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Garden Court North Chambers

@gcnchambers.bsky.social
75 followers 39 following 233 posts

A progressive set of civil liberties & human rights barristers committed to publicly funded work. 📍Manchester 🏆Top Tier Set - The Legal 500 (2026)

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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
We'd like to thank all referees who took the time to share their experiences working alongside our Members and Practice Management Team.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Highlights include: -only Northern Circuit set ranked Top Tier for admin/ public law & social housing -our immigration & inquests/inquiries teams also ranked Top Tier -26 Members ranked across six areas of law, including three Leading KCs, 20 Leading Juniors & three Rising Stars
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
🏅 LEGAL 500 RANKINGS 📢 Garden Court North is proud to announce that we have been ranked as a ‘Top Tier’ set across four practice areas by the Legal 500 for 2027. gcnchambers.co.uk/garden-court...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Garden Court North ranked Top Tier Set by the Legal 500 for 2027 - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers has been ranked as a ‘Top Tier’ set across four practice areas by the Legal 500 for 2027.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Alexa’s first piece analyses a Court of Appeal decision dealing with the circumstances in which the main housing duty can be ended, and whether accommodation offered must be suitable for the main housing duty to be discharged. Read Alexa's article: nearlylegal.co.uk/2026/10/on-t...
nearlylegal.co.uk
On the interlocking requirements of suitability - Nearly Legal: Housing Law News and Comment
R (Griffiths-Fowell) v Birmingham City Council [2026] EWCA Civ 920 This Court of Appeal decision deals with the circumstances in which the main housing duty can be ended, and whether accommodation off...
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Garden Court North is pleased to share that Alexa Thompson has been appointed to the editorial board of Nearly Legal, the highly respected housing law blog run by solicitors and barristers practising in the field. gcnchambers.co.uk/alexa-thomps...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Alexa Thompson appointed to editorial board of Nearly Legal - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North’s Alexa Thompson has published her first article as part of the editorial board of housing law blog Nearly Legal.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
(2/3) The inquests, which are expected to last up to eight weeks, will first hear evidence from the Pearson family, before moving to other Interested Persons including Greater Manchester Police, the IOPC, and Salford City Council.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
(3/3) Garden Court North’s Anna Morris KC is leading Christian Weaver to represent the Pearson family, instructed by Kelly Darlington and Natalie Tolley of Farleys Solicitors LLP. Read full details above.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
(1/3) The inquests into the tragic deaths of Michelle Pearson and her children, Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia, will begin today at Bolton Coroner’s Court, nearly nine years after the fatal arson attack on their home in Walkden, Greater Manchester. gcnchambers.co.uk/inquests-beg...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Inquests begin into the deaths of Michelle Pearson and her four children in fatal arson attack - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North’s Anna Morris KC is leading Christian Weaver to represent the Pearson family throughout the inquests.
