Chambers with public law specialism to shut after 20 years in business

Ely Place Chambers, whose specialisms include public law, is to close from 31 July 2020 after 20 years in business.

In a statement the set said that some members would be moving to other established chambers.

Other members are meanwhile investigating creating a new virtual chambers that would aim to build on the heritage of Ely Place and to involve some of its existing staff.

The set’s members include leading public law QC Richard Clayton, who is also a member of Kings Chambers. Clayton told Local Government Lawyer that he was in discussions with other London chambers.

Ely Place said: “We are all deeply saddened by this decision, though we believe it is the right one under the circumstances. The interests of the clients we serve remain paramount and we are all committed to a smooth and orderly transition. We are grateful to all those who have instructed and supported us over the last twenty years and look forward to those relationships continuing with members in their new chambers.

“We are especially grateful to our loyal staff, the majority of whom have been with us almost since our foundation, and who have served us with distinction. We will work to assist them in dealing with these events.”

The set said that for the next four months it would continue to provide its full range of legal services to the extent possible under present public health restrictions, with members of chambers accepting instructions and the clerks being available via telephone and email.  Conferences and hearings via telephone and video will be scheduled as normal.