Sponsored chambers briefing: Bristol – the legal hub of the South West

An overview of the award-winning St John’s Chambers

St John’s Chambers is one of the largest and most prestigious barristers’ sets in the South West, with nine silks and 76 juniors attracting high-quality work in all major areas of law. Recently voted Chambers of the Year 2018 by the Bristol Law Society, Regional Set of the Year 2018 by The Legal 500, and shortlisted for Chambers of the Year at The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Awards in 2017 and in 2018, these awards endorse our position as a standout national set.

The focus of chambers is to continually ensure that Bristol is recognised nationally as the legal hub for the South West and that we are able to compete with London for business. We have demonstrated excellence and innovation in the provision of legal services by being involved in a number of landmark decisions in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Our commitment

Whether you are a law firm, a business, a public sector organisation or a private individual, you can be sure you will receive legal expertise and client care of the very highest standards from St John’s. Our barristers are described by peers as easy to work with and committed to delivering quality advice on time. They will prepare the strongest possible case and keep all parties informed at every stage. As part of our commitment to our clients, we make sure all communications are timely, clear and concise.

Areas of work

We have top-tier expertise in 15 core practice areas:

• Agriculture and rural affairs
• Clinical negligence
• Commercial
• Construction and engineering
• Court of Protection
• Employment
• Family and divorce
• Inquests and public inquiries
• International arbitration
• Personal injury
• Professional negligence
• Public and administrative law
• Real estate
• Tax
• Wills and trusts

Our clients

Our client base includes regional and national law firms, representing and advising prominent businesses and private individuals. We also provide advice and representation under the ‘public access scheme’ to both members of the public and individual professionals and executives, such as planning consultants, managing directors and doctors.

Mediation

For cases where mediation is appropriate, we have a team of 24 qualified mediators available to assist in the capacity of adviser, advocate or mediator. Our modern, purpose-built office premises include rooms that are suitable for mediations.

Bespoke CPD training

Chambers constantly strives towards improving relationships with clients by delivering bespoke training at solicitors’ offices, seminars throughout the South West, as well as joining forces with law societies.

‘St John’s Chambers is an “outstanding regional set” with “excellent depth and breadth”. The group has expertise in commercial, construction, family, personal injury, clinical negligence, regulatory, public law and inquest matters.’
The Legal 500 2018 – Regional Bar