Samantha Hillas KC
Leader
Welcome to the Northern Circuit, a place of proud history, strong traditions, legal excellence and, importantly, overwhelming friendliness!
Stretching as it does from the Border City of Carlisle in Cumbria at its northernmost point, running through beautiful Lakeland to the port of Whitehaven in the West, on through Preston and Burnley in the heart of Lancashire to the great Northern powerhouses of Manchester, now regarded by many as England’s “second city”, and Liverpool, famous world-wide for its breathtaking waterfront over which Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts now keep watch, and most recently joined by the historic city of Chester and its surrounding county – the Northern Circuit remains at the forefront of legal development.
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VLE Training Portal

New Junior
Dear All I am delighted to announce that Isabella Denn-White of 7 Harrington Street will be the next Junior of the Circuit, succeeding Hannah Forsyth. Issy recently accompanied the Leader-Elect and I to a dinner with North West MPs and represented the Circuit with aplomb. I am sure she will carry that into her new role. Thank you very much to the outgoing Junior. Hannah has been absolutely brilliant in her two terms and deserves all our thanks. Jaime
17th December 2025

Circuit History seminar in honour of HH David Lynch
Circuit History seminar in honour of HH David Lynch Lecture with refreshments ahead of Manchester Combined Mess
16th July 2025

Sep
07
2024
RASSO Training - Course available upon request - Contact Circuit Admin
RASSO Training Free to Members of Circuit £100 to non Members
Feb
12
2026
Hilary Term 2026 Carlisle Combined mess
Carlisle Combined High Court Judges' and Circuit Judges' Mess 7 for 730pm Black Tie **See Members area for Circuit rate for Crown Hotel (Limited availability)**
Feb
26
2026
Hilary Term 2026 Preston Combined mess
Preston Combined High Court Judges'and Circuit Judges' Mess 6.30 pm for 7pm Informal dress **Contact Circuit Admin for Circuit accommodation rate for this dinner (Limited availability) **
Mar
03
2026
NPP Advocacy 2026 (Interest bookings closed)
Tuesday 3rd March 2026 via Zoom 5 - 6pm Friday 6th March 2026 via Zoom 5 - 7pm Saturday 7th March 2026 in person 9am - 3.30pm @ MMU
Mar
05
2026
Hilary Term 2026 Liverpool Grand Court mess
Liverpool Grand Court and Election Mess 630 for 7pm Informal dress **See Members area for Corporate rates for School Lane and Hope Street hotels**
Mar
14
2026
Congratulatory Dinner - St Georges Hall [please now use the reserve list for your interest]
Congratulatory dinner to celebrate the Rt Hon Sir Tim Holroyde on his retirement from his position as Vice President of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), Lord Justice Andrew Edis on his appointment as Vice President of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), Lady Justice Amanda Yip and Lord Justice Ian Dove on their appointments as Lady and Lord Justices of Appeal, and Mr Justice Mark Cawson on his appointment to the High Court Bench. There will be a champagne reception from 6.30pm, and dinner will be at 7.00pm, with a dress code of black tie.