Parklane Plowden appoints new chairman

John Cleland is an experienced non-executive and will take up the position this month after a notable career spanning over 26 years at international law firm Pinsent Masons, where he served as a partner and held the role of global managing partner from 2015 until his retirement in 2023. Following his retirement, John has embraced various non-executive roles, including serving as chair of the board of trustees at St Anne’s Community Services and at the Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation.

At Parklane Plowden, John will collaborate with the head of chambers, the executive board, and the senior management team as the chambers pursues its strategic growth plans. Established in 2007, Parklane Plowden boasts a roster of 119 barristers across Leeds and Newcastle, with Elizabeth Hodgson leading as head of chambers. In a statement regarding John’s appointment, Elizabeth expressed her enthusiasm: “I am delighted to welcome John as our new non-executive chairman to support the next phase of our growth, and greatly looking forward to working with him."

John Cleland echoed her sentiments, stating, “Parklane Plowden is an ambitious and progressive set, with real strength across its practice areas and I am excited to be taking on the role.” He added that he intends to work closely with all teams to ensure Parklane Plowden continues to evolve for the benefit of its clients, staff, and members.

Reflecting its commitment to excellence, Parklane Plowden has received top rankings from prestigious legal directories. The 2026 rankings by Chambers & Partners recognised Parklane Plowden as Band 1, the highest accolade a chambers can achieve, in its practice areas including chancery, clinical negligence, employment, family and children law, and personal injury. Similarly, the 2027 edition of The Legal 500 has ranked Parklane Plowden as a tier one barristers’ set across five practice areas, affirming the chambers' position with 94 barristers individually recommended. For further information, search for ‘Parklane Plowden Chambers’