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About Us

We have nearly 1000 barristers practising from over 100 sets of Chambers. Our members practice in all areas of law and provide high quality advocacy and advice through all disciplines.

The Midland Circuit has had a chequered history; It was the Midland Circuit, then it became the Midland and Oxford Circuit, before reverting once again to the Midland Circuit. It covers an area from Lincoln in the east, to Hereford and Shrewsbury in the west, up to Stoke on Trent in the north, and down to Warwick in the south. There are Chambers all across the Circuit as well as in London. Because of our central position we attract and welcome barristers from all of the other Circuits.

In addition to the Midland Circuit, there are five other Circuits, all of which form the basis of administration for the Bar in England and Wales.

We continue to attract talented and industrious men and women who will uphold the high standards and fine traditions of this great Circuit.

Circuit Leaders are very proud of their Circuits and each believe that they lead the best. The truth of course is that no one Circuit is better than another and in fact the Circuits are in many respects, collectively, the backbone of the Bar.

It is a real privilege to work so closely with the other Circuit leaders, all of whom give unstintingly of their time in an effort to ensure that the lives and practices of all members of the Bar are improved.

Each Circuit has developed its own niche areas of practice and the Midland Circuit is very proud of specialist courts which are now well established outside of London, such as the Mercantile Court or the Administrative Court we have in Birmingham. These sit alongside the strong practices in the family, criminal and civil courts across the Circuit.

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Mission Statement

The objectives and core values of the Midland Circuit are as follows:

  • to promote and represent the professional interests of its members and of the legal profession as a whole;
  • to assist with consultation undertaken in connection with the law or the legal profession;
  • to provide professional education and training and assist with continuing professional development;
  • to promote and maintain the highest professional standards in the practice of law;
  • to promote a Circuit ethos and provide opportunities for social exchange involving its members and others concerned with the practice or administration of law;
  • to serve the public interest.

Previous Circuit Officers

Many notable practitioners have lead the circuit over the years or given their time in official roles such as treasurer or junior.

Year

Leader

Treasurer

Junior

2024

Michelle Heeley KCHarpreet Sandhu KC

Andrew Evans

Lucky ThandiPhilip Vollans

2023

Michelle Heeley KC

Andrew Evans

William Douglas-JonesLucky Thandi

2022

Michelle Heeley KC

Andrew Evans

Jamal Jeffers William Douglas Jones

2021

Michael Duck QCMichelle Heeley QC

Andrew Evans

Lucinda Wilmott-LascellesJamal Jeffers

2020

Michael Duck QC

Andrew Evans

Ben WilliamsLucinda Wilmott-Lascelles

2019

Michael Duck QC

Andrew Evans

Ben WilliamsSam Coe

2018

Michael Duck QC

Andrew Evans

Sam CoeJodie Kembery

2017

Michael Duck QCRichard Atkins QC

Andrew Evans

Jodie KemberyHannah Whelan

2016

Richard Atkins QC

Andrew Evans

Hannah WhelanHarpreet Sandhu

2015

Richard Atkins QC

Andrew Evans

Harpreet SandhuAmanda Bewley

2014

Richard Atkins QCMark Wall QC

Andrew Evans

Amanda BewleyTom Schofield

2013

Mark Wall QC

Andrew Evans

Tom SchofieldRebecca Wade

2012

Mark Wall QC

Andrew EvansPeter Cooke

Rebecca WadeAshraf Khan

2011

Mark Wall QCGareth Evans QC

Peter Cooke

Ashraf KhanFayyaz Afzal

2010

Gareth Evans QC

Peter Cooke

Fayyaz AfzalMatt Brunning

2009

Gareth Evans QC

Peter Cooke

Matt BrunningNina Bache

2008

Gareth Evans QCPeter Joyce QC

Paul Mann QC

Nina BacheLaura Pitman

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about circuit.

What is a Circuit?

The Bar in England and Wales is divided into six regions, which are more commonly known as "Circuits", taking their name from the historical division of regions for the purposes of judges’ travel to try cases.

Why have a Midland Circuit?

The Midland Circuit provides support, advice and representation for barristers practising in the Midlands region. It strives to bring together practitioners from the West and East of the Midlands in matters of common professional interest and in regular social events.

What is the aim of Midland Circuit?

The aim of the Midland Circuit is to support, advise and represent barristers practising in the Midlands region in relation to a wide of range of professional matters; to protect members’ interests; to provide education and continuing professional development; to offer opportunities to network and socialise.

Who can join?

Membership of Circuit is open to members of the Bar of England and Wales, who ordinarily practice, or intend to practice on the Midland Circuit. It is also open to Judges who are members of Circuit, and retired members of the Bar and Judiciary.

What are the benefits of joining?

Access to support, advice and representation; education; and social functions.