Future Tenants

Practice Development

Chambers arranges member’s feedback sessions for working pupils and practice development meetings for members.  The purpose of these meetings is to enable discussion of the allocation and type of work, development of practice, projected income levels, marketing of individual practices, the Continual Professional Development of the member, and any initiatives. These are incorporated into Chambers Business Plan which is analysed at the end of every quarter.  In addition informal discussions can take place all year round.

Fair Access to Work

Chambers through the Meridian Law software monitors the allocation of work on a monthly basis.  This consists of a review between the Managing Clerk and the Practice Manager in preparation of the Management Committee meeting.  This review is in the eventuality of any complaints or concerns a member may have about work allocation.    Chambers uses the work distribution data to ascertain if any instructing party exhibits briefing practices which tend to favour a particular group.  Any unequal or unfair treatment of pupils (inc mini-pupils) and members of Chambers in the allocation of work will be treated as a serious matter and dealt with appropriately by the EOO / Head of Chambers so that it does not recur.

Tenancy Application

The Pupillage and Tenancy Committee deals with all applications for tenancy.  All applicants both internal (pupils applying for membership) and external (candidates applying speculatively or following an advertisement) are required to complete an application form and are interviewed according to the criteria selected by this committee.  At the interview, the Managing Clerk and Practice Manager are both present.  If the applicant is successful and suitable references obtained, the recommendation of the applicant is put to all members of Chambers.  Arrangements are then made about the transfer to 4 Brick Court.

Chambers Facilities.

The following facilities are provided by the rent members pay to Chambers.

a) There are four dedicated clerks responsible for the diary management of members.  Out of hours, contact to the Managing Clerk for clients is available.

b) The marketing of member’s practices is by the clerks, in their daily role and also through the medium of the website and Chambers brochure.  Marketing of members also takes place through the hosting of courses, publication of a newsletter as well as the entertainment of clients hosted by Chambers throughout the year.  Chambers website, www.4bc.co.uk is promoted in all correspondence, as it contains the photographs and pen portraits of the members.   In addition both the Managing Clerk and Practice Manager visit instructing clients on a regular basis to obtain feedback and to promote members practices.

c) The clerking software used is that of Meridian, which is networked throughout the 25 desktop computers in Chambers.  This software is compatible to Blackberry/PDA appliances and is available if members so choose.

d) The telephony equipment used by Chambers allows members to use the conference call, call divert and voice mail features.

e) Chambers computers are networked and the continual investment in new technology means that desktop faxing and secure access from outside of Chambers gives members the best business efficiency possible.

f) Members also have the use of the library facility, which includes “on-line” connectivity to Lawtel and Jordans Family Law publications.

g) The Continual Professional Development (CPD) of members is provided by free membership to The Legal Practitioner. This offers member’s access to over 90 CD ROMs as well as on line courses for members to gain their training points. In addition if members choose to, courses from CLT law are available at a special rate of 50% of the quoted price.

h) The Law Society and Bar Council recognise the courses that Chambers run and CPD points are available to those who take part in the tutoring of such courses.