Ex-39 Essex Street CEO joins Leeds' Park Court

Michael Meeson quit top 10 commercial set 39 Essex Street in February (The Lawyer.com, 4 February) after an 11-year stint that saw him take responsibility for strategy. During his time at the helm 39 Essex Street’s membership grew from 40 to 88 and turnover increased to an all-time high of £33.6m in 2009-10.

Leeds-based Park Court is significantly smaller than 39 Essex Street, with 11 QCs and 51 junior barristers. It is a mixed civil and criminal chambers, heavily biased towards the latter.

The set confirmed that Meeson is joining today (4 April) but declined to comment further.

One rival practice manager said: “It will be a boost for Park Court. Michael’s used to a different type of chambers and will have some invaluable experience.”