Barristers set reveals record half-year

BARRISTERS set Exchange Chambers has announced a record half year turnover of £11.8m in what it predicts will be the busiest year at the Bar for a decade.

The chambers, which has more than 120 members in Liverpool and Manchester, said it is on target to exceed last year’s turnover of £18.8m.

Tom Handley, director of chambers, said that although there had been downward pressure on fees, litigation had increased significantly over the summer and all departments had performed strongly.

He said: “With the economic outlook remaining uncertain, we expect this to continue during the second half of the financial year as companies continue to pursue losses and dispute contracts.”

He added that the set was also expecting to see an increase in fraud related instructions.

“As we enter the second half of the financial year, all the indicators are that this could be the busiest year at the Bar for a decade.”

Mr Handley added that Exchange Chambers’ expansion in recent years, particularly in Manchester, had meant it was now receiving instructions in heavyweight cases that would have gone to London a couple of years ago.

“This is a very positive development and further expansion in Manchester is very much on the agenda,” he added.

“With strength in depth across all disciplines, Chambers is in a strong position moving forward and we are excited about what we can achieve.”