COVID-19 UPDATE

33 CHANCERY LANE - CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ACTION PLAN 

Version 2 - March 24th 2020

Chambers has produced and has implemented an Action Plan. This is version 2 which replaces version 1. We continue to support our clients, members and staff to the highest levels. In these unique times we have adapted our working practices to protect the health and wellbeing of all, but nonetheless provide a full range of services. 

A. Our Objectives

These are our objectives over this period:

  • Safeguarding our staff, members and visitors.

  • Mitigating the risks of transmission of infection, particularly to those in high-risk groups.

  • Containing and delaying the spread of the virus.

  •  Preserving continuity of our legal services. 


We intend to continue offering as normal a service as possible. We will continue carefully to monitor the advice of Public Health England and the Bar Council.

Of course, the advice which we receive from government and professional bodies and the circumstances in which we are able to conduct our business are liable to sudden change and so this Plan is likely to alter at short notice.  


B. Preventative and reporting measures

We have adopted the following measures:

·        It is Chambers’ policy that all staff and members follow Public Health England and Bar Council advice, in particular on self-isolation, social distancing and travelling to work.

·        A self-reporting requirement applies to all staff and members of Chambers if (i) they have the virus symptoms or (ii) they have been in contact with anyone who is currently self-isolating or who has tested positive or is awaiting test results for the virus; 

·        In the unlikely event that a visitor attends Chambers, it is a requirement that they confirm beforehand that (i) they do not have virus symptoms and (ii) they have not been in contact with anyone who is currently self-isolating or who has tested positive or is awaiting test results for the virus. 

·        There has been an increase in the cleaning regime to include deeper daily cleaning of communal areas. 

·        Members are limiting their visits to Chambers and work remotely as much as possible. 

·        The clerks’ room is now entirely working remotely. If you wish to attend Chambers or to courier any items to Chambers then please first liaise with the clerks.


C. Managing Chambers’ Operations 

As the clerks’ room is operating remotely, Chambers is not currently manned during usual office hours. Calls are being received on our switchboard number (0207 440 9950) and diverted to one of the clerks’ mobiles. It is possible therefore that a call to the switchboard cannot be answered immediately, but please leave a message and you will be called back as soon as possible.

Individual clerks can be contacted as follows: 

Contact numbers

Martin Adams - 07833 257040; ma@33cllaw.com   

Chris Chiles - 07872 570330; ccc@33cllaw.com


Given the move to remote working and an unmanned office, all members, instructing solicitors and contractors are being notified via email and a notice has been added to the website. 

We all recognise that these are stressful and worrying times. But it is only temporary. We are open for business and will look after the interests of clients, staff and members to our usual high standards. 
 

Kennedy Talbot QC
24th March 2020

Martin Adams