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Reposted by Garden Court North Chambers
Nicola Brook @nicolabrookbjc.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Southport Inquiry Phase 2 Day 7. Today the Inquiry will hear opening submissions from Core Participants. @bjcsolicitors.bsky.social represent 3 adult survivors @gcnchambers.bsky.social #SouthportInquiry #TruthJusticeAccountability #HillsboroughLawNow
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Iqra's practice spans immigration & asylum, protest rights & housing, while Pragnya focuses on inquests, actions against public authorities, criminal defence & housing. Click above to find out how to instruct them, and what their supervisors said about their pupillages.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
🎉 WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS 🎉 Garden Court North is delighted to announce that Pragnya Iovine and Iqra Shahid have accepted invitations to join Chambers following successful completion of pupillage. gcnchambers.co.uk/pragnya-iovi...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Pragnya Iovine and Iqra Shahid accept invitations to join Chambers - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North is delighted to announce that pupils Pragnya Iovine and Iqra Shahid have accepted invitations to join Chambers.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
(2/3) Helen's client is a pastor who publicly prayed for defecting police officers during Nicaragua's notorious ‘clean up’ operation in 2018, when the Govt of President Ortega conducted a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests, committing widespread human rights violations.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
(3/3) The ruling demonstrates the merit of asylum appeals from countries subject to recent media attention on the 'Visa Brake' and non-electronic visit visa reforms. Helen was instructed by Hannah De Leso of Parker Rhodes Hickmotts Solicitors.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
(1/3) Garden Court North’s Helen Peden has represented a Nicaraguan family of four in a successful asylum appeal to the First-tier Tribunal in Bradford, which found that they were at risk on return to Nicaragua. gcnchambers.co.uk/helen-peden-...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Helen Peden represents family of four from Nicaragua in successful asylum appeal - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North's Helen Peden represented her client in a successful asylum appeal to the First-tier Tribunal in Bradford.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
(4/4) Further consideration will be given to the involvement of Elbit Systems, and the UK Ministry of Defence or FCDO. Pete & Mira were instructed by Leanne Devine of Leigh Day Solicitors. Additional reporting in @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Inquest into British aid workers killed in Gaza may call on Israeli and UK military chiefs
Lawyer tells review hearing that families wish to know whether weaponry involved in the deaths was made in UK
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
(3/4) The inquest will examine why the Israeli forces attacked the convoy and whether UK intelligence or weaponry were involved. Senior Coroner Voisin confirmed that she was minded to designate interested party status to the IDF, Israeli Government, and Colonel Nochi Mendel.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
(2/4) Both men were unarmed security contractors with the World Central Kitchen NGO, when their three-vehicle convoy was targeted by an Israeli drone strike on 1 April 2024. The families are seeking a full investigation of the attack and what they consider were clearly unlawful killings.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
(1/4) Garden Court North’s Pete Weatherby KC and Mira Hammad represented the families of Jim Henderson and John Chapman during a pre-inquest review hearing held yesterday. gcnchambers.co.uk/pre-inquest-...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Pre-inquest hearing begins into deaths of three British aid workers killed by Israel Defense Forces in Gaza - Garden Court North Chambers
The seven aid workers (pictured) killed in the IDF’s attack on 1 April 2024. Credit: World Central Kitchen.   Garden Court North’s Pete Weatherby KC and Mira Hammad represented the families of Jim Hen...
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
(3/3) Garden Court North's Ciara Bartlam was instructed by Kelly Darlington from Farleys Solicitors to represent Imani's family. Lily Lewis was also instructed at an earlier stage of proceedings.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
(2/3) Imani was a much-loved daughter and sister. She was a highly intelligent, accomplished primary school teacher who loved her work and was hugely popular with the children she taught. Read more about her life and the inquest's findings above.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
(1/3) A four-day inquest at West London Coroner's Court has found that failings by community mental health and crisis teams possibly contributed to the tragic death of Imani Rigg. gcnchambers.co.uk/coroner-iden...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Coroner identifies failings by community mental health and crisis teams which possibly contributed to the death of Imani Rigg - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North's Ciara Bartlam represented Imani Rigg's family during the four-day inquest at West London Coroner's Court.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
(2/2) The defendants undertook direct-action protest at the Peninsula Building in Manchester. During the trial, Alex & Pragnya cross-examined police officers, security guards & people working at the building. Alex & Pragnya were instructed by Nicola Hall of Robert Lizar Solicitors.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
(1/2) Garden Court North’s Alexander McColl and pupil Pragnya Iovine have secured an acquittal and conditional discharges for their clients following a week-long trial at Manchester Magistrates’ Court. gcnchambers.co.uk/alexander-mc...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Alexander McColl and Pragnya Iovine secure one acquittal and two conditional discharges in ‘lock on’ trial - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North's Alexander McColl and pupil Pragnya Iovine defended their clients in a week-long trial at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The notion of ‘jury equity’, ‘jury nullification’ & ‘perverse acquittals’ has become a hot topic of late. In this op-ed, Garden Court North’s Pete Weatherby KC and Mira Hammad argue these are all terms for the power of jurors to act on their conscience. gcnchambers.co.uk/conscience-a...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Conscience Acquittals: A Constitutional Backstop - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North's Pete Weatherby KC and Mira Hammad argue for jury equity and the power of jurors to act on their conscience.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Lasting from 9:30am-5pm, the event provides an introduction to strategic litigation for NGOs & frontline, grassroots & community organisations. Tom will speak alongside associates from Leigh Day, South Yorkshire Refugee Law & Justice, @gmlawcentre.bsky.social & @publiclawproject.bsky.social.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Garden Court North’s Tom Royston will be speaking at the @ilpaimmigration.bsky.social training event on strategic litigation, taking place in Leeds on Thursday 17 September. More info and sign up below. gcnchambers.co.uk/event/ilpa-s...
