Northern chambers announces record turnover
Northern-based Exchange Chambers has announced record turnover of £33.1m for the financial year – an increase of 7.5% on last year’s £30.8m.
The barristers’ Chambers, described as a “Northern powerhouse” by the independent legal directories, has now set its sights on further expansion in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
The set is also launching a pupillage academy with one of the largest ever annual intakes of pupils by a barristers’ Chambers.
Exchange will take on six pupils in September 2020 covering crime, commercial and common law. In recent years, Exchange Chambers has recruited 3 pupils every year.
Tom Handley, Exchange Chambers’ chief executive, said: “It has been a very positive twelve months with all our departments performing strongly. The multi-disciplinary nature of Chambers is driving high quality instructions across the board.”
Bill Braithwaite QC, Head of Exchange Chambers, said the Set was committed to breaking new ground and increasing access to the Bar for aspiring barristers.
He commented: “Chambers’ strong financial performance positions us well for future expansion.
“The launch of a pupillage academy – in effect, a national centre of excellence for aspiring barristers – marks our commitment to the future of Chambers and our confidence in the future of the Bar.
“While our pupillage academy represents a significant upfront investment, it is an investment in the future of Chambers.”
In recent years, a number of high-quality practitioners, have joined Exchange Chambers.
The size and resources of Exchange Chambers – which has 185 barristers – is one of its standout features.
As one of the largest and most well-resourced sets in England and Wales, Exchange Chambers is regularly instructed on major national cases.
An Exchange QC recently secured the acquittal of England cricketer Ben Stokes, while other recent work includes securing a multi-million-pound settlement for a Navy helicopter pilot with brain injuries, and representing the Fire Officers’ Association at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
