History
Chambers were located at the heart of the Temple for over 100 years, before uprooting to another historic building, Dickens House, 15 Took's Court. They have moved into comfortable and welcoming premises, we are a well established, modern Civil and Family law set, dedicated to providing a first class professional service.
This set of chambers has an illustrious history extending back to the 19th century, including famous barristers and trials. From the earliest of times there have been buildings on the lane from Fleet Street Gate of the Inner Temple to the porch of Temple Church. In 1657 some of those timber and rough cast structures were replaced by brick and they became known as No’s 1- 5 Inner Temple Lane. Following the demolition of some of those buildings, Dr Johnson’s Buildings were built in 1858 by Sydney Smike. They were named after Dr Samuel Johnson as he had once lived in a house on the site. 3 Dr Johnson’s Buildings now stands where 4 Inner Temple Lane once stood.
Amongst former members of Chambers are Mr. Justice Darling, who was Head of Chambers and appointed a High Court Judge in 1897. He later sat in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Edward Carson QC, one of the foremost advocates at the Bar, was also a member and Head of Chambers. His cross examination of Oscar Wilde against the Marquess of Queensberry in 1895 has been subsequently immortalised into two films. Edward Carson QC combined a successful career at the Bar with a political career. He became a Law Lord on appointment in 1921.
For many years Woodfall on the Law of Landlord and Tenant was edited here. Sir Ernest Ashley Bramall edited several books on Housing Law during his practice at 3 Dr Johnson’s Buildings. In addition, members of Chambers have been editors and contributors to the White Book (Civil Procedure Rules).
Many of our former members of Chambers have been appointed to the judiciary including Thomas Mordaunt Snagge, James Henry Mussen Campbell KC, Sir Noel Goldie, Henry Cecil Leon, Basil Watson, and Peter Coni QC. Some of our current members of Chambers also sit as Judges whilst still maintaining their practices at the Bar.
Building on this eminent tradition, we are a forward-thinking set which prides itself on combining excellence and high standards with pragmatism and helpfulness. Our current Head of Chambers is Ayesha Hasan and James Doble is 3DJB's senior clerk.