Trinity's members and staff warmly congratulate Caroline Goodwin K.C. as she commences her three year term as Leader of the North Eastern Circuit from 1st January 2026.
In her first message as Leader published on New Year's Day, which can be found here, Caroline Goodwin K.C. said:
"My manifesto ended with the following:'...members of this Circuit come first. If that is what you want, then what I need from you is your vote. Repose in me that confidence and this Circuit will go from strength to strength'.
Today is my first day in office and what challenges we face, but I wanted to reassure you that I relish the challenge in delivering on those promises...There are difficult times ahead including, but not limited to, the Government's assault on the right to trial by jury. That as you know is a major headline, but we must not forget the wider debate on access to Justice. We can be part of shaping this for the future. We collectively can present real and effective change."
North Eastern Circuit is a network of nearly a thousand barristers open to members of the Bar practising across the region, including Newcastle, York, Bradford, Sheffield, Middlesbrough, Leeds and Hull. Membership is also open to Judges who are members of Circuit as well as retired members of the Bar and Judiciary.
The association provides information about barristers to the public, professional development, continuing education, wellbeing resources and networking opportunities. Also as a representative voice and forum for local members of the profession, members liaise with the Courts, lobby on regional issues, help to maintain professional standards, as well as supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives to improve accessibility and collegiality across the regional Bar.
As Leader, Caroline Goodwin K.C. will promote the functions of Circuit, represent Circuit on outside bodies such as the Bar Council and also Chair the Executive Committee.