42BR Barristers > London, England > Set Profile

42 Bedford Row
42BR Barristers
11 Staple Inn
LONDON
WC1V 7QH
England

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

Iris Ferber KC42BR Barristers 'She is a natural born fighter. Her cross-examination is forensic, detailed and devastating. It is very difficult for an opponent to regain credibility after she has cross-examined them.'

Leading Juniors

Mathew McDermott42BR Barristers ‘Mathew has a phenomenal intellect. A very dedicated and approachable junior.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Desmond Kilcoyne42BR Barristers ‘A highly intelligent barrister who is always very helpful and personable. His advocacy is always effective and persuasive.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Naomi Hawkes42BR Barristers 'Naomi is an intuitive and strong advocate, tactically astute and very organised.'
Ranked: Tier 4

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 ‘pragmaticJude Shepherd. The ‘very personableMichael 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 ‘diligentCatherine 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

Iris Ferber KC42BR Barristers 'Iris is an intelligent, tactical silk, who is also very personable and approachable.'

Leading Juniors

Jude Shepherd42BR Barristers 'Jude is a first-class advocate. Her attention to detail, quality of work and ability to build rapport with clients is remarkable. A solutions-focused junior.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Salter42BR BarristersMichael is incredibly organised and an excellent tribunal advocate. Very well-liked by clients for his dedication and preparedness to go the extra mile.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Catherine Urquhart42BR Barristers 'Catherine prepares extremely well, is incredibly hard working and certainly goes the extra mile for her clients. A very safe pair of hands.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Orlando Holloway42BR Barristers 'He is pragmatic, personable and can digest a huge amount of detail and distil it into very plain terms.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Rebecca Thomas42BR BarristersRebecca is brilliant at ensuring tribunal panels stay focussed on the key issues and is a formidable opponent in all areas of employment law. Her advocacy skills are excellent.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Aysha Ahmad42BR BarristersAysha is a fantastic advocate. She is very personable and great with clients, particularly inexperienced and nervous witnesses. She puts them at ease and reassures them.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Jason Braier42BR Barristers ‘Jason is utterly dependable and is an asset on every case, working seamlessly with his instructing solicitors and client. He quickly wins the confidence of any tribunal judge. He is quick on his feet and has an excellent analytical and strategic mind. He is a pleasure to work with.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Susan Chan42BR Barristers 'A very client-friendly junior who is good at putting witnesses at ease, and is always prepared to go the extra mile.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Safia Tharoo42BR Barristers 'Safia is a pleasure to work with. She is very sensible and pragmatic in her approach, giving considerable thought to the strategy and preparation of a case and how to present it. She is very good with clients and witnesses. She always stays calm and collected.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Benjamin Uduje42BR Barristers 'Benjamin is unflappable, with an excellent manner which puts nervous clients at ease. His ability to get to the nub of the issue is very helpful on complex matters.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Jonathan Davies – 42BR Barristers 'Jonathan is very responsive and proactive. He has excellent technical knowledge and is a tenacious and courteous advocate. Lovely with lay clients.'  
Ranked: Tier 4
Nick Bidnell-Edwards42BR Barristers 'He is always determined to achieve a good result for the client.'
Ranked: Tier 5
Gillian Crew42BR Barristers 'Very calm and always prepared, Gillian is succinct and gets to the crux of the matter quickly. A compelling advocate.'
Ranked: Tier 5
Nick Singer42BR Barristers 'Nick is very responsive and conscientious. He provides clear and pragmatic advice and is a confident advocate. He puts clients at ease, and commands the respect of those around him.'
Ranked: Tier 5
Tim Welch42BR BarristersTim is highly motivated, extremely hardworking, and has a first-class intellect. He is also personable and deals well with clients and opponents. A dogged and skilful advocate, who knows when to press a point, but equally importantly, when to move on. He also has a highly developed ability to think strategically.’
Ranked: Tier 5
Ranked: Tier 5
Amy Stroud – 42BR BarristersAmy is easy to work with and her knowledge of employment law is exceptional. She prepares thoroughly and this is reflected in her advocacy. She is very client-friendly and puts witnesses at ease.’
Ranked: Tier 5

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

Ann Osborne – 42BR Barristers ‘Ann is a strong advocate who demonstrates considerable sensitivity towards her vulnerable clients. She fights with great determination.’
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Tina Cook KC42BR Barristers ‘Tina is a very strong cross-examiner of experts and parents. She is always on top of the papers and a good tactician.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Gemma Taylor KC42BR Barristers ‘Gemma’s integrity and independence of mindsets are a standard few can match. She carries herself in court with a quiet confidence that commands everyone’s respect and attention.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Damian Woodward-Carlton KC42BR Barristers ‘Damian is a consummate advocate. He is unfailingly well-prepared. His calm demeanour in court belies a steely determination.’
Ranked: Tier 3

2022 Silks

Gemma Farrington KC – 42BR Barristers ‘Gemma is hard-working and thorough. She is organised and persistent, and her advocacy is persuasive. She is unafraid to take on tough points.'

