COVID - 19

STATEMENT FROM HEAD OF TRINITY CHAMBERS, TOBY HEDWORTH Q.C.

Our society, its justice system and the legal professionals who deliver it have no choice but to change for ever. COVID-19 has shaped our future. Trinity Chambers will lead the way in adapting and evolving to deliver justice in this time of crisis and beyond.

We are unwaveringly committed to providing a full, expert and dedicated service to all our clients. We have the breadth and depth of expertise, experience and knowledge to guide you through this trying time. We will provide a critical safety net to all.

To this aim, here you will find our COVID-19 Update service. It will keep you informed and up to date with COVID-19 developments as they affect the legal system. A COVID-19 day seems about equivalent to a month in old money. These are fast moving, unprecedented and often alarming times. However, we must not forget the incredible ability of humans to adapt.

We can and will get through this.

We are well familiar with the online world, having used collaborative remote working software to deliver a seamless service over our four physical sites. We have now completed a migration of our entire remaining business systems online. It has been a Herculean effort. In the days ahead we will achieve much more.

We are here to help you, our clients, old and new, at any time of the day or night, however we can. No virus will prevent these Chambers, its members and its staff from continuing the decades of public service of which we are all rightly so proud.

Toby Hedworth Q.C.

COVID - 19 UPDATE

All our barristers and staff are available as normal. The Custom House is receiving essential post only. Our Ridley Place (Newcastle), Leeds and Middlesbrough premises are temporarily closed. Any enquiries should be made via telephone, e-mail or videoconferencing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, NEWS & RESOURCES

We continue to operate at full capacity, delivering our exceptionally high quality service to all clients. Our barristers, clerks and staff are working remotely, delivering our experienced, expert services in a flexible way. You can download our FAQ's here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to contact Chambers or counsel?

Each barrister and clerk is fully connected to remote communication software. You can e-mail any query safely to their secure Trinity Chambers email address or telephone Chambers. You can also contact us via video conferencing software, principally Skype, Microsoft Teams and Zoom. You will, as always, receive a timely response.

How will barristers attend criminal hearings?

We continue to monitor HMCTS guidance on attending hearings. The Courts are limiting their attended hearings. Our counsel will continue to attend hearings where instructed to do so. Chambers has for a long time had the capacity to dial into any criminal court or prison from our videoconferencing suite at our Quayside Chambers. Counsel will further have the capacity to connect to hearings remotely where necessary.

How will barristers attend family and civil hearings?

As the courts continue to limit their in-person operations, all counsel will have the ability to contact via Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams and other court-used software. We will ensure so far as possible that no disruption is caused to any hearings.

How will we hold remote conferences with barristers?

Our counsel will connect via Microsoft Teams or by conference call. We have the capacity to connect via your software of choice, such as Zoom or PowWowNow. Our clerks will be in touch to ensure we are operating on your preferred platform.

How should I deliver papers to counsel?

Chambers would encourage you to contact clerks via e-mail (either a specific clerk or info@trinitychambers.co.uk). If the material can be delivered electronically, that is preferred. If not, we will ensure any papers delivered (via courier, post or DX) to Chambers reaches counsel in good time.

What do I do if a client has no access to video conferencing software or has poor internet connectivity?

We are happy to conduct telephone conferences. Our clerks will be happy to discuss alternatives.

How do I keep abreast of the latest developments?

Chambers is dedicated to ensuring we are there to guide you and clients through this trying time. We will be updating our social media regularly and providing dedicated expert analysis on our website.