Exchange Chambers > Manchester, England > Set Profile
Exchange Chambers Offices
201 DEANSGATE
MANCHESTER
M3 3NW
England
Exchange Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings
North Eastern Circuit > Company and insolvency Tier 1
At Exchange Chambers, the team reports an uptick in insolvency work, which forms a key pillar of Lisa Linklater KC’s practice. Linklater KC, who is well known for her expertise in handling complex insolvency litigation, acted for the joint liquidators in Re Torotrak plc (in liquidation), involving issues of proportionality, fairness and the restrictive wording of s107 of the Insolvency Act 1986 in relation to making distributions to members. Steven Fennell has a solid track record in representing defendants and claimants in, among other areas, cases involving breaches of directors’ duties, and Eleanor d'Arcy is ‘a brilliant advocate‘ with established strength in handling a wide range of contentious insolvency matters and shareholder disputes, including unfair prejudice claims.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always friendly and helpful.’
‘Clerks are very responsive and give an excellent service.’
‘The set always has available counsel that deliver very good advice.’
‘Very strong set with good strength in depth.’
Northern Circuit > Company and insolvency Tier 1
At Exchange Chambers ‘there is a breadth of expertise across all levels of call in insolvency and company work’, and this encompasses asset tracing and recovery, bankruptcy, administration, shareholder disputes, and director disqualification. The set is home to Giles Maynard-Connor KC, head of the insolvency practice, and he often provides non-contentious advice to office holders and companies. Richard Tetlow‘s insolvency practice encompasses both corporate and personal litigation, as does Carly Sandbach‘s, and she is particularly skilled at handling directors’ disqualification proceedings and public interest winding up petitions. Sandbach acted for the Secretary of State in directors’ disqualification proceedings against two financial advisors following a pension mis-selling scheme. Ian Tucker has a particular interest in cases where insolvency and land law converge, and he has appeared before the Court of Appeal. Tucker represented the trustee in Khan v Singh-Sall & Ano, which concerned an application to annul a bankruptcy order on the grounds that it should not have been made in the first place. George Rowell is another key junior here with experience in insolvency cases that have related tax elements.Rising stars
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘The clerks are excellent, and Joe Mawson is particularly good. Always available and willing to go above and beyond.’
‘Jonathan I’Anson runs a tight and steady ship and is great to work with. He truly knows his people and clients.’
‘Nick Buckley is the stalwart of the set. Always available and always delivering.’
‘The service provided by Exchange Chambers and its clerks is superb. They are always available and respond quickly to any enquiries or queries raised. Luke Heywood and Nicole Luna can never do enough to assist and offer exceptional client service.’
‘Exchange Chambers is the first port of call for work in the north of England and there is a breadth of expertise across all levels of call in insolvency and company work. Chambers annual insolvency conference is always very well attended and is invariably excellent.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud) Tier 1
Exchange Chambers is praised as ‘the go-to set for serious criminal work‘, with members called upon to defend and prosecute at all levels of court across the North West of England. The set has a strong bench of silks, including Ben Myers KC, whose practice encompasses the entirety of criminal law, from murder, manslaughter, rape, and sexual offences, to high-value fraud, money laundering, and drug trafficking – of recent note, he represented Lucy Letby, the former neonatal nurse convicted of the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of six more after a ten-month trial. David Temkin KC is another notable criminal law silk handling both defence and prosecution work, while Imran Shafi KC exclusively defends in a range of criminal trials, including murders, complex fraud, and drug conspiracies. Head of the set’s criminal group Richard Littler KC has significant expertise in terrorism cases, and he also represented a fifteen-year-old autistic, mute boy, one of two defendants convicted of the murder of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey in Liverpool. Mark Rhind KC is another active silk who frequently handles multi-handed murder cases, as well as pension and timeshare frauds. Among the juniors, Damian Nolan predominately acts for the defence and his expertise spans across terrorism cases and international drug conspiracies, while Ian Whitehurst is notable for his expertise in cyber-related criminal activity. David Toal has expertise in prosecuting serious sexual offences, and he also prosecuted American boxing trainer Brian McIntyre for possession of a firearm – illegal in the UK but licensed in the US – that was found in his suitcase at Manchester Airport. Michael Lavery is another notable name, and he mostly handles defence work in fraud cases.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Nick Buckley is an exceptional criminal clerk. A real fixer and super responsive.’
‘The main reason for the enduring success of Exchange is the management of the whole business, and the clerks are an integral part of that. Nick Buckley epitomises what Exchange are all about – excellence, professionalism, and complete reliability. The clerks room is seamless across the three cities and the service is simply superb.’
‘Strong clerk’s room. Nick Buckley is a robust senior clerk leading a hard working team at the Manchester set. In Liverpool, Kate Masher continues to provide excellent service. She is always honest in her assessment of counsel’s strengths when approached for comment.’
‘Dave Haley in Manchester is such a great guy. Nothing is ever too much trouble and he goes out of his way to help. In the event that there is a catastrophe around the corner, and in criminal cases there’s always one looming, he always manages to sort out the problem with no fuss.’
‘Nick Buckley is a robust senior clerk who knows his barristers’ strengths and weaknesses. He is straight talking and easy to communicate with. He is supported by a strong team, especially Andy Leech.’
‘Nick Buckley has a tremendous amount of experience. If ever unforeseen issues arise, Nick will have the solution to hand.’
