About Magdalen Chambers

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, Christopher Naish continued to lead chambers until stepping down in 2019 after many years of dedicated service. His successors were Nigel Moore and Rupert Chapman, until Nigel’s retirement from practice in May 2022. Nigel’s successor to join Rupert was Russell James until he was appointed a District Judge in December 2022. Rupert continues as Head of Chambers with inspiring leadership and is joined by Natasha Bellinger as Joint Head having acted as Head of the Civil Team.

It has grown to be one of the largest set in the south west of Bristol with over 40 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.

In the unlikely event that you should wish to complain about the service provided, please see our complaints information.