLLOWAY, Orlando (2004) | ||
Member of Chambers | BUTLER, George (2004) | ||
Member of Chambers | STROUD, Amy (2004) | ||
Member of Chambers | JEPSON, Amanda (2005) | ||
Member of Chambers | VAKIL, Sarah (2006) | ||
Member of Chambers | SINGER, Nick (2006) | ||
Member of Chambers | ATKINSON, Jessica (2006) | ||
Member of Chambers | WEBBER, Ruth (2006) | ||
Member of Chambers | CLARK, Neil (2007) | ||
Member of Chambers | IRVINE, Celeste (2007) | ||
Member of Chambers | SLEE, Lydia (2007) | ||
Member of Chambers | McDERMOTT, Mathew (2008) | ||
Member of Chambers | PRYOR, Alison (2008) | ||
Member of Chambers | KOCHNARI, Kate (2008) | ||
Member of Chambers | MENDOROS, Stephanie (2008) | ||
Member of Chambers | WELCH, Tim (2009) | ||
Member of Chambers | BERTHELSEN, Eléonore (2009) | ||
Member of Chambers | HAMMOND, Sara (2009) | ||
Member of Chambers | NETTLESHIP, Helen (2009) | ||
Member of Chambers | GRANT, Michael (2009) | ||
Member of Chambers | STIMMLER, Ben (2009) | ||
Member of Chambers | GIACHARDI, Laura (2009) | ||
Member of Chambers | ARLIDGE, Heather (2009) | ||
Member of Chambers | URQUHART, Catherine (2010) | ||
Member of Chambers | ZOVIDAVI, Hamed (2010) | ||
Member of Chambers | PORTER, Jo (2010) | ||
Member of Chambers | FOSTER, Natalie (2011) | ||
Member of Chambers | MACKENZIE, Charlotte (2011) | ||
Member of Chambers | TROY, Pauline (2011) | ||
Member of Chambers | BIDNELL-EDWARDS, Nicholas (2012) | ||
Member of Chambers | PATEL, Krishma (2012) | ||
Member of Chambers | SCARBOROUGH, Christi (2012) | ||
Member of Chambers | PEARCE, Jonathan (2012) | ||
Member of Chambers | KELLEHER, Lee (2013) | ||
Member of Chambers | LIBERADZKI, Stefan (2013) | ||
Member of Chambers | AVERY, Lola-Rose (2013) | ||
Member of Chambers | SHARPE, James Arthur (2014) | ||
Member of Chambers | PHIPPS, Vondez (2014) | ||
Member of Chambers | JOLLEY, Peter (2014) | ||
Member of Chambers | WHEELER, Eleanor (2014) | ||
Member of Chambers | BARKER, Chantelle (2014) | ||
Member of Chambers | DAVIS, Samuel (2016) | ||
Member of Chambers | YOUNGS, Jennifer (2016) | ||
Member of Chambers | GORDON, Max (2016) | ||
Member of Chambers | WHITTINGTON, Louise (2016) | ||
Member of Chambers | FIREMAN, Jamie (2016) | ||
Member of Chambers | OSBORNE, Ann (2016) | ||
Member of Chambers | CARTER, Andrew (2018) | ||
Member of Chambers | HOWELLS, Catrin (2019) | ||
Member of Chambers | JUSTIVA (nee Cox), Hannah (2019) | ||
Member of Chambers | CLAXTON, Kate (2019) | ||
Member of Chambers | WINSPEAR, Robert (2019) | ||
Member of Chambers | CLUBB, Charmaine (2020) | ||
Member of Chambers | FULLER, Paul (2021) | ||
Member of Chambers | SAMURIWO, Hazel (2021) | ||
Member of Chambers | MONTGOMERY, Max (2021) | ||
Member of Chambers | ZIELINSKA, Karolina (2021) | ||
Member of Chambers | McGRATH, Zoe (2022) | ||
Member of Chambers | THOMAS, Philippa (2022) |
Barrister Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Aysha Ahmad | View Profile | ||
Mr Jonathan Bennett | Mainly public law care proceedings, but also other family and local authority… | View Profile | |
Sharan Bhachu | View Profile | ||
Nick Bidnell-Edwards | View Profile | ||
Jason Braier | View Profile | ||
Rachel Chan | View Profile | ||
Miss Susan Chan | Susan practices in employment law, public law, personal injury/clinical negligence and inquests.… | View Profile | |
Kate Claxton | Kate is a family law specialist, practising across all areas of children… | View Profile | |
Miss Tina Cook | Family law specialist with a special emphasis on children work,. Tina often… | View Profile | |
Gillian Crew | View Profile | ||
Jonathan Davies | View Profile | ||
Samuel Davis | View Profile | ||
Gemma Farrington | View Profile | ||
Miss Iris Ferber KC | Specialist in all aspects of employment law and in property law, especially… | View Profile | |
Mr Richard Furniss | Richard is a well-known specialist in medical law, and has vast experience… | View Profile | |
Mr Richard Gregory | Richard Gregory is an established personal injury and clinical negligence practitioner, with… | View Profile | |
Ms Naomi Hawkes | Naomi was called to the Bar in 1994. She has over 20… | View Profile | |
Mr Orlando Holloway | Orlando was called to the Bar in 2004. Since becoming a tenant… | View Profile | |
Marcia Hyde | View Profile | ||
Desmond Kilcoyne | View Profile | ||
Kate Kochnari | View Profile | ||
