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

Chambers news

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Dean Johnstone was sentenced to 17 years and six months’ imprisonment in Manchester Crown Court for the murder of Ms Karen Youdell.

Chambers news

Alexa Thompson secures possession claim dismissal to keep single mother and children in their home

Alexa Thompson secured the dismissal of a possession claim brought against her client in the Manchester Civil Justice Centre.

Chambers news

Rosalind Burgin and Bethany Currie’s clients acquitted at trial following protest action

Garden Court North’s Rosalind Burgin and Bethany Currie have secured acquittals for three protest defendants.

Chambers news

Ministry of Housing’s draft guidance on Awaab’s Law an “important and long-overdue step towards protecting tenants”

The UK Government’s Ministry of Housing published draft guidance for social landlords on Awaab’s Law, due to come into force in October 2025.

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