A Career Built in Clerking

Chris’s introduction to clerking came at an early age, influenced by family connections and early exposure to life within Chambers. He began his career in 1996 at 4 Brick Court, developing his skills in a demanding and fast-paced environment.

Over the years, he went on to work across several well-known Criminal and Regulatory sets, including Thomas More Chambers, 36 Bedford Row, and 23 Essex Street. A particularly formative period came during his time at Carmelite, where he worked within a high-performing clerks’ room that shaped his approach to managing practices and relationships.

These experiences have informed the systems and standards he now brings to Rose Court Chambers.

Joining Rose Court Chambers

Chris was drawn to Rose Court Chambers by its people and its vision. Early conversations with Chambers’ leadership highlighted a shared approach to growth, development, and the challenges facing the modern Bar.

The set’s reputation among instructing solicitors further reinforced its standing as a high-quality Chambers, with a strong and supportive culture.

As a relatively young Chambers with an established team, Rose Court offered a unique opportunity to build for the future while strengthening existing practices.

Approach to Clerking and Leadership

At the heart of Chris’s approach is a focus on people. Supporting members to work at the level they want, while ensuring balance and sustainability, is central to his role.

He places strong emphasis on understanding individual needs, building trust, and creating an environment where members feel supported and valued. This extends to relationships with solicitors, where honesty, reliability, and consistent service remain key.

For Chris, success is defined not only by the volume and quality of work secured, but by the strength of the relationships built along the way.

Navigating a Changing Landscape

The Criminal Bar continues to face significant challenges, including court backlogs, limited capacity, and increasing pressure on practitioners. Chris recognises the importance of adapting to these conditions while maintaining high standards of service.

One of the defining features of Rose Court Chambers is its modern, virtual model. Established during the pandemic, it has demonstrated that Chambers can operate effectively while offering flexibility and efficiency.

Looking ahead, there are clear opportunities for growth in areas such as serious crime, financial crime, fraud, and regulatory work. With a strong team already in place, Chambers is well positioned to expand its reach in these areas.

A Focus on Sustainability

A key priority for Chris is ensuring that the profession remains sustainable. Supporting members’ wellbeing, managing workloads effectively, and enabling long-term career development are all central to this.

He believes that by creating the right internal environment, Chambers can better respond to the wider pressures facing the criminal justice system.

Looking Forward

Under Chris’s leadership, Rose Court Chambers is focused on steady and considered growth. This includes attracting individuals who align with Chambers’ values and strengthening relationships with solicitors through consistent, high-quality service.

With a combination of strong advocacy, a collaborative culture, and a forward-thinking approach to practice management, Chambers is well placed to continue building its reputation.

Conclusion

Chris Mitchell’s career reflects a deep understanding of clerking at the Criminal Bar, shaped by experience, strong professional relationships, and a clear commitment to supporting others.

As Rose Court Chambers continues to grow, his focus remains simple and consistent: build strong foundations, support people, and continue moving forward.

Read the full interview here : Click to read