7 Bedford Row announces a new Head of Chambers
3 November 2006
We are pleased to announce the election of Kate Thirlwall QC as Head of Chambers with effect from 6 November 2006. Kate takes over the role from David Farrer QC who stands down after a 7 year term of office. He remains in practice at 7 Bedford Row.
Kate was called to the Bar in 1982 and took silk in 1999. She has a broad practice, with particular expertise in large scale group litigation arising out of professional negligence in public authorities, product liability and clinical negligence. Kate has appeared for local authorities, companies and the NHS in a number of public and private inquiries over the last 10 years. She served for 5 years on the Professional Standards Committee of the Bar Council and is currently a member of the Rules Committee of the Bar Standards Board. She chaired the Bar Council's money laundering working party and has been involved in discussions with the Treasury and the governments and professional bodies of other European countries on the subject of anti-money laundering legislation.
Kate has been Head of Recruitment at 7 Bedford Row and a member of the Executive Committee over the last 7 years. During that time Chambers has increased in size to its current number of 80 (of whom 20 are silks). This has enabled Chambers to consolidate its position in areas such as fraud, money laundering, regulation and clinical negligence, as well as develop successful practice teams in commercial and employment litigation.
Outgoing Head of Chambers David Farrer QC has overseen a period of sustained growth and development of the set, with turnover increasing by 62% over the last 5 years. During this time, Chambers' strategy to develop as an integrated set in civil and criminal law has seen the formation of a highly successful alliance with BakerPlatt in Jersey, which now operates across a broad spectrum of law, from white collar crime and financial regulation to general commercial litigation and professional negligence.
Commenting on her appointment, Kate said:
"7 Bedford Row's market position and reputation has gone from strength to strength with David at the helm. I know I speak for everyone in Chambers, members and staff, in thanking him for his enormous contribution to the achievements of this set over the past 7 years. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to lead Chambers through the next stage of its development, where we will face with confidence the challenges of a changing marketplace."