2023 – A year of change

2023 has been a transformational year for Chambers and a seminal moment in our history. In the year before Chambers celebrates its 70th anniversary so much has changed.

We have changed our premises and moved from Middle Temple to Gray’s Inn – Field Court is the perfect place to welcome clients, with contemporary meeting spaces and working areas.

We have changed our name, our brand and with that came a new website: 5essex.co.uk.

We have changed the work that we do by forging a path in information law, establishing a strong team in this practice area.

We have changed our team and are proud to be leaders at the bar for our percentage of female silks, with Francesca Whitelaw KC taking silk this year. The ongoing growth of Chambers has led to the arrival of new tenants – Edmund Gross, Aimee Riese, Lissy Verrall-Withers, Jack Palmer and Paige Jones. Sadly, Kate Cornell left us to go to the bench as a Circuit Judge – but what better place to go. I would like to thank all of our barristers and those in the business support teams for their hard work, tenacity and the application of their considerable skills that have contributed to our continued success.

We have changed the way we are viewed in the industry – a change in our standing and reputation which is reflected in the awards that we have been nominated for and won this year. We are particularly proud to have won ‘2023 Chambers of the Year in Inquests and Inquiries’ from Chambers and Partners. I would also like to congratulate Beatrice Collier who won the ‘Public Services and Charities Junior of the Year’ at The Legal 500 Bar Awards 2023.

But some things have not changed:

• 5 Essex’s ethos and collegiate atmosphere have not changed because of the move – indeed, I would say that it has been fortified.
• The standard of excellence of our work has not changed – we continue to be involved in many landmark cases and inquiries.
• Our public spiritedness has not changed. We are still, at our heart, a group of people who operate as an extended family.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to all of our clients for your continuing loyalty and support. We look forward to welcoming you to our new premises in 2024. Wishing you all a very peaceful and relaxing festive break.

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Authors

Jason Beer KC

Call 1992 | Silk 2011