Membership of Circuit is open to members of the Bar of England and Wales, who ordinarily practice, or intend to practice on the North Eastern Circuit. It is also open to Judges who are members of Circuit as well as retired members of the Bar and Judiciary.

Pupils cannot be members of Circuit until they complete their pupillage and gain tenancy.

Please see links to download the application form and direct debit mandate at the bottom of this page.

As of 1st September 2017 Circuit Membership now includes mandatory life insurance benefit of £100,000 (see separate page). The premium for life insurance is taken in conjunction as one payment with the Circuit membership fees by BACS submission using the DDI held on file for members.

Subscriptions are renewed annually automatically by direct debit on 1st September - unless notice of cancellation is received 1 month in advance.

Subscription valid: 1st September - 31st August.  Pro Rata rates are applicable to those joining part way through a year and will be charged according to whether joining in March, June or October Grand Court.

Reduced subscription rates are applicable to Retired Bar and Judiciary, current Judiciary and those on maternity leave or on sabbatical. Please ensure you let the Circuit Office know of any change in your circumstances which would make you eligible for a reduced rate.

There are many benefits of joining Circuit; among them are:

Campaign on important issues

Representation by the Leader and others to campaign on issues such as QASA, Competitive Tendering and Fees.  The Circuit has representatives on the Bar Council and many of the specialist committees of the Bar Council and Specialist Bar Associations. You have free access to those who are on these committees and an opportunity to influence the response of the Circuit to issues of the day.

Stay informed

Being kept informed of up to date issues through Circuit Newsletters and attendance at meetings

Consultations

Consultation documents prepared by the Leader, with support from senior barristers, are based on comments received by members

Educational events

A comprehensive Circuit wide programme of educational events with CPD accreditation. You will be able to obtain all your CPD points without spending a penny of your own money if you are a member of Circuit since these events are free to Circuit members.

Training

Circuit provides RASSO training which is accredited by the CPS as well as Pupil Supervisor Training and Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training

Pupil Training

Pupils’ training, both Advocacy and Practice Management, are free for Pupils whose Supervisor is a Circuit member

Networking

Attendance at all Circuit social events. Such events provide you with an opportunity to meet and get to know members of Circuit from all specialist areas. It provides you with an opportunity to meet and get to know people whom you would not ordinarily see on a daily basis in court. Attendance at Mess and Grand Court greatly enhances the camaraderie of those who practise on Circuit

Support

The opportunity to seek advice and support from the Leader on delicate issues

Life Insurance Scheme

Membership of the Circuit’s Life Insurance Scheme for full members up to the age of 70 (retired members and Judges are not eligible to join the Life Insurance Scheme)

Stand for election

Eligibility to stand for election for a Circuit Role.

For further information on membership please contact the Circuit Secretary Richard Thyne, St Johns Building Chambers,7 Leopold St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2GY   secretary@northeasterncircuit.co.uk

If you wish to join Circuit please complete the application form and direct debit mandate and send both to the Circuit Administrator: Jessica Greensit, PO Box 789, Ripon HG4 5ET. 

Enquiries: tel: 07535 412111 or email: admin@northeasterncircuit.co.uk.

The relevant forms must be received before the Grand Court to ensure the names are publicised in line with the constitution. It is a Circuit tradition for those joining to "stand on their chair" at Grand Court Mess, however this is not mandatory and up to the individual to decide.