Cloisters reshuffle to focus on the little guy

Cloisters chambers has overhauled its strategy in order to reinforce its reputation as a crusader fighting for the rights of individuals against authority.

The set has formed four new groups: the system, workplace, health and creativity. It has also introduced an internal strategy group, which it has named the JPM Group after Cloisters' famous former head and campaigner John Platts-Mills QC.

The system team will advise "individuals who feel let down by the system", according to Cloisters barrister Chris Quinn.

The workplace team leverages the set's reputation in employment law. Health will consolidate Cloisters' personal injury and clinical negligence expertise, while the creativity team is to practise in areas such as intellectual property and sports law.

Quinn said: "Cloisters is committed to using 2006 to reposition and consolidate its reputation in the marketplace. We're essentially listening to solicitors to see how we can better organise ourselves internally to match their needs."

The JPM Group is encouraging Cloisters members to participate in the chambers' strategy and will also run internal training sessions.

Cloisters' new strategy follows on from the January launch of its 24-hour injunction unit, which Quinn described as a great success.

The set will also tour the country giving regional roadshows about what it can offer to solicitors and clients. The first roadshow is in Leeds next month.