‘Ian Spencer is one of the best clerks. Nothing is too much for him and he will always endeavour to ensure clients’ needs are met.’
‘Nick Buckley is obviously a formidable clerk and an excellent chambers director. He is always available to speak and happy to assist in any way he can. More than anything, he is always reachable, approachable, and helpful.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Personal injury Tier 1
Exchange Chambers is ‘excellent, with a wide range of expert counsel specialising in the area of personal injury’. Its members have substantial expertise in handling high-value and complex claims, including fatal accidents, industrial diseases, and catastrophic brain and spinal cord injuries. William Waldron KC now sits as head of chambers, and he has significant experience in representing claimants who have suffered from severe brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as amputees. Both Christopher Barnes KC and Andrew Ward are notable for their military-related claims work; Ward is currently representing the Ministry of Defence against a claim of over 400 cases regarding non-freezing cold injuries sustained by soldiers during their military service (Bargh and others v MoD). David Knifton KC and Chris Gutteridge exclusively represent claimants in cases arising from their catastrophic and life-changing injuries. Knifton KC represented the claimant in Gheorghe v Bradford MDC, a claim regarding a drowning accident which left an 8-year-old boy with a catastrophic hypoxic brain injury while in foster care. Gerard Martin KC has expertise in claims surrounding amputations, chronic pain, and somatoform disorders, while Louis Browne KC is sought after by both claimants and defendants in cases regarding psychiatric injuries. Alice Dobbie is another key name, and she exclusively represents defendants and often appears before the High Court.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘The clerking team are brilliant, responsive, experienced, and know exactly what is needed. Sarah Rotherham, Nick Buckley, and Neil Wright are excellent. Top clerks. They are collaborative and forge good ties with instructing solicitors.’
‘The clerks will go out of their way to assist and recommend appropriate counsel. Sarah Rotherham in particular is very easy to talk to and explain the needs of your clients and ensure all timescales are met.’
‘Neil Wright is the leading light amongst clerks. He is a delight to work with and makes it all look effortless. Perfection.’
‘Exceptional clerking. Special mentions for Rachel Williams and Neil Wright.’
‘The service provided by the clerks room is exceptional. They deliver to a very high standard. The clerks are all consummate professionals. They are helpful, friendly, and always willing to help, especially Rachel Williams and Sarah Rotherham. Neil Wright is someone who is more than willing to go above and beyond. He is the ideal clerk and will resolve any issue.’
‘The clerks at Exchange Chambers provide a fantastic service and work hard to accommodate short notice requests with astute diary planning. Leigh Daniels and Olivia Cleere are both experienced clerks and are extremely good at getting papers to the right place, accommodating last minute conferences and hearings in the diary, and recommending alternative barristers with excellent expertise.’
‘The clerks room is amazingly helpful. The clerks who stand out are Neil Wright and Sarah Rotherham.’
‘Neil Wright and Sarah Rotherham are both excellent and supportive clerks who go out of their way to help. They are very responsive.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Professional disciplinary law Tier 1
Richard Littler KC is head of professional discipline at Exchange Chambers, and he specialises in defending police officers, including superintendents, before the Crown Court, disciplinary bodies, the Police Appeal Tribunals, and the High Court. Littler KC successfully acted for a senior police officer following allegations that he deliberately spat at a detainee.Leading Silks
Testimonials
‘Nick Buckley is excellent in arranging the right barrister for the job.’
‘Exchange Chambers has a fabulous range of excellent barristers to chose from who excel in this practice area.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Property and construction Tier 1
Construction law is a key area of expertise for members at Exchange Chambers, and with several barristers boasting industry-specific qualifications, Chartered Quantity Surveyors and a Chartered Builder form part of the team. It is also highly experienced in property-related cases, covering both commercial and residential-based mandates surrounding planning, registered land, landlord and tenant disputes, and boundary issues. The set houses David Fearon and Simon Whitfield, who both possess expertise in construction and engineering disputes. Fearon is representing the defendant in Shiers v QM Developments, a case arising from allegations that a drainage system the builders installed was defective and caused the property to flood and suffer damage. Andrew Williams practices exclusively in real estate litigation, and he is acting for the claimant, who manages a large residential housing development, in Cwmni Rheoli Pentref Marina Conwy v McCarthy; this concerns the challenge of a covenant preventing the property owners from letting houses on a short-term basis to holiday-makers. Lawrence McDonald, who acts for companies, individuals, office holders, and public bodies before all court levels, and Brynmor Adams, who handles a variety of commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes, are also key members.Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Joe Mawson is particularly good, and he works with a large team and is efficient.’
‘Turnaround by and communications with counsel is very good.’
‘Ian Spencer is fantastic at being available, approachable, and talking through who might be suitable for certain new matters and the cost range.’
‘Joe Mawson is very responsive and helpful.’
‘Very strong chambers with commercially minded barristers who are at the top of their game, providing clear legal and tactical advice.’
Work highlights
North Eastern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud) Tier 2
The Leeds office of the ‘dynamic‘ set Exchange Chambers houses a criminal team with ‘strength in depth‘. The group has been kept especially busy handling large-scale drugs conspiracies, murder, complex fraud and terrorism cases. The ‘very thoughtful‘ Nicholas Johnson KC ‘is able to instill confidence in juries‘, and Andrew Haslam KC‘s ‘judgement is excellent‘. Among the juniors, Stephen Grattage successfully prosecuted a man for conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration into the UK, as well as separate violence and firearms offences. In a separate matter, Charlotte Noddings acted as junior counsel in a multi-handed murder trial for one of the defendants, who was charged with the murder of an 18-year-old man by way of joint enterprise; the defendant was acquitted of all charges.Rising stars
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘The clerks, led by Ian Spencer, are friendly, helpful and organised. In a nutshell, they get the job done.’
