Cartwright King launches in-house chambers

Law firm Cartwright King has said it is planning to reshape the future of Crown Court representation by launching its own in-house chambers.

The firm hopes that its own chambers, which boasts a dedicated chief clerk and a head of chambers, will "rival any established chambers within the legal profession".

The in-house chambers is comprised of a mixture of both barristers, recruited from the independent bar, and selected higher court advocates. The firm says that quality assurance for clients will be guaranteed through the "constant monitoring of performance that is associated with a top tier law firm".

Rupert Hawke, managing director of Cartwright King, commented: "This investment is part of our commitment to offer the very best in legal advice. Our Crown Court advocates are not self-employed as at the independent Bar but are part of Cartwright King. Our barristers and higher court advocates work alongside the solicitors that instruct them."

He continued: "This environment allows unparalleled access and a free flow of communication between lawyers that ultimately benefits our clients. We are able to get our counsel involved in cases at an early stage; this enhances the quality of case preparation and provides excellent continuity. As our employees, all team members are subject to our in-house quality checks and we are also responsible for their training. We can therefore be assured about the quality of their work."

Chief clerk, Billy Harris, will be responsible for all 20 of the company's barristers and HCAs. Harris has over 30 years' experience in clerking in London, most recently at Argent Chambers.

Taking on the role of head of chambers is Alwyn Jones, who is a HCA and has appeared in the criminal courts since 1984. Jones has recently been shortlisted for solicitor advocate of the year in the 2014 Law Society Excellence Awards.

The in-house team has already been instructed by other firms of solicitors. Hawke added: "Crown Court representation is changing, and Cartwright King is leading the way. The company has already received instructions from other solicitor firms."

Photo: Cartwright King's Alwyn Jones, head of in-house chambers with chief clerk, Billy Harris

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