Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers
T: 0161 817 6377 E: gcn@gcnchambers.co.uk

New Head and Deputy Head of Chambers elected

20 March 2023

Head of chambers and Deputy head of chambers

Garden Court North Chambers is delighted to announce the election of Kerry Smith as Head of Chambers and Ben McCormack as Deputy Head of Chambers.

Kerry is our first female Head of Chambers and only the third in our history following the inspirational tenures of the late Ian Macdonald QC and Mark George KC. Her election follows the sad death of Mark who led Chambers with dedication and friendship.

Called to the Bar in 2002, Kerry joined Garden Court North as a pupil in our inaugural intake and became Deputy Head of Chambers in 2019. Ben joined Chambers in 2005 after spending the first six years of his career as a solicitor in legal aid firms in Greater Manchester.

The election of Kerry and Ben marks a new era for Garden Court North and under their leadership we look forward to further growth and success. Chambers continues our long-standing commitment to legal aid work, and to representing people disadvantaged by discrimination or inequality in their fight for justice.

Chambers news

The Judge at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre (pictured) decided not to make a possession order following Misha Nayak-Oliver's submissions. Credit: Marmalade Photos / Shutterstock.

Chambers news

Misha Nayak-Oliver prevents family of four from losing their home

The Judge at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre decided not to make a possession order following Misha Nayak-Oliver's submissions.

Awaab's Law, debated in Parliament on 21 July 2025, is named after Awaab Ishak, who tragically died aged two due to prolonged exposure to mould in his social housing. Credit: Lena Maximova / Shutterstock.

Chambers news

Applications open for MHCLG Social Housing Resident Panel as sector prepares for Awaab’s Law

The Ministry for Housing has opened applications for social housing tenants to join the Resident Panel until 23:00 on 7 September 2025.

Garden Court North's Nina Grahame KC and Rosalind Burgin represented Mr Ellis at his sentencing in Manchester Crown Court (pictured). Credit: Stephen Richard / Creative Commons.

Chambers news

Anthony Ellis sentenced to life imprisonment with 15-year minimum term for murder

Mr Ellis, represented by Garden Court North's Nina Grahame KC and Rosalind Burgin, was previously imprisoned for causing grievous bodily harm to the same victim.

Both events demonstrate Garden Court North's continued commitment to ensuring flagship human rights law events reach the north and north-west of the UK. Credit: Bardhok Ndoji / Shutterstock.

Chambers news

Garden Court North to co-host leading inquest and immigration events in September

The INQUEST Northern Conference and Quiz and the North-West Migrants' Rights Conference will take place in September 2025.

Sign up to our mailing list

Our mailing list is dedicated to professionals with an interest in our work.

Sign up