gcnchambers.co.uk
ILPA: Strategic Litigation Training - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North's Tom Royston will be speaking at ILPA's training event on strategic litigation in Leeds.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Mrs Justice Theis' judgment, handed down last Friday, sets out her decision that CW’s attained habitual residence is now in England, and gives guidance as to good practice for local authorities and others involved in these potentially complex cases.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Garden Court North’s Ben McCormack appeared in a complex case involving the cross-border placement of a disabled adult ('CW'), heard before the Vice President of the Court of Protection. Ben was instructed by Mandy Cheung of EMG Solicitors. gcnchambers.co.uk/ben-mccormac...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Ben McCormack acts for disabled client in cross-border placement heard by Vice President of the Court of Protection - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North's Ben McCormack acted for his client before the Vice President of the Court of Protection at the Royal Courts of Justice.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Garden Court North's Tom Royston will be speaking at @legalactiongroup.bsky.social's public law training session on 29 September.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Garden Court North’s Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin are among counsel instructed by Birnberg Peirce Solicitors and Kellys Solicitors to represent Ms Ammori.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The Supreme Court has granted permission to Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to appeal against the group's proscription. The appeal is likely to be heard later this year. gcnchambers.co.uk/supreme-cour...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Supreme Court grants permission to appeal Palestine Action proscription - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North’s Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin are among counsel representing Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Hundreds tuned in to listen to luminaries from across the human rights world, chaired by Garden Court North's Pete Weatherby KC. The event was sponsored by Bindmans LLP, Bhatt Murphy, Birnberg Peirce, Deighton Pierce Glynn, ITN Solicitors, Kellys Solicitors, Hodge Jones Allen & Robert Lizar.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Wednesday saw Garden Court North, @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social, @onepumpcourt.co.uk & @nexuschambers.bsky.social come together to host the 'Descent into Authoritarianism?' event supporting Rajiv Menon KC amid his prosecution for contempt of court. Full video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq4t...
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
We have now increased registration capacity for this webinar beyond 1000 due to the high level of demand. You can continue to register through this link: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi.... Please do join us at 5.30pm tonight to discuss this unprecedented case.
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Descent into authoritarianism? Undermining the role of defence lawyers: the Rajiv Menon KC case. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email ab...
Garden Court Chambers, Garden Court North Chambers, One Pump Court and Nexus Chambers are pleased to come together to co-host: Descent into authoritarianism? Undermining the role of defence lawyers:...
