Two Liverpool sets merge to form 79 member-strong Hundred Court Chambers

The merger brings together 79 members, 20 employees and two pupils under one roof. Four new pupils will join later in 2025. Atlantic and Oriel’s clerking teams will be brought together into a single unit.

Hundred Court Chambers will operate from full-refurbished ground floor premises at Exchange Station, opposite Liverpool’s Civil and Family Court.

The name Hundred Court Chambers gets its inspiration from the medieval ‘hundred court’, once held in Allerton, Liverpool.

“Before courthouses existed, these courts are believed to have convened in open-air settings, offering a place for gathering, deliberation and fair judgment,” Atlantic Chambers and Oriel Chambers said.

Atlantic Chambers was originally established in 1939 as Melville Kennan’s Chambers. It became Castle Street Chambers before rebranding to Atlantic Chambers in 2003.  

It is a multidisciplinary barristers’ set, with national expertise in chancery, commercial, civil litigation, clinical negligence, crime, family, employment and inquests.

Past members include Sir Brian Leveson, former President of the Queen’s Bench Division, Lord Justice Edis, the newly appointed Vice-President of the Court of Appeal Criminal Division and, until recently, Senior Presiding Judge, and Mrs Justice Knowles, one of the current Presiding Judges of the Northern Circuit. Its current judges include also HHJ Natalie Cuddy, HHJ Horne, DJ Neil Downey and DJ Philip Emery.

Oriel Chambers, which was established in 1965, meanwhile is a leading set on the Northern Circuit, acting for clients including the Crown Office, local authorities, global insurers and national law firms.

Past members of Oriel include HHJ Stannard, former Official Referee (Technology and Construction Court Judge) of Liverpool; HHJ Trigger (Civil Judge); HHJ Norman Wright (Criminal Judge); HHJ Brandon (Family Judge); DJ John Baldwin (Regional Costs Judge); DJ Lindsay Clarke; and DJ Shirley Hennessy.  

Charles Prior, joint head of chambers at Hundred Court Chambers, said: “From our first discussions it was clear that we shared a strong alignment in values, culture and ambition, and in a relatively short period of time, we felt that there was a huge opportunity to come together.

“Each set has worked tirelessly to build formidable reputations not only in the North West but throughout the UK. By joining together, we can bring together an even broader range of expertise and specialism, delivering significantly enhanced services and supporting our clients on the most complex of matters.”

Paul Brant, joint head of chambers at Hundred Court Chambers, said: “The new name reflects our heritage and vision. With deep local roots and a foundation of strength and integrity, Hundred Court Chambers is well positioned for an exciting future.  

“Our new offices at Exchange Station are also symbolic. This proud, historic building has been transformed into a modern business hub, reflecting our forward-looking mindset. Located close to the courts, it’s the perfect setting to mark this new era for the chambers.”