Description of the legal term Chambers:
In British law, the term ‘Chambers’ has a number of important but different meanings, primarily relating to the environment in which legal work is carried out.
Barristers’ Chambers: This refers to the office or group of offices in which barristers practise. Unlike solicitors, barristers are usually self-employed and often share premises and administrative services with other barristers. These premises are called ‘chambers’. Inside, each barrister has his or her own private office, but they share common areas and staff, such as clerks who manage their appointments and court schedules. Chambers allow barristers to pool resources and share costs, while each barrister maintains their independent practice.
Judges’ chambers: This term refers to a judge’s office and adjoining rooms where they conduct their business outside the courtroom. Judges’ Chambers is where judges do much of their work, such as considering cases, writing judgments and meeting privately with lawyers to discuss legal matters. These meetings, sometimes called ‘hearings in chambers’, are usually less formal than court proceedings and can be used to discuss administrative or procedural issues relating to cases.
Legal context in which the term Chambers may be used:
Example 1: Barristers’ chambers in legal practice
A group of barristers specialising in criminal law form a set of chambers in London. Each barrister operates as an independent practitioner, but they share the rent for their office space, a reception area, and employ a team of clerks and administrative staff. The chamber’s environment allows these barristers to collaborate and consult on complex cases, while providing a central location for clients to visit and for administrative tasks to be managed efficiently.
Example 2: Judge’s chambers in court proceedings
In a complex commercial litigation case, the judge may call the lawyers for both sides to a meeting in the judge’s chambers. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the timetable for the forthcoming trial and any preliminary issues, such as the admissibility of certain evidence. Discussions in the judge’s chambers can help streamline the trial process and resolve procedural issues in a less formal setting than the courtroom.