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
We are delighted to announce sponsors for our event with @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social, Nexus Chambers and @onepumpcourt.co.uk. Thank you to our colleagues @bindmans.com @hodgejonesallen.bsky.social ITN Solicitors, Kellys Solicitors, @bhattmurphy.bsky.social , Robert Lizars Solicitors, @dpglaw.co.uk
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
📢 NEW SPEAKERS📢 We are pleased to announce that Baroness Helena Kennedy KC and Riel Karmy-Jones KC will join the 'Descent Into Authoritarianism? Undermining the Role of Defence Lawyers: The Rajiv Menon KC Case' event next Wednesday. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Next Wednesday, Garden Court Chambers, Garden Court North Chambers, One Pump Court Chambers & Nexus Chambers will come together to co-host: 'Descent Into Authoritarianism? Undermining the Role of Defence Lawyers: The Rajiv Menon KC Case'. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Garden Court North’s Pete Weatherby KC, a Director of @hillsboroughlawnow.bsky.social, co-wrote Hillsborough Law. He has campaigned tirelessly alongside bereaved families, Elkan Abrahamson of @bjcsolicitors.bsky.social , Deborah Coles of @inquest-org.bsky.social, Debbie Caine and Nathan Oswin.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Following a busy and emotional day in Parliament, Garden Court North Chambers welcomes the successful third reading of Hillsborough Law, which now moves to the House of Lords. Read our full statement below: gcnchambers.co.uk/hillsborough...
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
(2/3) Garden Court North's Pete Weatherby KC, Director of @hillsboroughlawnow.bsky.social, co-wrote Hillsborough Law which remains stalled. The Bill "has the potential to transform people’s experiences and create a more level playing field", said Deborah Coles, Director of @inquest-org.bsky.social.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
(3/3) "We need to ensure the bill is delivered in full & those with vested interests are resisted", said Coles. "This award is not about us. It’s about the movement that @hillsboroughlawnow.bsky.social represents. It’s a coalition of people affected by the worst injustices in British history."
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
(1/3) The Hillsborough Law Now campaign collected the award for ‘outstanding achievement’ during the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards ceremony last Friday. www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/hillsbo...
lawgazette.co.uk
Hillsborough campaign wins prestigious legal aid award
Winners of the 2026 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards revealed at ceremony in central London.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The webinar will dissect the recent UK Supreme Court decision to abolish the Acid Test, one of the most significant developments in Deprivation of Liberty law in recent years. Kerry and Ben, Head and Deputy Head of Chambers, will be speaking alongside Peter Edwards and Kate Mercer.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Garden Court North's Kerry Smith and Ben McCormack will be speaking at ‘UK Supreme Court Judgment: The End of the Acid Test – What Happens Next?’, a free online webinar hosted by Peter Edwards Law on Thursday 16 July 2026, 4-6pm. More info & tickets here: gcnchambers.co.uk/event/uk-sup...
gcnchambers.co.uk
UK Supreme Court Judgment: The End of the Acid Test – What Happens Next? - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North's Kerry Smith and Ben McCormack will be dissecting the judgment in a free online webinar with Peter Edwards Law.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
(2/3) This follows a Court of Appeal decision that the initial proceedings were unlawful. We join our colleagues at @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social in expressing our full solidarity with Rajiv and total opposition to these proceedings which create an atmosphere of intimidation for barristers.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Full statement here: gcnchambers.co.uk/garden-court...
gcnchambers.co.uk
Garden Court North expresses continued solidarity with Rajiv Menon KC - Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North members express solidarity with Rajiv Menon KC, who faces prosecution for contempt of court.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
(1/3) Garden Court North members are dismayed to learn that proceedings are once again being initiated against Rajiv Menon KC for contempt of court following his speech delivered to a jury at the Woolwich Crown Court in January.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Garden Court North's Ciara Bartlam spoke to Young Legal Aid Lawyers' Co-Chair Priya Pandya about her journey to the Bar and commitment to legal aid work. Read the full interview below. younglegalaidlawyers.org/in-conversat...
younglegalaidlawyers.org
In Conversation with Ciara Bartlam: Standing Proud, Standing Together – YLAL celebrates Pride
As part of Pride Month and this year’s theme of Many Voices. One Front, we are sharing conversations with members of the legal profession about their journeys, challenges and reflections. These storie...
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Congratulations to everyone and every set which made the shortlist for the awards, due to take place on 22 September.
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Garden Court North Chambers @gcnchambers.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Garden Court North is pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted for Northern Set of the Year in the Legal 500's Bar Awards 2026. We welcome this recognition of our Members' unwavering dedication to upholding people's rights through justice across all practice areas.
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