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.
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.
The objectives and core values of the Midland Circuit are as follows:
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
Find answers to frequently asked questions about 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.
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.
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.
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.
Access to support, advice and representation; education; and social functions.