‘Ian Spencer is unflappable. He directs operations with aplomb.’
‘Ian Spencer is a joy to deal with.’
‘An excellent set.’
‘An impressive set.’
‘They are exceptional.’
Northern Circuit > Administrative law and human rights Tier 2
At Exchange Chambers, members have appeared before all levels of court and tribunals, and the local government and social housing offering in chambers is led by Louis Browne KC. He represented the council in the case of Warrington Borough Council v Y & Ors, which concerned the authorisation of deprivation of liberty arising from the package of care established for a claimant in ongoing personal injury proceedings following a road traffic accident that left her with life-changing injuries. On the junior side, Brynmor Adams is a notable name, and he predominately acts for local authorities across the country.Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Joe Mawson is always very helpful.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety) Tier 2
The members of Exchange Chambers are frequently instructed across a wide range of cases, from bribery and corporate corruption, corporate and investment fraud, and cartel activity, to money laundering, film investment schemes, and FCA offences. Michael Lavery predominantly handles defence work surrounding fraud, and he successfully represented the defendant in a case in which a solicitor was accused of fraud involving trusts and wills. Ian Whitehurst represents individuals, companies, and directors in cases regarding various types of fraudulent activity.Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘The main reason for the enduring success of Exchange Chambers is the management of the whole business, and the clerks are an integral part of that. Nick Buckley epitomises what Exchange are all about – excellence, professionalism, and complete reliability.’
‘The clerks room is seamless across the three cities and the service is simply superb. They are all nice people and very efficient too. They put on regular training sessions which are always enjoyable, instructive, and good networking opportunities.’
‘Nick Buckley is the stand-out clerk who leads the clerks room efficiently and effectively. Nick has his finger on the pulse and has an uncanny knack for always putting the right counsel on the right case. Andy Leach is extremely organised and always tries to pre-empt diary congestion by being proactive.’
‘Exchange Chambers are a fantastic set. They service the country with a large set with huge strength in depth. They continue to deliver CPD-accredited lectures and particularly engage in delivering financial crime seminars.’
‘Exchange Chambers are a very strong set with spectacular chambers across the breadth of Northern England but servicing the whole country, with the highest quality and diversity of talented barristers and KCs.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Clinical negligence Tier 2
The clinical negligence department at Exchange Chambers is frequently instructed by both a broad range of claimants as well as defendants including hospitals and NHS organisations, medical defence organisations and other insurers. Gerard Martin KC specialises in brain and spinal cord injury clinical negligence cases, in addition to amputation-related claims, while David Knifton KC acts predominantly for claimants in cases surrounding obstetric injuries, delays in diagnosis, and consent issues. Of recent note, he acted for the claimant in Brown v Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a clinical negligence claim arising from the failure to investigate and treat major falls in blood pressure in a diabetic woman who went on to suffer from strokes. Christopher Barnes KC and Bill Braithwaite KC are also notable members of the set. Turning to the juniors, Kevin Naylor is a key name, having previously practised as a doctor, and Matthew Stockwell has significant experience in handling cases arising from brain, spinal, and life-changing injuries.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Very efficient and this is from the most senior to the most junior. Rachel Williams particularly impresses.’
‘The service provided by Exchange Chambers and the clerk’s room is exceptional. They deliver to a very high standard. The clerks are professional, helpful, and friendly. Rachel Williams and Sarah Rotherham are consummate professionals – they are reliable and always willing to help.’
‘Neil Wright should be singled out. He is a problem solver and someone who is more than willing to go above and beyond. He carries out his job gracefully and effectively without any fuss.’
‘Brilliant support from the clerks. Of note, Leigh Daniels is extremely helpful and will always provide support and assistance. Olivia Cleere is a great support as well.’
‘Brilliant clerks and service. Jonathan I’Anson is a highly effective leader and great communicator. He finds the time to communicate with instructing solicitors. Sarah Rotherham is incredible. Always available, friendly, and helpful, going the extra mile.’
‘Leigh Daniels is a very approachable and accommodating clerk. Sarah Rotherham is a true asset to chambers. She is fully committed to strengthening the chamber’s reputation and enthusiastically engaging in networking events.’
‘The clerks are efficient and very helpful. Always happy to speak to you and to assist with enquiries, particularly Megan Hawke and Leigh Daniels.’
‘The clerks are some of the best in the business! Nothing is too much trouble and an instruction is never declined for want of availability. Special mention to Sarah Rotherham and Nick Buckley, who’s individual profiles are a draw to chambers.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Commercial litigation Tier 2
Exchange Chambers is praised by one client as ‘the first port of call for work in the north of England’ due to the ‘breadth of expertise across all levels of call in commercial litigation.’ Giles Maynard-Connor KC is a notable name here with a focus on corporate fraud, and he was instructed by the defendant in a £2.5m claim surrounding allegations of breaches of sale and purchase agreements following the defendant’s partial acquirement of the claimant’s former business (Delkia Limited v Nuvia Limited). The set also houses Carly Sandbach, who has acted for clients in all levels of court up to the Court of Appeal, and her client base includes banks, multinational and small businesses, and professional services firms. She represented the defendant in the case of 199 Solar Limited v Equity Housing Group Limited, a dispute centred around a JCT construction contract and alleged misrepresentation. Andrew Vinson acts for foreign and domestic companies in high-value contractual disputes.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Nick Buckley is superb. Always available and very sensible.’
