No Returns Statement

Individual members of the Pump Court Chambers Criminal Team have made the decision, that as of Monday 11th April 2022 they will adopt a ‘No Returns’ policy in relation to AGFS cases.

Members of chambers will continue to do the hearings in which they are instructed but they will not do cases that are returned to them because the instructed barrister is unavailable.

Chambers will seek to anticipate in advance where problems might arise and to ask the court to move hearings for the convenience of the instructed barrister. However, if the court refuses to move the hearing, then no barrister will appear at that hearing.

Chambers will also endeavour to keep solicitors fully informed of the position. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our clerking team:

Tony Atkins, Senior Clerk – Tel: +44(0)20 7427 7080 Email: t.atkins@pumpcourtchambers.com

Tony George, Senior Criminal Clerk – Tel: +44 (0)1962 833202 Email: t.george@pumpcourtchambers.com

Ben Harfield, Criminal Clerk – Tel: +44 (0)1962 589932 Email: b.harfield@pumpcourtchambers.com

James May, Criminal Clerk – Tel: +44 (0)1962 833204 Email: j.may@pumpcourtchambers.com

The above action follows the recent Criminal Bar Association’s ballot which closed on 11th March 2022 with 94.34% (1800 of 1908) who voted, signifying their intention to adopt  a ‘No Returns’ policy in relation to AGFS cases with effect from 11th April 2022.