A ‘leading set’, which continues to ’go from strength to strength’ and houses excellent barristers.”

Legal 500 2025

Head of Chambers: Matthew White

Chief Executive: Richard Khaldi

Welcome to St John’s Chambers

We are a leading regional barristers’ chambers with a national reputation for excellence. Based in Bristol, we provide specialist legal advice and representation across England and Wales. Our three-pillar commitment — Inclusive, Commercial, Excellent — guides everything we do.

About Us

Excellence with National Reach

St John’s Chambers is proud to be recognised by the legal industry’s top directories:

  • Legal 500’s “Set outside London of the Year” 2022
  • Shortlisted in 2023, 2024 and 2025 for the same award
  • Chambers UK Bar Guide “Regional Set of the Year” 2024 finalist
  • Family Law Awards “Regional Family Law Set of the Year” 2025, 2023 winner; 2024 nominee
  • Bristol Law Awards ‘Chambers of the Year’ nominee

We receive complex, high-value instructions from national law firms, insurers, and local authorities. Our focus is always on specialist expertise, ensuring our clients work with barristers who are leaders in their field.

Practice Areas

We offer expert representation and advice across multiple disciplines. Our barristers are leaders in their respective fields, involved in landmark decisions in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Our core areas include:

Meet the Team

Our barristers are consistently ranked in Chambers UK and Legal 500 for their technical expertise and approachable service. Many have gone on to serve in the judiciary, including:

  • 3 Recorders
  • 4 Deputy District Judges
  • 3 Members of the Attorney General’s Panel
  • 1 Legal Services Panel member for the British Virgin Islands

Explore our Barristers Directory.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

We offer a full range of ADR services, including:

With 20 qualified mediators, we can act as mediator, adviser or advocate to help clients resolve disputes without litigation. Find out more here.

Clerking & Client Service

We pride ourselves on adapting to the evolving legal landscape. Through continual client engagement and a forward-thinking approach, we remain at the forefront of advocacy and legal thought leadership.

Our experienced clerking teams are the first point of contact for new enquiries. Known for their speed, efficiency, and personal approach, they’ll connect you with the right barrister for your case and support you throughout.

Clients describe our clerking team as “always very efficient and go over and above to help.”

Our Clients

We advise and represent:

  • National and regional law firms
  • Local authorities
  • Insurance companies
  • Individuals under the Public Access Scheme
  • Business leaders, professionals and consultants

Thought Leadership

We are thought leaders in the profession, providing insightful content through:

Seminars & Events

We host top-tier CPD-accredited legal training, described by clients as: “one of the best I have ever been on.”

Our events include:

  • Full-day and half-day seminars
  • Evening talks
  • Bespoke courses for law firms, insurers, and charities
  • Excellent hospitality at premium venues

View upcoming events

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are proud to lead initiatives promoting access and representation across the Bar:

  • Partner of Bridging the Bar (BTB) — hosted 9 advocacy candidates
  • Active participant in 10,000 Black Interns programme
  • Pupillage offer extended to one intern starting in October 2025

We promote mental wellbeing and a culture of inclusion among barristers, clerks and staff. Find out more here.

Pro Bono & Social Impact

We’re committed to access to justice and giving back. Our barristers were recognised in the Pro Bono Recognition List, with notable work including:

  • Representation in the Eddie Cornish Inquest (Rachel Segal)
  • Securing funeral rights for a bereaved child after a public tragedy (Oliver Wooding)

Charity & Fundraising

Recent charitable achievements include:

  • £3,195 raised for Child Brain Injury Trust, Headway Bristol, and Great Western Air Ambulance
  • £1,120 for Bristol Mind via our Summer Olympics Challenge
  • £2,200+ raised for The Children’s Society via London Marathon
  • £250 for Comic Relief

History

Founded in 1978 with just six members and a six-month lease, St John’s Chambers has grown into one of the largest and most respected chambers in the South West — now with over 80 members and a top-tier reputation across all major areas of law.

Our Offices

Located in the heart of Bristol, our modern, purpose-built offices are:

  • A short walk from Bristol Temple Meads
  • Close to the historic Bristol harbour
  • Easily accessible by major road links

Explore Our Year

📖 Highlights of 2024 & Looking Ahead to 2025

Highlights of 2024 & Looking ahead in 2025

Get in touch or request a callback

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