Legal Matters: Kings names new head as it looks to bolster reputation

Nigel Poole QC, who replaces outgoing Nick Braslavsky QC, said the Leeds-based set rivals the best that London has to offer and he is aiming to enhance its national standing.

Mr Poole said: “Kings Chambers is highly regarded right across the UK due to the depth of its specialist expertise.

“My predecessor Nick Braslavsky QC has worked hard to steer chambers to its current position as a pre-eminent set with renowned specialists across a wide range of civil work.

“We rival the best sets in London and we aim to enhance our standing as a national leader. The fact that we have thriving chambers in Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham gives us the perfect base to do so.”

Mr Poole was born in Shipley and was a former pupil at Bradford Grammar School. He is a specialist in personal injury and clinical negligence law.

He said: “We have a wonderful team of clerks and support staff at the chambers, all of whom put in a tremendous amount of hard work and make a fantastic contribution towards the specialisation, excellence and accessibility we offer.

“At Kings we’re proud of our enviable record of maintaining high standards and nurturing successful careers.

“Aligned with this, I shall be working to ensure that our proud tradition of community engagement and charity work continues.

“I am looking forward to working with the staff and members of Kings Chambers to build on our great work to date and ensure that chambers continues to go from strength to strength.

“It is a great honour to become Head of Kings Chambers.”

Mr Poole was called to the Bar in 1989 and joined Kings Chambers is 2004. He was appointed as a QC in 2012 and moves from his role as the head of the personal injury and clinical negligence department to lead the chambers.

Debra Andres, director of chambers at Kings Chambers, welcomed Mr Poole to his new role.

She said: “Since joining Kings Chambers 13 years ago Nigel has firmly established himself as part of the Kings family.

“With his energy and dynamism he has spearheaded the development of a nationally renowned clinical negligence team here at Kings.

“We are delighted to have him as our new head of chambers.”