Chris read Law at Cambridge and obtained an 'Outstanding' on the Bar Course. He is a Pupil Supervisor, sitting on Chambers' Pupillage Committee, and spearheaded the creation of Chambers' mini-pupillage programme.
Here we continue our 'Focus On' series with a deeper look into the profile of Chris McGeever and his practice.
- What was your journey to practising at the Bar?
At the age of 11, I expressed interest in being a lawyer. My first work experience placements were in law firms, which I undertook whilst in my teens. I read Law as an undergraduate before enrolling on the Bar Course. I worked at the Employed Bar for a number of years, within a firm of Solicitors. Having trained with Chambers, I have since become a Pupil Supervisor myself, nowadays with a varied self-employed Civil practice.
- What does your typical work schedule for a fortnight look like?
I have a paper practice alongside Court attendances, as well as supervising Pupils. The areas of law are varied and often overlap, but I have a focus on Commercial, Consumer Credit, Real Property and Personal Injury. In a typical fortnight, I will draft written advice, hold conferences with clients, represent parties at mediations, provide training to clients/Pupils and attend Court hearings, both interim and final. I combine this work with my role on the National Serious Case Panel with the Football Association. We hear disciplinary cases, decide on whether or not the charges are proven and impose sanctions in appropriate cases.
- What are some of the benefits of being a member of 25 CSC?
Chambers embraces the benefits of technology to learn, work, train and collaborate in an agile fashion. Clients appreciate this contemporary approach, which meshes well with the working patterns of Instructing Solicitors. As an Authorised Education and Training Organisation (AETO), Chambers supports the development of new talent and implements the four principles of Bar training from the BSB Authorisation Framework - Flexibility, Accessibility, Affordability and High Standards. I am pleased to be able to contribute to recruitment and the future direction of Chambers in my role as a Pupil Supervisor and as part of the Chambers Pupillage Committee.
- Over the next few years, what are you aiming to develop in your practice?
My aims include building my paper practice, to encompass a growing range of drafting instructions. I am interested in applying for a role within the Judiciary in the coming years. I plan to continue welcoming instructions across the breadth of Chambers' practice areas, in particular in Commercial, Consumer Credit, Media and Defamation.