Press Releases

St Philips Barristers Court TV Fame

St Philips Chambers Family law barristers are starring in a BBC 2 TV documentary, providing a unique insight into the Bar.  

Alistair Macdonald, a specialist in the law relating to children and Louise McCabe, who has practised exclusively in family law for 12 years, will be appearing in episode two of the four-part series, which marks the first time in 800 years that the profession has been in the spotlight. Iqbal Mohammed, who recently joined St Philips, was one of four pupillage applicants across the UK involved in the documentary.

As one of the largest sets of Chambers in the UK, St Philips was keen to support the initiative, which had the backing of the Bar Council, to show the public what it means to be a barrister.

Commenting on his involvement in the programme, Alistair Macdonald said:

“On the first day of filming it did feel a bit peculiar having a camera following me around and it took a little while to relax, but it is credit to the production team that they built trust with the barristers they worked with – it certainly made it an enjoyable experience from my perspective. 

“Once the cameras stopped rolling I obviously had a little apprehension about how the finished product would come across, but any fears were completely allayed when I saw the pre-screening. I was particularly pleased with how Birmingham came across on screen – it really does the city justice and it was important that the programme showed the significance of the regional Bar and the thriving legal communities that are present outside London.”

Louise McCabe added:

I think this was an important project to get involved in as there are a lot of misconceptions about the Bar and the type of people who become barristers. With the current threats to legal aid funding for family-related issues, I feel strongly that the wider public understand how the Bar operates and why it serves such an important function within society.”

St Philips Criminal Group involved in biker murder trial.

St Philips Chambers supports Egyptian Judicial visit

St Philips Chambers recently had the honour of hosting an informal reception for three female members of the Egyptian Judiciary as part of an initiative sponsored by The British Council for them to experience the English Judicial system. The Judges had the opportunity to meet with practicing barristers and were given a tour of Chambers to give them a flavour of Birmingham’s legal community.

Members of the Egyptian Judiciary visit St Philips Chambers.

William Davis Q.C. has been appointed one of Her Majesty's Circuit Judges.

We are delighted to announce that William Davis Q.C. has been appointed one of Her Majesty's Circuit Judges. William will be sworn-in on Wednesday 2nd July and will be based at Birmingham Crown Court.

David Worster is appointed one of Her Majesty's Circuit Judges

We are delighted to announce that David Worster has been appointed one of Her Majesty's Circuit Judges. David will be sworn-in on Wednesday 2nd July and will be based at Birmingham Civil Justice Centre.

Head of Chambers, Jim Burbidge Q.C. (far left) and Mike Kimmons CB, CEO , with David Worster (centre) at a recent drinks party held in his honour.

Proceeds from St Philips family law group training events go to Acorns Hospice

On 1st April 2008 a new protocol for public law children's cases came into force.  To prepare for this St Philip's family law practice group delivered a series of training events at 4 midlands Court centres.  Each was hosted by the local designated family judge and attended by judges, solicitors, social workers and Guardians. They were extremely well received and made an important contribution to the preparation for this landmark innovation. The legal profession have had a long association with the Acorns Trust and St Philips Family Law Practice Group were delighted to be able to donate the profits of the venture to the Acorns.

St Philips is short listed for 'Chambers of the Year' award!

We are delighted to announce that St Philips is one of 6 chambers in the country and the only set outside of London to be be short listed for the The Lawyer Magazines prestigious 'Chambers of the Year' award 2008.

The criteria was rigorous and the competition strong; all chambers were judged on five main areas: 

- Consistent quality of work over the year

- Depth of resources in specific market areas

- Innovative clerking;

- Year on year growth in business activity

- Clearly identifiable strategy.

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony being held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on the 24th June 2008.

Successful seminar on the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

Members of our Criminal and Regulatory teams came together to bring an informative seminar on the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007. James Burbidge Q.C., William Davis Q.C., Jonathan Salmon and Clare Dillon lectured to over 40 members of the public and private sectors on this important piece of legislation, which could lead to prosecution for UK companies who fail to maintain the appropriate health and safety standards.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the seminar notes/delegate pack. Please email edziergas@st-philips.com or please call 0121 246 2187.

Alistair MacDonald receives Barrister of the Year award for 2008

We are proud to announce that family specialist Alistair MacDonald has been awarded 'Barrister of the Year' at the recent Birmingham Law Society Awards Dinner. St Philips dominated the nominations with no fewer than 3 candidates for the award including commercial practitioner Andrew Maguire and employment specialist Elizabeth Hodgetts.

Alistair (centre row, second from left) displaying his award with other category winners at the Legal Awards.