Rad Kohanzad | View Profile | ||
Richard Little | Richard is a family law specialist with a focus on children law. | View Profile | |
Philip McCormack | View Profile | ||
Mathew McDermott | View Profile | ||
Ann Osborne | Ann is a family practitioner with an emphasis on children work. She… | View Profile | |
Miss Katie Phillips | Katie is a family law specialist, practising across all areas of children… | View Profile | |
Michael Salter | View Profile | ||
Miss Jude Shepherd | View Profile | ||
Nick Singer | View Profile | ||
Amy Stroud | View Profile | ||
Miss Gemma Taylor | Gemma practises family law, primarily public law care and adoption proceedings for… | View Profile | |
Safia Tharoo | View Profile | ||
Rebecca Thomas | View Profile | ||
Benjamin Uduje | View Profile | ||
Catherine Urquhart | View Profile | ||
Tim Welch | View Profile | ||
Eleanor Wheeler | View Profile | ||
Thomas Wood | View Profile | ||
Mr Damian Woodward-Carlton | Damian is a family practitioner, appearing in the Family Court (High Court,… | View Profile |
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Alison Harbour
COMPANY/FIRM: GoodLaw Solicitors
TESTIMONIAL: I have always valued the quality of the members of chambers and high level of commitment and competence they bring to every case. The clerks are consistently helpful and have got me out of a tight corner many times when I have had instructions for a short notice hearing. I genuinely value everything that 42br has to offer. My job would be a lot harder without them.
CLIENT: Heather Davies
COMPANY/FIRM: Wilson Browne Solicitors
TESTIMONIAL: Communication is one of the key factors for me in choosing counsel and dealing with chambers and I have been very pleased with both. The counsel I have dealt with have been responsive and available both before the hearing and afterwards with prompt liaison and updates. I have instructed on some cases with complex issues and challenges which have been very well managed by the counsel I have used.
CLIENT: Peter Harris & Caron Theobalds
COMPANY/FIRM: Harris Temperley LLP
TESTIMONIAL: Across the board from Juniors to Silks we have never been disappointed and very much rate the high standard of sensitive, fair and expert advocacy received. The barristers at 42 Bedford Row are not afraid to provide realistic advice to the clients or indeed to those instructing them.
CLIENT: Rachel Carter
COMPANY/FIRM: Wollens
TESTIMONIAL: We use various counsel, from QC to junior, in very complex care proceedings involving non-accidental injury or FII. Those that we instruct have a sound medical knowledge and great legal expertise. The clerking team, James, in particular, are immensely helpful and go above and beyond to assist (for example if counsel is not available for a hearing, they will actively seek cover).
CLIENT: Keeley Lengthorn
COMPANY/FIRM: Taylor Rose MW
TESTIMONIAL: I have instructed members of 42BR for approximately 8 years, having first instructed them when I joined MW Solicitors. They came highly recommended to me then and have not failed to disappoint me since. The reason why I continue to instruct 42BR is mostly because of the powerful expertise displayed by all members I instruct
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Nina Franklin
COMPANY/FIRM: Lambeth
TESTIMONIAL: “ I have been utilising the services of 42 Bedford Chambers for many years now and can say without a doubt that they are one of the most professional sets that I have the privilege of working with. The clerks that I have dealt with over the years are always very attentive and organised and respond to requests for counsels availability without haste. If issues arise, the clerks always use their best endeavours to ascertain a resolution for all parties. In terms of the barristers that I have instructed, what can I say, from the long standing members to the newer members that have come on board I have been extremely impressed with the level of advice, drafting, the high quality representation at court hearings and the general availability should a query arise on a particular case. “
CLIENT: Lisa Cazzato
COMPANY/FIRM: Praddow Mackay
TESTIMONAL: “I have dealt with 42 Bedford Row for many years now. They are always my first port of call, for their exemplary choice of Counsel on all civil matters, expertise, availability, and second to none, clerking team who always go above and beyond.”