‘Joe Mawson provides a very personal service to solicitors and always makes himself available.’
‘Excellent. Joe Mawson and Nick Buckley are particularly impressive. They are very responsive; and always make sure they help find the most suitable barrister for a particular job.’
‘Joe Mawson is great. He and the rest of the team are efficient and effective. They pay attention, respond quickly, and make things easy.’
‘Nick Buckley is the consummate professional. He writes the book on excellent clerking.’
‘Their clerking team is personable and always willing to meet requirements, including finding short notice alternative counsel. Ian Spencer is particularly helpful.’
‘The clerk’s room has always been helpful. In particular, Prya Anisa and Abigail Hewitt have been exceedingly helpful.’
‘Special mention needs to be made of Nick Buckley, as he is a real asset and backbone of the whole operation. He is professional, resourceful, entrepreneurial, and commercial.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Inquests and inquiries Tier 2
The members of Exchange Chambers advise the entire gamut of clients involved in inquests and public inquiries, including bereaved families and individuals, trade unions, clinical practitioners, governmental bodies and local authorities, police forces and officers, and prison officers. The set boasts particular expertise in inquests that engage Article 2 of the ECHR. Louis Browne KC is a notable presence in this area, and he is instructed on the forthcoming Thirlwall Inquiry into events at the Countess of Chester Hospital, for which former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby was convicted of murder and attempted murder of numerous babies under her care and is serving a whole-life sentence. David Sandiford is another active member of the set in inquests and inquiries, having been instructed on significant, high-profile cases across his career. Another key junior, Sara Sutherland, is active in an inquest arising from the death of a newborn baby born at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Professional negligence Tier 2
The professional negligence team at Exchange Chambers, which is praised as a ‘go-to set’, regularly handles claims both for and against a range of professionals, including legal service providers, surveyors, accountants, auditors, and construction professionals, to name a few. George Rowell has particular expertise in claims against accountants and tax advisers, and he frequently acts in cases surrounding failed tax avoidance schemes. James Malam represented the claimant in a professional negligence claim against a stonemason arising from the renovation of a Grade II listed 17th century church (Aled Mission Area v Wolley & Taylor).Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Jonathan I’Anson runs a tight and steady ship and is great to work with. He truly knows his people and clients.’
‘Nick Buckley is the stalwart of the set. Always available and always delivering.’
‘Exchange Chambers is a go-to set. It offers a breadth of expertise which is unrivalled in Manchester.’
‘There is no problem that cannot be solved with Exchange Chambers by your side.’
‘The clerks are responsive and knowledgeable.’
Work highlights
Dispute resolution > Mediators Tier 3
Paul Kirtley – Exchange Chambers Accredited civil and commercial and workplace mediator Paul Kirtley of Exchange Chambers mediates in relation to commercial matters, medical negligence, personal injury, and solicitors and valuers’ negligence claims. Kirtley is also experienced in probate, trusts, property and boundary disputes, and employment matters, including race and sex discrimination. He is increasingly mandated for high-value offshore mediations, especially in the Isle of Man.Work highlights
North Eastern Circuit > Personal injury Tier 3
Exchange Chambers is ‘excellent, with a wide range of expert counsel specialising in the area of personal injury‘. Pankaj Madan has ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of traumatic brain injuries‘, and Simon Ross has particular expertise in handling personal injury claims involving the military. Paul Kirtley provides ‘clear, sensible and realistic advice‘ on claims involving fatal accidents, psychiatric injuries, accidents at work and brain and spinal injuries. The team was bolstered by the arrival of Charlie Greenwood in January 2024.Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘All the clerks are very efficient, friendly and helpful.’
‘Professional, friendly and approachable clerks.’
‘Exceptionally high quality set of professionals.’
‘Great strength in depth.’
Northern Circuit > Chancery, probate, and tax Tier 3
At Exchange Chambers, Andrew Williams has a particular focus on chancery matters with property-related elements, and he acted for the defendant in Shepherd & Co Solicitors v Brealey, a Court of Appeal case arising from the solicitor’s charging £150,000 to administer the estate of the defendant’s deceased mother. John Waiting has an active wills and probate practice, while Scott Redpath is especially skilled in tax-related disputes, as is George Rowell. Graham Sellers is also a notable member of the team.Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Joe Mawson is a real credit to Exchange Chambers. He takes the time to build strong relationships with clients and is proactive in his approach.’
‘Joe Mawson is very responsive and always helps out in a crisis. All the clerks deal with matters efficiently.’
‘Joe Mawson is particularly excellent. He is highly efficient and approachable.’
‘Jonathan I’Anson has an innovative and modern approach to developing business and business opportunities for the joint benefit of chambers and those who deal with him.’
‘Nick Buckley is a superb clerk who adopts a commercial approach and is more than approachable in rare cases where extra input is required.’
‘The chancery clerks are always efficient and ready to assist, including at short notice. Joe Mawson and Chris Brown form an excellent team.’
‘Jonathan I’Anson runs a tight and steady ship and is great to work with. He truly knows his people and clients.’
‘Nick Buckley is the stalwart of the set. Always available and always delivering.’
