Chambers complete merger

BARRISTERS at Manchester’s St John’s Buildings Chambers and Sheffield-based Paradise Chambers have completed their merger.

From today the enlarged chambers will be called St Johns Buildings Sheffield. The Yorkshire set is now part of  the largest barristers chambers in England and Wales, with more than 250 barristers and 70 support staff.

Headed by Michael Redfern QC St Johns Buildings also has chambers in Preston and Chester and has recently launched a Liverpool set following a merger with India Buildings earlier this year.

Michael Redfern QC commented:“St Johns Buildings is delighted to be joining with Paradise Chambers in Sheffield. This merger enhances our ability to deliver exceptional advocates to some of the country’s most high profile cases and to provide a comprehensive service to clients requiring a large number of barristers over a wide geographic area to cover block contract work.

“For the first time we will have a base on the North Eastern Circuit, allowing us to provide our skills throughout the North of England and beyond by using locally based advocates.”

Paul Watson QC, head of Paradise Chambers added: “With increased pressure on fees and service standards we recognised that it was essential that we join a chambers that enhanced our overall quality of service and delivery and that ranked in the top category of the major legal directories.

“St Johns Buildings Sheffield will deliver all of the same skilled advocates that our clients are familiar with and trust, but the support and back up coverage that they can draw upon will be dramatically increased. This will be a major benefit to all of our clients.”