CLIENT: Jessica Pedersen & Chloe Themistocleous
COMPANY/FIRM: Eversheds Sutherland
TESTIMONIAL:
Jessica: “Clerks are very responsive to queries and are always willing to be pragmatic and commercial. There is always a good selection of barristers available and the clerks know and understand which barrister is best suited to specific issues. Fee notes are always sent promptly and clerks are always available to discuss specific requirements regarding fees.
Chloe: 42BR are my ‘go to’ chambers. Not only do they have an excellent range of highly skilled counsel that are competitively priced, chambers infrastructure is outstanding. The clerking team are responsive and creative. Nothing is ever too much for them. They work tirelessly to provide excellent client service around the clock. Everybody at 42BR is
personably and hard working. I would not hesitate in recommending the set to other colleagues and regularly do. I imagine I will continue to use 42BR for many years to come.
CLIENT: Laura Meers & Jacqui McGuirk
COMPANY/FIRM: Birkett Long
TESTIMONIAL:
Laura: 42 Bedford Row are an excellent set of chambers who I use regularly and without hesitation due to the excellent service provided. The clerks are always quick to answer the phone and are friendly, knowledgeable and approachable. The clerks always revert back to me quickly with fee estimates and go above and beyond what is expected of them. The members are equally as helpful and are always willing to assist with queries and give practical and insightful advice. All of the members I have worked with are approachable and the level of work produced is always to a high standard, which is an excellent combination for not only me but my clients.
Jacqui: 42 Bedford Row are simply fantastic, counsel are all efficient, experienced and provide a high level of service. The clerking team are always on hand to assist and are brilliant at what they do. I would not hesitate to recommend the set, they offer practical advice and are solutions focused.
CLIENT: Ian Dexter
COMPANY/FIRM: Bike Lawyer
TESTIMONIAL: “This set of chambers is extremely effective and offers a first-rate service. The approachable clerks are always on hand to assist with choosing appropriate counsel for any brief and can be depended on to go above and beyond in cases where counsel is required at short notice.”
CLIENT: Siobhan Vegh
COMPANY/FIRM: Cordell & Cordell
TESTIMONIAL: One of the most important factors for me in selecting a Counsel to represent my clients is working with a Chambers and Counsel who take pride in the service they provide both to instructing solicitors and their client. Both the clerking team and the Counsel who have worked on a number of my matters are approachable, dedicated and go the extra mile in ensuring we receive the best possible outcome for the client. Many thanks 42BR!
CLIENT: Natalie Friday
COMPANY/FIRM: London Family Solicitor
TESTIMONIAL: 42 Bedford Row are a ‘go to’ set offering large range of expertise in family law matters This is a friendly and down to earth set, with a very efficient team of clerks and some aspiring young juniors. This chambers has provided us with an excellent service over the years, going out of their way to accommodate our every request and we would highly recommend them.
CLIENT: Tony McGovern
COMPANY/FIRM: Creighton & Partners
TESTIMONIAL: Communication is one of the key factors for me in choosing counsel and dealing with chambers and I have been very pleased with both. The counsel I have dealt with have been responsive and available both before the hearing and afterwards with prompt liaison. Counsel is responsive to the clients instructions and listen and provide advice accordingly. The clerks team is excellent, they know who my clients like to instruct and will try their best to ensure counsel is available. It is also a pleasure working with 42BR.
CLIENT: Yadevinder Hothi
COMPANY/FIRM: Kingfields
TESTIMONIAL: 42 Bedford Row is a top notch set. It has a wide range of Counsel, from pupil to silk, ensuring that client needs can be suitably met. I have used 42BR extensively for business, property, and housing cases for some 20 years and it is my first port of call for such matters. The quality of Counsel is high and rarely have I been disappointed as to availability or ability. The clerking service is second to none. The clerks are approachable, friendly, accommodating, and very efficient. 42 BR is an all-round excellent Chambers.
CLIENT: Elena Cooper
COMPANY/FIRM: Squire Patton Boggs
TESTIMONIAL: “42 Bedford Row are a proactive, commercially focussed, and highly responsive set of Chambers. The calibre of barristers is second to none with the expert knowledge you expect, but also a focus on client-care and providing a service which goes the extra mile. We work seamlessly with 42 BR. Clerk support and assistance is second to none. You are in more than safe hands with 42BR”.
CLIENT: Dan Fawcett
COMPANY/FIRM: Womble Bond Dickinson
TESTIMONIAL: 42 Bedford Row are a solid set with a number of excellent and user-friendly barristers, although we know their juniors less well than more senior members of the team. The barristers we instruct regularly work well with lay clients and witnesses, as well as the instructing team, and are good at taking into account the client’s wider commercial context in their work. The set also provide great value for money…”
The clerking team provide a responsive and efficient service.