Work highlights
Northern Circuit > Employment Tier 3
Exchange Chambers represents employers and employees across a wide range of courts, including employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal, county courts, and the High Court. Simon Gorton KC has an active employment law practice, and he boasts expertise in whistleblowing cases, as does David Tinkler and Catherine Knowles. Knowles is acting for the respondent in Mehmood v Secretary of State for Justice, a case in which the claimant made over 60 allegations of discrimination due to race and religion, victimisation, and harassment. Richard McLean is experienced in discrimination cases, wage claims, and disciplinary cases, while Scott Redpath represents employers, employees, and trade unions in cases concerning tax and pensions.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Richard McLean - Exchange Chambers 'Richard is very effective in cross-examining the claimant and highlighting the gaps and weakness in their evidence. He has an excellent manner with the client, as he is calm and composed.'
Testimonials
‘Service from the clerks is responsive and helpful. Neil Wright is excellent at dealing with solicitors.’
‘Neil Wright is extremely helpful and approachable.’
‘Excellent range of counsel, both as to category and qualification.’
‘Proactive and helpful in arranging cover during busy periods.’
‘The service is efficient and responsive. Very happy with the clerking.’
Work highlights
North Eastern Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety)
Leading Silks
North Eastern Circuit > Commercial litigation
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
North Eastern Circuit > Clinical negligence
Leading Juniors
North Eastern Circuit > Employment
Leading Juniors
North Eastern Circuit > Professional disciplinary law
North Eastern Circuit > Inquests and inquiries
Northern Circuit > IT, telecoms and data protection
Leading Silks
Northern Circuit > Family: divorce and financial remedy
Leading Juniors
Northern Circuit > Planning
Leading Juniors
Northern Circuit > Costs
Leading Juniors
Northern Circuit > Family: children and domestic abuse
Leading Juniors
Northern Circuit > Social housing
Northern Circuit > Sport
Leading Juniors
Exchange Chambers > Set Profile
Exchange Chambers is an award-winning, full service set of barristers’ chambers in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds with a proven track record in all major areas of law. We are one of the largest and most well-resourced Chambers in England and Wales. This allows us to provide strength in depth and an unparalleled level of service and cover.
With over 200 members, including 22 silks, many of our barristers are recognised as leaders in their field. Consistently ranked as a leading national set, we develop strong relationships with our clients to ensure that we understand their requirements and deliver outstanding service. We aspire to excellence in everything we do, complementing technical legal knowledge with astute commercial advice.
Exchange Chambers’ progressive approach and multi-disciplinary expertise has been recognised through a number of high profile industry awards. Our barristers and clerks are approachable, easy to work with and make things happen.
Our full list of barristers can be found here – https://www.exchangechambers.co.uk/our-people/barristers/
Contact our clerks – https://www.exchangechambers.co.uk/our-people/clerks/
Work undertaken includes
Alternative dispute resolution: Chambers covers all forms of ADR including arbitration, adjudication, dispute resolution boards, expert determination, early neutral evaluation and mediation across all practice areas.
Commercial: The set is widely acclaimed for its complete range of commercial services including insolvency, professional negligence, commercial fraud, property, shareholder, company and partnership disputes, banking, construction and planning. The set also has expertise in a number of niche areas including competition, intellectual property and tax.
Credit hire: Chambers is home to a specialist team of barristers with particular expertise in the complex and ever-evolving field of credit hire law. Counsel are accustomed to tackling all issues of hire as well as issues of illegality, fraud, and more challenging points of law and procedure.
Crime: Our criminal team is one of the largest, most successful teams in the UK. The team provides representation at all stages of a case, including pre-charge, trial and appeal. We have extensive experience in fraud and financial crime, and cover niche areas such as cybercrime and data protection.
Employment: The team covers the full range of employment work. Its members are regularly instructed by large private sector employment and public sector organisations such as NHS trusts and local authorities.
Family: The team is highly experienced in all matters of family law, including both public and private children law and financial relief matters.
Inquests and inquiries: Chambers has a strong reputation in this area. Our barristers have been involved in some of the largest public inquiries in the UK. The team has a particular unrivalled depth of experience in relation to the healthcare sector. Three members of chambers sit as Assistant Deputy Coroners.
Local government and social housing: This specialist department is independently acclaimed as ‘first class’ and boasts an enviable record advising and representing local authorities and social housing providers across the country on the full range of issues faced by such organisations. Members of the department frequently advise and appear in high profile and test case litigation before local courts as well as the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The team works alongside other specialist departments within chambers where appropriate to ensure that they provide the very highest standards of service.
Personal injury and clinical negligence: The extensive team handles claimant / defendant personal injury, clinical negligence and industrial disease work. Members have an exceptional reputation handling high value cases involving catastrophic injuries. There are also a number of barristers who deal with niche matters such as military claims, claims for amputees and complex pain disorders.
Public law and judicial review: Exchange Chambers has a strong team spanning the full range of specialist areas within chambers including education, human rights, housing, local government, immigration, licensing, community care and mental health.
