header-logo header-logo

A reckoning with history: Hardwicke Chambers to change name

16 June 2021
Issue: 7937 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
printer mail-detail
Hardwicke Chambers is changing its name to Gatehouse Chambers, due to its namesake’s historic links with slavery.

The change will take place on 19 July, when the set moves premises from its current premises on New Square to 1 Lady Hale Gate.

During the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, legal bloggers investigated some historic legal figures including the 18th century Lord Chancellor, Lord Hardwicke. It came to light that he was one of two authors of the Yorke-Talbot opinion in 1729 which gave legal justification to slave owners for many years. Members of chambers did not feel comfortable with this history and elected to change the name.

Brie Stevens-Hoare QC, joint head of chambers, said: ‘The discovery of the provenance of our business’ name did not sit comfortably with our values as an organisation, or the inclusive and diverse nature of our people and our clients. We have spent many years building up a reputation for excellence, innovation and diversity.’

Issue: 7937 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
printer mail-details

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

A good book, a glass of chilled Albarino, and being creative for pleasure help Liz McGrath balance the rigours of complex bundles and being Head of Chambers

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Firm welcomes director in its financial services financial regulatory team

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn

Partner appointment in firm’s equity capital markets team

NEWS

Walkers and runners will take in some of London’s finest views at the 16th annual charity event

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

Could the Labour government usher in a new era for digital assets, ask Keith Oliver, head of international, and Amalia Neenan FitzGerald, associate, Peters & Peters, in this week’s NLJ

An extra bit is being added to case citations to show the pecking order of the judges concerned. Former district judge Stephen Gold has the details, in his ‘Civil way’ column in this week’s NLJ

The Labour government’s position on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is not yet clear

back-to-top-scroll