Stress levels reduced after Hardwicke Buildings move

A change of venue has resulted in a change of attitude for barristers and staff at Hardwicke Building Chambers.

The 70 tenants of the Lincoln's Inn chambers moved from their cramped 6,000sq ft site to a new 17,500sq ft complex earlier this year. It was officially opened by Lord Woolf on 4 November.

Chambers chief executive Tony Wells said the move had put everyone in a better frame of mind. "It's been incredible - everyone is more relaxed," he said. "They are working so much better and the stress does not get to them as it did in the old place."

Formally home to City solicitor Charles Russell & Co, the building had a £3m refurbishment, with some of the 70 tenants adding their own touches to their office space.

The set's 23 staff are also enjoying the comfort of an ergonomic administration area, and there is room for expansion: five of the 44 rooms are empty.



Ten-tenant Tower Hamlets Barristers' Chambers, which is based in Brick Lane, opened a two-room annexe to house its library last week.