Dear all
Community:
School is almost out. If last week was anything to go by, we are set for a long, hot summer and I hope you all have fabulous plans for it which don’t involve work.
We have one more mess this term, in Liverpool on 16th July. Today is the last day to book on for it. Please come if you can. Not only would be lovely to see you, but our outgoing Junior Issy Denn White deserves a good send off.
I have included below Peter Harthan’s match report from the NC v NEC cricket on 14 June 2026. A rare victory for the NEC but I thank everyone from Circuit involved for what looks to have been a splendid Circuit event.
I look forward to seeing all those attending the valedictories of HH Jordan this afternoon and HHJ Menary KC tomorrow.
Please do cast your eye down the information below when you have chance. There is lots going on.
Finally, I have a meeting on Tuesday (7th July) with the BSB. They are keen to know of any issues which are affecting barristers on our Circuit. Please contact me directly if you have any issues you would like me to raise on your behalf: leader@northerncircuit.co.uk
Sam Hillas KC
Leader of the Northern Circuit
Please can you ensure requests are sent at least two weeks in advance so that we can keep Circuit emails to a minimum. Thank you.
Northern Circuit Cricket v NE Circuit - 14 June 2026
I bring the unfortunate news that the NE Circuit won the cricket at Harrogate yesterday and so the Russell Cup resides on the Eastern side of the Pennines for only the 2nd time this century. The only mitigation is that the NE Circuit were strengthened by some of their barristers dropping out at short notice and their replacement with some fairly handy guest players. Perhaps their victory ought to be marked with an asterisk. But we mustn’t grumble, they were the better team on the day. The NE Circuit batted first and posted 219 from their 35 overs. The N Circuit got off to a good start with openers Cockrill and Thompson but the steep drop off in bowling competence after the first change, a usual feature of these games, failed to materialise and we ended up some way short on 169 from our 35 overs. There was a moment where I briefly dared to dream, not so much of victory but having struck a 6 over the onside boundary it appeared to be heading for Nigel Power’s car only to drop just short. It was not the only occasion during the day when I misjudged where a ball was going to land, but let’s not get into that. Goose J presented the newly polished Russell Cup to the NE captain after the close of play.
Peter Harthan
Circuit events:
Forthcoming valedictories:
An invitation is extended to all practitioners, judges, retired judges, and court staff who may wish to attend the forthcoming valedictories to mark the retirements of the following Judges:
3 July 2026: HHJ Andrew Menary KC - 945am: Court 4-1 at the QE2 in Liverpool
10 July 2026: DJ Ian Knifton - Liverpool Civil and Family Court. Timings TBC
23 July 2026: HHJ Graham Wood KC, Designated Civil Judge for Cheshire and Merseyside – 9.30am: Court 26, Liverpool Civil and Family Court. See link for CVP details.
Mess - Trinity Term
Liverpool Combined Mess – 16 July 2026
Members and judiciary to use this link to book on. Non-members should contact Clare.
Circuit Golf
Please note the upcoming dates and fixtures:
29 August 2026: the annual match against the North Eastern Circuit at Dunham Forest GC
13 September 2026: the Carlisle Cup at Wilmslow GC;
26 September 2026: the Bar v Bench match to contest the Maddison Trophy at Delamere Forest GC.
Pupillage Fair North 2026 – 21 November 2026
Please see attached poster.
The Chamber's event page is now live for bookings. Please login and head to Chamber events. If you experience any issues just ask Circuit Admin for assistance and/or password resets.
If your chambers have not given the specific Chamber's contact email please dont hestiate to contact Circuit Admin.
Please see the video from last year here.
We would really welcome your support in sharing the event details on all social media platforms. In addition to the stands we are looking for volunteers for CV clinics, lectures and other events. Please contact Clare if you are willing to be involved
Pupillage registrations open to Chambers
Pupillage training week from Monday 14 December - Friday 18 December 2026. If you wish to register your pupil for a place please note that all 5 days are to be attended irrespective of practice area. This programme is only available to pupils who have already commenced their pupillage at the time of training.
Your pupil is not automatically allocated a place at this point, please ensure you register them with Circuit Admin by the deadline of Friday 14 August 2026.
Can I ask you to urge your "trained trainers" to contact Circuit to assist with this training. If you have any members who wish to become a trainer please contact Circuit Admin for further information.
Other events:
Northern and North Eastern Circuit Get Together - Friday 10 July 2026
Gray's Inn are having to celebrate Lady Justice Amanda Yip on 10th July 2026 in Liverpool. Open to all Members of the Inn. Book here.
Upcoming pre-application seminar: HESC Chamber Resident Judges
Exercises: Health and Social Care Chamber; Resident Judges (launching in August)
Seminar date: Tuesday 21st July 2026, 5:00–6:00pm (online)
Seminar advert: https://www.judicialcareers.judiciary.uk/civicrm/event/info/?id=215
Direct registration link: https://www.judicialcareers.judiciary.uk/civicrm/event/register/?id=215&reset=1
ICCA – Remote Advocacy Training For The Pakistan Bar
For the attention of Advocacy Trainers: Click on the link for more information.
Closing date: 17 July 2026.
Cumbria Family Justice Conference - 18 September 2026
This annual event is a full day conference for all family practitioners with legal updates and talks from experts. The keynote speaker last year was Sir Andrew Macfarlane, then President of the Family Division. Our Northern Circuit Family Division Liaison Judge, Mrs Justice Knowles, also spoke about pathfinder courts (now the child focused courts) and there was a useful panel discussion about well-being in family practice.
Taking place at the Rheged Centre just outside Penrith, the agenda for this year is shaping up to be even better than last year. The event is well attended by solicitors and an excellent opportunity for networking. Tickets sell fast so please follow the link to book your place.
Other updates:
Professional Development for young professionals - 16 September 2026
Click on the link for more information and how to book on.
Request for Input - Delays to transport to Court
Click on the link to take part.