Birmingham set No5 names new chambers head

Lewis, who had led the set since February 2007, died after being diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year (7 July 2010). During his time at the helm the set grew by more than a third.

Bleasdale, who was called to the bar in 1978 and took silk in 2001, served as Lewis’s deputy for the past three years alongside Rex Tedd QC and Ian Dove QC. Tedd and Dove will continue as deputy heads.

Bleasdale said of his election: “I’m honoured and privileged to have been elected as the new head and aim to build on the outstanding work that Ralph Lewis QC did on behalf of No5 Chambers.

“Through Ralph’s leadership we’ve prospered and become a highly successful and forward thinking set, both nationally and internationally. It saddens me to be taking over as head in such tragic circumstances. Ralph was a not only a trusted colleague but also a close friend.”