Exchange Chambers

The largest set of barristers’ chambers in the North of England has now opened its doors in Leeds – with three new barristers and a senior clerk joining the two existing members already at the set.

Exchange Chambers, also based in Manchester and Liverpool, has taken on 6,000 sq ft at Oxford House, Oxford Row in Leeds city centre. Ian Spencer, formerly at 37 Park Square Chambers in Leeds, has been appointed as senior clerk at the new Chambers. Joining him already are three widely respected barristers – Paul Kirtley who joins from Park Court Chambers in Leeds and Bruce Walker and Jonathan French, who both join from Chancery House Chambers in Leeds.

Paul Kirtley, called to the Bar in 1982, is considered one of the leading civil barristers on the North Eastern Circuit. Bruce Walker was called to the Bar in 1994 and has developed a particularly strong property litigation practice while Jonathan French was called to the Bar in 1997 and has a heavyweight commercial law practice.

New senior clerk, Ian Spencer has extensive clerking experience, having joined 37 Park Square Chambers in 2001. He is also a member of the Institute of Barristers Clerks.

The three new barristers join existing Exchange Chambers members Nick Johnson and Bill Hanbury at the set’s Oxford House base. Bill undertakes most areas of civil litigation but specialises in property litigation while Nick’s practice comprises large scale fraud, crime, regulatory, professional discipline and judicial review.

All the new members at Exchange Chambers share a common aim – to make Leeds’ legal scene as strong as possible.

Explained barrister, Paul Kirtley:

“By opening in Leeds, Exchange Chambers is strengthening the local Bar and the North Eastern circuit generally. There is no need for solicitors to look to London when the expertise is on their doorstep.”

Said Tom Handley, Director of Chambers at Exchange Chambers:

“We are delighted to make such a strong start in Leeds with high calibre barristers and a first rate clerk already on board.

“Our message to solicitors is a simple one,” he added. “There is no need to go to London when the regional Bar is so strong and can provide such an outstanding service.”

Bruce Walker said Exchange Chambers’ “exceptional reputation” was a key factor in his decision to join while Jonathan French said he was “hugely impressed with all the support in terms of clerking, IT and marketing”.

Commenting on his decision to join Exchange Chambers, senior clerk Ian Spencer said:

“Exchange Chambers is already successfully established in Manchester and Liverpool, with an unrivalled reputation for excellence. They are perfectly placed to expand into Leeds.

“I have no doubt that the success achieved in Manchester and Liverpool will be quickly replicated in Leeds and I am thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture.”

Exchange Chambers’ arrival in Leeds has also been well received by local solicitors.

Andrew Greenwood, partner at Emsleys Solicitors said:

“I am delighted that Exchange Chambers has arrived in Leeds. Knowing their service standards and the quality of their advocates as we do, it will be a positive development for the legal community of Leeds.”

His comments were echoed by Samantha Hemsley, partner at Thompsons, who said:

“The Leeds Bar will be all the stronger for Exchange Chambers’ arrival. It is a very positive development.”

Rob Rode, partner at Clarion Advocates, added:

“If Exchange Chambers can repeat its success in the North West here in Leeds they will be a real force to be reckoned with.”

Exchange Chambers was recently named as the largest and highest ranked set in the North of England, with a fee income of £21.7 million for the 2009 / 2010 financial year.