CLIENT: Marcus Chapman
COMPANY/FIRM: Associate and Lead of the Dispute Resolution Team at Rudlings LLP
TESTIMONIAL:
“You would find it difficult to surpass the clerking and support team at 42 Bedford Row Chambers.
From the Practice Director to the most junior clerk 42 offer a bespoke, fast and efficient service to accommodate instructing Solicitors and their client.
The most contact I have is with the Practice Managers and they will do their utmost to provide you with the most suitable member of chambers and introducing new and junior members who may fit the bill in terms of their skill set and costs.
I have been using chambers and their team since the early 1990’s in their former guise of 22 Old Buildings and often see no need to go anywhere else for my clients”.
CLIENT: Alison Harbour
COMPANY/FIRM: GoodLaws
TESTIMONIAL: I have instructed counsel from 42BR for many years .The clerking team is excellent . The nature of public law work in particular is that hearings are often listed at very short notice when emergencies arise . The clerking team is always responsive both swiftly and professionally . They have often saved the day by securing experienced counsel suited to the frequently complex nature of these cases.
This is stressful work but I know I can rely on this set and it’s clerking team
“42 Bedford Row has an excellent choice of counsel, making it a preferred choice of Chambers. Everyone I have dealt with at 42 Bedford Row has been professional and very responsive. The members of the team I have worked with have always demonstrated strong technical ability and clients are complimentary of counsel and the support they provide during hearings. For these reasons, I am always happy to recommend 42 Bedford Row to colleagues”
“I have used 42 BR chambers for many years and have instructed numerous different members (juniors) on hundreds of occasions. The clerks are polite, helpful, prompt, efficient and flexible in all that they do. In short, exactly what any solicitor would want. Members adopt the same approach and are always at hand for any impromptu discussion, administering quality advice in an unfussy, uncomplicated and practical manner. I am therefore confident in being able to heartily recommend them to anyone.”
Diversity
Out of our 140 workforce:
- 47% are female.
- 48% are from a non-white British heritage.
- 7% have a disability.
- 4% are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
- 58% attended a UK State School.
- 55% are the primary carer for a child under the age of 18. 42BR have policies in place to ensure carers are equipped to work from home to facilitate childcare arrangements, as well as having a maternity policy in place.
- 80% of our QC’s are female.
- 42BR have one female Head of Chambers, and one male Head of Chambers.
*This data was collected in December 2020 via questionnaire. “Workforce” includes self-employed barristers, pupils and employed staff. The questionnaire return rate for this data was 62%. The results reflect only those who responded. As such, they may not accurately reflect the make-up of chambers as a whole. Some of those who responded to the survey either did not answer all the questions or did not give their permission for their data to be processed or published.
42BR is committed to ensuring that no-one within Chambers, whether a barrister, member of staff, client, contactor, pupil, mini-pupil or student, receives less favourable treatment (directly or indirectly) on the grounds of age, gender reassignment, marital status or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.
42BR, is a diverse and forward-thinking Chambers. Two of our members were recently chosen by the Bar Council to be Social Mobility Advocates in their I Am The Bar campaign. We also have a member who is a Mentor for Bridging the Bar.
We have several initiatives, outlined below, which ensure everyone has the same opportunities to access the Bar.
42BR’s Schools Outreach Programme is grounded in our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. The aim of the programme is to provide access to information about becoming a barrister to those from under-represented or ‘non-traditional’ backgrounds, specifically those from non-fee-paying schools.
Similarly, 42BR offers a University Outreach Programme which works in a similar way to the Schools Outreach Programme, outlined above, but for university students.
42BR is proud to support the Bar Council’s “10,000 Black Interns” initiative, in which we offer an internship to a student of Black African, Black Caribbean, and/or Black British heritage, including those of mixed Black ancestry.
42BR also runs a funded internship scheme to engage those from minority backgrounds, who have completed Bar school, but are yet to obtain pupillage. The purpose behind the programme is to enable interns from minority groups to improve their prospects of beginning a career at the Bar through educational and career development opportunities. An Internship Committee ensures the fair recruitment of interns and ongoing support during their time in Chambers.
42BR offers 8 mini pupillages per calendar month. The selection panel comprises of two members of Chambers, both of whom have undergone equality and diversity training.
Our commitment to pro-bono work has increased significantly over the last year; many members are active supporters of Advocate and we are viewed as a core resource by them. One of our junior members sits on Advocate’s Young Bar Executive Committee.
As part of our on-going support of our more junior members, 42BR has a mentoring scheme in which members below 5 years call are paired with more experienced members. The scheme is designed to facilitate conversation between mentor and mentee to promote well-being, mental health and personal and career growth in Chambers.
We are also in the process of setting up a mentoring scheme in which all members are offered general support, including guidance when returning from parental leave, sick leave, assistance with applications for judicial appointments or any other concerns.