Regulatory: Chambers has dedicated teams providing specialist advice and representation across a range of regulatory fields including environmental regulation, health and safety, healthcare, professional discipline, police law and inquests.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive | Jonathan I’Anson | [email protected] | 0151 238 7747 |
| Chambers Director | Neil Wright | [email protected] | 0151 242 8814 |
| Chambers Director | Nick Buckley | [email protected] | 0161 817 2757 |
| Chambers Director | Ian Spencer | [email protected] | 0113 203 1971 |
Barrister Profiles
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Ms Jayne Acton | Jayne’s practice includes private and public law instructions on behalf of local authorities and is experienced… | View Profile |
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Mr Brynmor Adams | Brynmor is a property specialist. The Legal 500 describes him as “highly intelligent… | View Profile |
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Ms Natasha Barnes | Natasha Barnes is a highly-regarded junior who acts in a variety of… | View Profile |
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Mr Alaric Bassano | laric is a specialist criminal barrister who acts for both prosecution and… | View Profile |
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Mr David Bentley | David specialises in serious crime, fraud, inquests and regulatory law. He is… | View Profile |
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Ms Anna Bond | Called to the Bar in 2019, Anna has quickly established herself as… | View Profile |
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Ms Amie Boothman | Amie was called to the Bar in 2019 and became a tenant… | View Profile |
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Mr Rupert Bowers KC | Rupert Bowers KC was called to the Bar in 1995 and took… | View Profile |
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Mr Richard Brigden | His varied Crown Court practice encompasses a variety of serious criminal offences… | View Profile |
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Ms Julie Case | Julie practises in chancery and commercial law. Having practised for over 25… | View Profile |
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Mr Adam Chichester-Clark | Adam has a broad commercial chancery practice, encompassing: Company and insolvency Partnership… | View Profile |
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Ms Fiona Clancy | Fiona Clancy is an experienced Junior with a practice in serious and… | View Profile |
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Mr Stephen Connolly | Stephen is an exceptional commercial barrister. He is highly respected and specialises… | View Profile |
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Mr Christopher Cook | Chris has substantial experience in most areas of commercial and chancery work.… | View Profile |
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Ms Rachel Coyle | Rachel is a specialist property and commercial/chancery barrister who also has experience in insolvency and… | View Profile |
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Mr Peter Dixon | A Chartered Surveyor who transferred to the Bar in 2013 after more… | View Profile |
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Mr Huw Edwards | Huw has been practicing at the criminal bar since 2010. He has… | View Profile |
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Mr Nigel DH Edwards | Prior to being called to the Bar, Nigel served as an officer… | View Profile |
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Mr Jonathan Elystan Rees KC | Jonathan has a heavyweight practice in white collar, complex and serious crime, and… | View Profile |
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Mr David Fearon | David is a specialist in construction, engineering and process engineering work. He is… | View Profile |
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Ms Lisa Feng | Lisa’s practice covers a broad range of commercial and chancery litigation. Her… | View Profile |
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Mr Joel Finnan | Joel was called to the Bar in 2018, and became a tenant… | View Profile |
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Mr Richard Fisher KC | Richard Fisher KC provides advice and advocacy for individual and corporate clients… | View Profile |
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Ms Chloe Fordham | Chloe is an experienced junior, specialising in criminal and regulatory law. In her criminal practice, her… | View Profile |
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Ms Caroline Gee | Caroline specialises in matrimonial finance and private law children disputes. Within financial provision proceedings, Caroline… | View Profile |
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Mr Julian Goode | Julian practices extensively in the Crown court, dealing with high level criminal cases.… | View Profile |
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Mr Chris Gutteridge | Chris completed pupillage at Exchange Chambers in 2007. Since then he has… | View Profile |
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Ms Harriet Hartshorn | Harriet’s practice covers all aspects of commercial litigation and advisory work together… | View Profile |
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Mr Neil Hawes KC | Neil was called to the Bar in 1989, and was originally made… | View Profile |
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Mr Paul Hodgkinson | With over 25 years of experience, Paul is known for his direct,… | View Profile |
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Mr Wayne Jackson | Wayne Jackson is an established criminal law practitioner. In addition to a particularly strong fraud practice,… | View Profile |
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Mr Alun James | Alun advises on all direct taxes in a business context, as well as… | View Profile |
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Mr Oliver Jarvis | Oliver’s areas of specialism include murder, organised crime involving international drugs conspiracies,… | View Profile |
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Ms Amanda Johnson | Amanda is a specialist criminal practitioner and is instructed to both prosecute and defend.… | View Profile |
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Ms Sian Jones | Sian practises exclusively in civil law and the vast majority of her… | View Profile |
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Mr John Jones KC | John is a highly-acclaimed KC with over 40 years’ experience at the… | View Profile |
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Mr Mark Kellet | Mark is an experienced criminal barrister, who prosecutes and defends in cases… | View Profile |
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Mr Julian King | Julian specialises in professional discipline, regulatory and serious criminal cases. He spent… | View Profile |
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Ms Catherine Knowles | Catherine practises in all areas of employment law and personal injury law. She is on… | View Profile |
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Dr Anja Lansbergen-Mills | Anja specialises in commercial dispute resolution and insolvency. She is frequently instructed… | View Profile |
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Mr Michael Lavery | Michael has been instructed in major heavyweight criminal cases for over twenty… | View Profile |
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Ms Harriet Lavin | Harriet has experience in defending in the most serious cases, including murder and… | View Profile |
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Mr Richard Littler KC | Richard Littler KC is a criminal silk described by Chambers and Partners… | View Profile |
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Mr Jonathan Lowe | Jonathan qualified as a solicitor in 1995 at Keoghs and in 2000… | View Profile |
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Mr James Malam | James has a busy practice and extensive experience advising and representing multinational,… | View Profile |