Leading Juniors

Jonathan Bennett42BR Barristers ‘Jonathan is always very hardworking, thorough and concise and goes the extra mile - he maintains a calmness throughout, which is always helpful in cases where tensions can be high.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Katie Phillips42BR Barristers ‘Katie is a talented advocate who always has a firm grasp of the detail and nuances in any case where she is instructed. She is very user-friendly and always willing to go the extra mile for her clients.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Sharan Bhachu42BR Barristers 'A determined and fierce advocate. She has the winning combination of tenacity, fabulous client care, and a razor sharp legal mind.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Marcia Hyde42BR Barristers 'Marcia is an excellent advocate in both written and oral advocacy. Her written documents are thoughtful and measured but effective. She recognises the strengths of her case and does not waste energy on issues that are not persuasive. She balances this with forceful and persistent advocacy on persuasive and relevant aspects of her case.'
Ranked: Tier 5
Rachel Chan  - 42BR Barristers' Rachel is a wonderful advocate; articulate, concise and engaging. She always knows the finer details of her cases and weaves them into her submissions and cross-examination with skill. She works with extremely vulnerable clients and people against whom the most serious allegations have been made and always presents their case fearlessly. '
Ranked: Tier 5
Kate Claxton – 42BR Barristers ‘Kate is exceptional with clients, extremely competent and very knowledgeable barrister. She is tactically excellent, tenacious and determined. She is extremely hard-working and truly an exceptional barrister.’
Ranked: Tier 6
Philip McCormack – 42BR Barristers 'Philip is calm and confident in his style. He has excellent attention to detail, puts clients at ease and is highly skilled when it comes to cross-examination.'
Ranked: Tier 6
Richard Little42BR Barristers 'Richard is a calm and impressive advocate. His ability to digest complex evidence whilst constantly focussing on the issues of the case means your case remains solution focussed.'
Ranked: Tier 6

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

Samuel Davis –42BR Barristers 'Samuel gives clear, robust advice in a way which is sensitive. He always makes sure that the clients understand their role and the strengths and weaknesses of their cases.'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Juniors

Kate Kochnari42BR Barristers 'Kate is resourceful, organized and has an incredible eye for detail. She has a fantastic manner and communicates effectively and efficiently with clients, putting them at ease. Her cross-examination is clever. She frames questions appropriately and gets the answers she needs. She always knows the papers thoroughly.'
Ranked: Tier 3

London Bar > Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud

Personal injury - Leading Juniors

Richard Furniss42BR Barristers 'Richard is and always has been a robust barrister. His advice is always on point. Clients admire him for his professionalism and attention to detail.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Richard Gregory42BR BarristersRichard’s attention to detail, thoroughness and support is second-to-none.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Thomas Wood - 42BR Barristers 'Thomas' professionalism, proficiency, and personable nature make him a standout barrister.'
Ranked: Tier 5

London Bar > Clinical negligence

Leading Juniors

Richard Furniss42BR Barristers ‘Richard is very focused and gets straight to the crux of the case - he evaluates the evidence and makes sound judgements without losing the nuances of the case.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Thomas Wood42BR BarristersThomas is extremely thorough and explains intricacies of the law and the case well both in written advice and in conference.'
Ranked: Tier 4

London Bar > Inquests and inquiries

London Bar > Property litigation

Leading Juniors

Mathew McDermott42BR Barristers ‘Mathew is an excellent advocate. He is intelligent and knowledgeable in his area of expertise.'
Ranked: Tier 5

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.

Department Name Email 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)
Photo Name Position Profile
Aysha Ahmad photo Aysha Ahmad
Jonathan Bennett photo Mr Jonathan Bennett Mainly public law care proceedings, but also other family and local authority…
Sharan Bhachu photo Sharan Bhachu
Nick Bidnell-Edwards photo Nick Bidnell-Edwards
Jason Braier photo Jason Braier
Rachel Chan photo Rachel Chan
Susan Chan photo Miss Susan Chan Susan practices in employment law, public law, personal injury/clinical negligence and inquests.…
Kate Claxton photo Kate Claxton Kate is a family law specialist, practising across all areas of children…
Tina Cook photo Miss Tina Cook Family law specialist with a special emphasis on children work,. Tina often…
Gillian Crew photo Gillian Crew
Jonathan Davies photo Jonathan Davies
Samuel Davis photo Samuel Davis
Gemma  Farrington  photo Gemma Farrington
Iris Ferber KC photo Miss Iris Ferber KC Specialist in all aspects of employment law and in property law, especially…
Richard Furniss photo Mr Richard Furniss Richard is a well-known specialist in medical law, and has vast experience…
Richard Gregory photo Mr Richard Gregory Richard Gregory is an established personal injury and clinical negligence practitioner, with…
Naomi Hawkes photo Ms Naomi Hawkes Naomi was called to the Bar in 1994. She has over 20…
Orlando Holloway photo Mr Orlando Holloway Orlando was called to the Bar in 2004. Since becoming a tenant…
Marcia Hyde photo Marcia Hyde
Desmond Kilcoyne photo Desmond Kilcoyne
Kate Kochnari photo Kate Kochnari
Rad Kohanzad photo Rad Kohanzad
Richard Little photo Richard Little Richard is a family law specialist with a focus on children law.
Philip McCormack photo Philip McCormack
Mathew McDermott photo Mathew McDermott
Ann Osborne photo Ann Osborne Ann  is a family practitioner with an emphasis on children work. She…
Katie Phillips photo Miss Katie Phillips Katie is a family law specialist, practising across all areas of children…
Michael Salter photo Michael Salter
Jude Shepherd photo Miss Jude Shepherd
Nick Singer photo Nick Singer
Amy Stroud photo Amy Stroud
Gemma Taylor photo Miss Gemma Taylor Gemma practises family law, primarily public law care and adoption proceedings for…
Safia Tharoo photo Safia Tharoo
Rebecca Thomas photo Rebecca Thomas
Benjamin Uduje photo Benjamin Uduje
Catherine Urquhart photo Catherine Urquhart
Tim Welch photo Tim Welch
Eleanor Wheeler photo Eleanor Wheeler
Thomas Wood photo Thomas Wood
Damian Woodward-Carlton photo Mr Damian Woodward-Carlton Damian is a family practitioner, appearing in the Family Court (High Court,…

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: 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.”


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.