One of the country’s leading sets of barristers is to have a new Head of Chambers. Paul Bleasdale QC has held the post since 2010 and his term of office expires at the end of the month. He is to be replaced by Chancery silk Mark Anderson QC who has been one of the deputy heads of chambers since 2014. Mr Anderson is a leading specialist in commercial dispute resolution and professional liability as well as being authorised to sit as a Deputy High Court Judge.

Mr Anderson said: “It is a great honour to be asked to take over as head of such a progressive and successful set and I look forward to the challenge, but Paul Bleasdale will be a hard act to follow. Paul has enjoyed conspicuous success in the role, providing a rock of support to barristers and staff alike, working selflessly, tirelessly and uncomplainingly in all our interests with a sure touch and unfailing judgment. He has been outstanding. I am humbled to be taking over an organisation that has such an enviable reputation nationwide, a reputation due in no small part to Paul’s leadership. I thank him and congratulate him on behalf of all the members of chambers and staff. He is one of the top QC’s in his field of personal injury compensation and clinical negligence and of course his nationwide practice from No5 Chambers will continue. For my part I look forward to working closely with our excellent team here at No5 in order to build on the outstanding results achieved during Paul’s tenure.”

No5 Chambers, which has its head office in Birmingham, also has offices in London, Bristol and the East Midlands. It is one of the largest sets of barristers’ chambers in the UK with more than 240 members including 29 Queen’s Counsel.