Head of Trinity's Business and Property Group, Simon Goldberg K.C. has followed a centuries old tradition of giving a 'red bag' to fellow Chambers' member, Seth Kitson.
Presentation of a red bag, also known as a brief bag, is a long-standing and recognisable part of the Bar's professional tradition. Used to carry wigs, robes, books, and case papers, the cloth bags are personalised with the owner’s monogrammed initials. They come in several colours, each with its own meaning - junior counsel carry dark blue bags, King’s Counsel use red bags, and members of the Judiciary are distinguished by dark green bags.
While red bags can only be bought by silks, there is a long-established custom that allows a K.C. to present one to a junior barrister they have worked alongside. This is in recognition of an exceptional contribution to a successful case. A red bag is typically presented by the silk with a personal note of thanks, and the bag includes a piece of parchment inside for that purpose.
Another part of the tradition is that the red bag is presented to the barrister by a junior clerk on behalf of the silk. Seth was given his by Business & Property clerk, Aimee Cummings, pictured.
Commenting on presenting the red bag, Simon Goldberg K.C. said:
"It is one of the great privileges of being in silk to be able to recognise the exceptional contribution of a junior to a case through the presentation of a red bag. Seth's work in Green Realisations 123 Ltd (in administration) v Fletchers Solicitors Ltd amply justified the award, and I am confident he will go from strength to strength as he progresses his career at the Business and Property Bar."
In response, Seth said:
"It was a privilege to work alongside Simon and my instructing solicitors in this case. Our clients obtained a fantastic outcome and I am grateful that I was able to play a small part in that."