The name Magdalen has a long association with the area of Exeter adjacent to Chambers and the Courts. Magdalen Street runs east from Exeter’s South Gate into Magdalen Road. In the 12th Century the St Mary Magdalen hospital for lepers (later a hospital for the poor and infirm) was established in Bull Meadow on the south side of Magdalen Street. At the western end of Magdalen Road stand the Magdalen almshouses built in the 19th century but replacing earlier almshouses dating from the days of the St Mary Magdalen hospital.
Magdalen Chambers was founded in 2013 by Heads Christopher Naish and Michael Berkley. On the elevation of Michael Berkley to the Circuit Bench in 2018, Chambers is delighted that Christopher Naish is to continue his inspiring leadership as sole Head of Chambers.
It has grown to be the largest set in the south west of Bristol with over 45 members offering expertise in a wide range of areas of civil and family work; together with a highly experienced clerking team. Members of Chambers, many of whom can be instructed directly by non-lawyers, through the Public and Licensed Access schemes, act for individuals, companies, government bodies and local authorities, both locally and nationwide.
Magdalen Chambers is based in Exeter, next to the Combined Court and near the Employment Tribunal, and incorporates specially designed mediation and conference facilities with disabled access.