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Mr Philip Marshall KC | Philip is a family law practitioner specialising in matrimonial finance and property and related… | View Profile |
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Mr Giles Maynard-Connor KC | Giles is Deputy Head of Chambers, Head of the Business and Property Department and… | View Profile |
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Mr Stuart McCracken | Stuart is recognised as a Leading Junior in the Legal 500 2023. … | View Profile |
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Mr Lawrence McDonald | Lawrence is an experienced commercial litigator with particular expertise in property, insolvency… | View Profile |
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Mr Richard McLean | Richard specialises in employment and discrimination law. He also has a growing sports law… | View Profile |
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Mr David Mohyuddin KC | David is a highly experienced commercial litigator, his practice covering insolvency, company;… | View Profile |
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Mr Ben Myers KC | Benjamin Myers KC specializes in business & financial crime, general crime, regulatory… | View Profile |
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Dr Kevin Naylor | Prior to a life at the bar, Kevin originally qualified as a… | View Profile |
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Mr Cairns Nelson KC | Cairns is an experienced criminal barrister with substantial expertise in the field of fraud, particularly… | View Profile |
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Mr Robert O'Sullivan KC | Robert O’Sullivan is an experienced criminal fraud specialist, who prosecutes and defends in serious… | View Profile |
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Mr Greg Plunkett | Greg is a commercial and chancery barrister. He was formerly a senior… | View Profile |
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Mr Mark Rhind KC | Mark was called to the Bar in 1989 starting off his professional career… | View Profile |
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Mr Chris Richards | Chris was called to the Bar in 2016. He became a tenant… | View Profile |
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Ms Charlotte Rimmer | Charlotte began her career in licensing law, appearing as an advocate at… | View Profile |
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Mr George Rowell | George is a commercial barrister specialising in tax disputes, professional negligence and… | View Profile |
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Ms Helen Rutherford | Helen practises in all areas of personal injury, including clinical negligence. She has a… | View Profile |
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Ms Carly Sandbach | Carly is a leading individual whose practice covers all aspects of chancery… | View Profile |
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Mr David Sandiford | In personal injury David has enormous experience in high value claims. He… | View Profile |
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Mr Graham Sellers | Graham Sellers is a Yorkshireman by birth but was educated at Staffordshire… | View Profile |
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Mr Imran Shafi KC | Imran is widely regarded as one of the leading criminal barristers on circuit, if… | View Profile |
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Mr Andrew Smith KC | Andrew has over 30 years of experience of litigation in courts at… | View Profile |
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Mr Lee Speakman | Lee is an experienced advocate with a mixed practice encompassing personal injury… | View Profile |
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Mr Eddy Steele | Eddy is an immensely experienced criminal and regulatory practitioner with over 15… | View Profile |
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Mr Mark Stephenson | Mark is an experienced criminal practitioner, appearing almost exclusively for the defence in… | View Profile |
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Ms Sara Sutherland | An experienced junior who is instructed in multi track personal injury and… | View Profile |
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Mr Christian Taylor | Christian practices exclusively in personal injury law. He has specialist experience in contribution claims,… | View Profile |
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Mr David Temkin KC | David Temkin KC is a stand-out silk who is in extremely high… | View Profile |
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Mr Richard Tetlow | Richard is an experienced junior practising in the Commercial, Commercial Fraud, Insolvency… | View Profile |
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Mr David Toal | David is a barrister of over 30 years’ experience who provides expert… | View Profile |
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Mr Ian Tucker | Ian specialises in Commercial and Chancery litigation with an emphasis on Insolvency. He regularly appears… | View Profile |
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Mr Simon Vaughan | Simon is an experienced barrister with a mixed practice encompassing commercial and… | View Profile |
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Mr Guy Vickers | Guy’s practice is evenly divided between traditional chancery litigation concerning land and… | View Profile |
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Mr John Waiting | John has a broad practice, encompassing all aspects of commercial, property and insolvency law. He accepts… | View Profile |
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Mr Andrew Ward | Andrew is recommended in the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories… | View Profile |
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Ms Anesta Weekes KC | Anesta Weekes KC is considered by many as a top tier criminal advocate, known… | View Profile |
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Mr Simon Whitfield | Simon was called to the Bar in 2009 having previously been a… | View Profile |
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Mr Richard Wilcock | Costs & Litigation Funding Richard is an experienced and highly sought after… | View Profile |
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Ms Jodie Wildridge | Jodie was called to the Bar in 2018 and became a tenant… | View Profile |
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Ms Helena Williams | Helena was called to the Bar in 2018. She joined Exchange Chambers… | View Profile |
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Mr David Williams | David was called to the bar in 2014 and became a tenant… | View Profile |
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Ms Rachael Woods | Rachael is a specialist criminal advocate regularly instructed by defence and prosecution in serious… | View Profile |
Diversity
Exchange Chambers are committed to promoting equal opportunities for all, including members, pupils, employees and applicants to Chambers. We do not discriminate against anyone on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability, age, religion or belief or indeed, on any other ground.
We are committed to offering opportunities for gaining experience and practice development to all pupils and members of Chambers equally without discrimination. We offer mini-pupillage and work experience opportunities throughout the year. Our members frequently attend schools and partake in a variety of different schemes and initiatives that promote and encourage social mobility.
A number of our barristers assist with the Social Mobility Foundation and act as mentors to students from diverse backgrounds. We are also a Partner Chamber in the Pegasus Access and Support Scheme (PASS), a leading programme designed by the Inner Temple to support aspiring barristers from under-represented backgrounds who have not yet started the BPTC.
