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Dear all
Community:
From now on this section of the Circuit update will be at the beginning rather than the end.
I know these updates are long but please do cast your eye over the information below about Circuit – and other – events in case there is something of interest to you.
Who doesn’t love May, bookended as it is with bank holidays? I hope yours were/will be spent relaxing and enjoying time with your family and friends. Work isn’t everything, although it can feel that way at times.
I hope you were able to read the notice we sent out about Roger Lowe. I didn’t know Roger and I suspect he practised on this Circuit all too briefly before his devastating accident for many others to have known him either. What moved me about his story was the fact that his friends on the Northern Circuit did not forget him and, for an astonishing forty years, they ensured he knew that he wasn’t forgotten. Roger’s story told me all I need to know about the Northern Circuit.
There is a lot going on this term, including the retirements of some of our favourite Judges. It would be lovely to see you all at mess (details below).
My very best wishes to you all
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.
Circuit events:
Northern Circuit v the Irish Bar hockey and rugby fixtures and mess – 9 May 2026
See link for final arrangements.
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:
14 May 2026: HHJ Yvonne Coppel - 4.30pm: Court 28, 3rd floor, Liverpool Civil and Family Court
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
Crown Court visits:
20 May 2026: QEII, Liverpool 9.30am - Kate Green, the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester
22 May 2026: Bolton and Preston Crown Courts 12.30pm – MPs invited to attend
If any barristers are available to attend Liverpool, Preston or Bolton Crown Courts on the above dates, please do. The visiting politicians wish to speak to those working at the coalface of the criminal justice system to find out more.
Pupil Supervisor Training - 21 May 2026
Venue: By Zoom
This course is for first time pupil supervisors and those who require refresher training. Members should book on here and non-members should contact Clare.
Northern Circuit Cricket v NE Circuit - 14 June 2026
The Northern Circuit v N.E. Circuit cricket match for the Russell Cup will be held at Harrogate Cricket Club on Sunday 14th June, wickets pitched at 1.30pm. The game is part of the celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of the North Eastern Circuit. There are still a couple of places available for those wishing to represent the Circuit, let Peter.harthan@7hs.co.uk know if you wish to play.
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.
*Save the date*
Pupillage Fair North 2026 – 21 November 2026
Please see poster.
Mess - Trinity Term
Please see Mess calendar here. Bookings are now available. Members and judiciary to use this link to book on. Non-members should contact Clare.
Preston Combined Mess – 28 May 2026
Carlisle Combined Mess – 11 June 2026
Manchester Combined Mess – 25 June 2026
Liverpool Combined Mess – 16 July 2026
*Applications for Circuit Junior*
Click on this link for the application form.
Other events:
Digital Jury Bundles in Preston Crown Court.
Please click here for the DJB Comms.
GM LFJB Seminar
Thank you to those who attended last week’s Greater Manchester Local Family Justice Board – Lunchtime Seminar, regarding Surrogacy.
Please find here a copy of Toby Craddock of Deans Court Chambers slides.
Please note that the next seminar will be on:
Date: 28 May 2026
Title: Help for Family Court LiPs in Manchester
Presenter: BPP, Support Through Court and the Manchester Pro Bono Committee
YJLC Essential Training for Junior Lawyers - 27 June 2026GM
Venue: The Bar Council, 289-293 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7HZ
Purchase your tickets here.
Bar Council engagement survey - support requested
The Bar Council is asking for your views about their services, products and support as part of their first engagement survey. You should have received an email from the Bar Council with your individual link, please do take the time to complete it as the results will be vital for the Bar Council to ensure they are providing the support, resources and services the Bar needs now, and in the future. As a thank you for your participation, you can also enter a prize draw to win one of two £250 Red Letter Day vouchers.
Find out more: here.
Tickets for the following events remain available:
Bereavement service for children training event – 2 July 2026
Venue: Manchester Civil Justice Centre. See link.
Manchester Legal Walk – 4 July 2026
Venue: Manchester/Salford Quays. See link.
Other updates:
King's Counsel Appointments: Applying for Silk Event - 1 June 2026
KCA will be running another ‘Applying for Silk’ online session on 1 June, aimed at those who are potentially 3-5 years out from making an application.
Details are here: Events | King's Counsel Appointments and attached.
Do get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspect of the KC process, at any time.
Professional Development for young professionals
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.
Conference in Brussels - 11 June 2026
Click here for more details . Click here to register.
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