You can join the North Eastern Circuit by completing an application form and a direct debit mandate in advance of any Grand Court. You can only join by attending Grand Court in person. Grand Court takes place 3 times each year; March, June or October
Answers to your questions and signposting to areas of the website where you will find further information.
We are constantly adding to the questions in this section, if you have a question which was not answered please send it to: admin@northeasterncircuit.co.uk and we will add it - thank you!
QHow do I join Circuit
QDoes Circuit provide financial help to members?
Circuit established the Henry Scott Fund to assist members in financial hardship.
QWhat is the Henry Scott Fund?
QHow do I find chambers on Circuit?
QWho are the Circuit Officers?
QWho is the Leader of Circuit?
Richard Wright QC is the Leader of the North Eastern Circuit and took office on 1st January 2020. The Leader sits for a 3 year term.
QWho is the Secretary?
QWho is the Treasurer?
QI have a complaint about a barrister
QWhat education events are available?
QWhat mess events are available?
QHow can I check my CPD points
QWhat webinars are available to members to watch?
There are a range of webinars to watch in the Members Area – you will need to log in to access the webinars.
QWhat charities does Circuit support?
The Circuit Charity Committee supports a wide range of charities each year and organises events to raise money for selected charities.
QWhen is Christmas Mess?
QI want to find a barrister?
Many of our Circuit members work on a direct access basis, meaning you can instruct them directly without going through a solicitor. You can contact a barrister through their chambers.
QWhat does Circuit do?
The North Eastern Circuit is an organisation of almost 1000 barristers who practise in the North East from Sheffield in the South to Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the North, covering Leeds, Bradford, York, Hull and Teesside and all areas in between.
Circuit is an association of members who pay annual subscriptions. Circuit organises social and educational events to provide members with the ability to complete their required training on Circuit free of charge and to network with their peers.
Specialist Bar Representatives, Bar Council Representatives and Area Representatives liaise with members and act as a conduit for information to local and national bodies to ensure the voices of those on the North Eastern Circuit are represented.
QCan Pupil’s Join Circuit?
Unfortunately pupils cannot join Circuit until they have completed pupillage and taken tenancy.
QHow much does it cost to be a member of Circuit?
Membership fees are automatically renewed annually on 1st September. The scale of fees is related to year of call. Membership of Circuit includes the mandatory life insurance premium giving £100,000 of life cover.
QI don’t want to ‘stand on my chair’ when I join Circuit?
When you attend Grand Court to join Circuit you have the option to ‘stand on your chair’ during Adjourned Grand Court after mess. This is a Circuit tradition and custom but it is not mandatory and you can opt out with no issue.
QWhat does Circuit spend it’s money on? How are my fees used?
Circuit is a non-profit making organisation and a registered charity. All membership fees are used solely to provide subsidised social events and free training and CPD events to all barristers on Circuit.
QHow do I find out about latest news on Circuit?
Follow the North Eastern Circuit on Twitter or the Leader of the North Eastern Circuit on Twitter. See the Home Page for the news feed and lastest Circuit Bulletins as well as the archive.
QHow to I contact other civil practitioners on Circuit?
You can send an email to help@northeasterncircuit.co.uk stating your query/reason for contact and you will be contacted by an appropriate member of Circuit who can help you. Or visit Who’s Who on Circuit
QHow do I contact other family practitioners on Circuit?
You can send an email to help@northeasterncircuit.co.uk stating your query/reason for contact and you will be contacted by an appropriate member of Circuit who can help you Or visit Who’s Who on Circuit
QHow do I contact other criminal practitioners on Circuit?
You can send an email to help@northeasterncircuit.co.uk stating your query/reason for contact and you will be contacted by an appropriate member of Circuit who can help you Or visit Who’s Who on Circuit