We have ensured that Chambers is accessible to people using wheelchairs. We accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments to assist disabled applicants.
We recognise the need to promote a positive and supportive community for both barristers and staff and to encourage a cohesive and collaborative culture. We have been recognised by the Bar Council for our commitment to Wellbeing at the Bar.
Other current and ongoing initiatives include:
- We run a mentoring programme in association with L8 A Better Place, a community development project based in Toxteth, Liverpool. Twenty-two of our members are actively involved in the programme, in which they are assigned a student from the local community. The mentoring scheme is aimed at students and young people who are interested in pursuing a career in law and would otherwise lack access to the legal profession.
- We operate a maternity and parental support mentoring network for our members. The network provides support for Chambers’ barristers during pregnancy, adoption or foster care, following the arrival of their child and in the lead up to and on return to practice or at any other stage of parenthood.
- We have a member that sits on the Bar Council’s Female Retention Committee, who focus on ensuring equality and diversity at the Bar with a particular focus on female barristers, ensuring a level playing field and examining issues that may prevent female barristers continuing practise at the Bar or progressing within the profession.
Pro Bono
For over five years we have been part of a pioneering pro-bono alliance with The National Autistic Society’s Education Rights Service. The Exchange Chambers team comprises 30 barristers, including two Queen’s Counsel with decades of experience fighting injustice, providing legal support to families with autistic children. Our barristers have undertaken autism awareness and special educational needs training from The National Autistic Society, and provide free legal representation before the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. We were awarded the Outstanding Family Support Award at the 2016 Autism Professionals Awards.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Paul Lunt – Partner and Head of Litigation
COMPANY/FIRM: Brabners LLP
TESTIMONIAL: An excellent set of chambers with the breadth of specialisms and range of experience that you want, with a customer-focussed service mentality and pragmatic clerking that you can work with.
CLIENT: Paul Jonson – Senior Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: Pannone Corporate LLP
TESTIMONIAL: Exchange Chambers is one of the leading regional chambers. We have known and worked with Exchange for many years and have built up a great working relationship with various members of Chambers and the commercial clerking team. We find Exchange to offer excellent client service and top quality counsel. The relationship with Exchange is valued greatly by the firm and also by our clients. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
CLIENT: Mark Molyneux – Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: Addleshaw Goddard LLP
TESTIMONIAL: Exchange Chambers is a preeminent barristers chambers in Manchester, which offers real strength in depth of commercial counsel, with the experience and expertise to support on the smallest to largest commercial disputes. This is supported by first class clerks who understand and consistently deliver to the service standards that our clients expect.
CLIENT: Anthony Barnfather
COMPANY/FIRM: Barnfather Solicitors
TESTIMONIAL: I instruct Exchange Manchester which has established itself as the premier set in the City over the last few years. A good stable of barristers supported by a fantastic clerking team headed by Nick Buckley. I have no hesitation in recommending Exchange.
CLIENT: Julia Norris – Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: FS Legal Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL: Our relationship with Exchange Chambers goes back over 20 years and the advice and assistance that we and our clients have had from their excellent team of barristers has always been absolutely outstanding. Apart from the legal strength and depth available, a unique feature of Exchange is the Management and Clerking Teams. Management adopts a commercial and pro-active approach, continually looking for new opportunities for constructive and profitable areas where we can work together to develop new areas of business. Overall, Exchange is quite outstanding and we look forward to working with them ever more closely in years to come.
CLIENT: Paul Schofield – Partner / Fraud & Business Crime, and Serious Crime
COMPANY/FIRM: Farleys Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL: I have dealt with Exchange for the last 12 years and have been incredibly impressed with them. Exchange Chambers is a formidable and outstanding organisation which keeps going from strength to strength. It is a veritable ‘Northern Powerhouse’ delivering the highest quality of QCs and barristers in the most serious and complex cases nationally. The whole ethos at Exchange is one of absolute commitment to excellence coupled with a clear ‘can do’ approach. The QCs and barristers are simply top drawer, nothing is too much trouble. The clerks are always helpful, efficient and professional, and are a pleasure to work with.
- North Eastern Circuit > Company and insolvency
- Northern Circuit > Company and insolvency
- Northern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
- Northern Circuit > Personal injury
- Northern Circuit > Professional disciplinary law
- Northern Circuit > Property and construction
Top Tier Set Rankings
- North Eastern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
- Northern Circuit > Administrative law and human rights
- Northern Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety)
- Northern Circuit > Clinical negligence
- Northern Circuit > Commercial litigation
- Northern Circuit > Inquests and inquiries
- Northern Circuit > Professional negligence
Set Rankings
- Dispute resolution > Mediators
- North Eastern Circuit > Personal injury
- Northern Circuit > Chancery, probate, and tax
- Northern Circuit > Employment
- North Eastern Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety)
- North Eastern Circuit > Commercial litigation
- North Eastern Circuit > Clinical negligence
- North Eastern Circuit > Employment
- North Eastern Circuit > Professional disciplinary law
- North Eastern Circuit > Inquests and inquiries
- Northern Circuit > IT, telecoms and data protection
- Northern Circuit > Family: divorce and financial remedy
- Northern Circuit > Planning
- Northern Circuit > Costs
- Northern Circuit > Family: children and domestic abuse
- Northern Circuit > Social housing
- Northern Circuit > Sport