3PB now with Benchers at all 4 Inns of Court

26th July 2024

The election of Mathew Gullick KCMathew Gullick KCCall: 2003Silk: 2021 as a Bencher (Master of the Bench) of Gray's Inn and Vanessa Meachin KCVanessa Meachin KCCall: 1990Silk: 2018 at Inner Temple (pictured here, left to right) means that 3PB (3 Paper Buildings) now have Benchers with all 4 Inns of Court.

Mathew and Vanessa join fellow-Benchers Peter JenningsPeter JenningsCall: 1972 with Middle Temple, Emma SouthernEmma SouthernCall: 2006 at Lincoln's Inn and 3PB's new Head of Chambers, Liz McGrath KCElizabeth McGrath KCCall: 1987Silk: 2014, also with Inner Temple.

A bencher or Master of the Bench is a senior member of an Inn of Court in England and Wales or the Inns of Court in Northern Ireland, or the Honorable Society of King's Inns in Ireland. Benchers hold office for life once elected and are the highest category of membership within the Inns of Court. It is rare to find chambers having Benchers in all 4 Inns of Court.

Benchers play a crucial role in governing each of the four Inns: Inner Temple, Middle Temple, Lincoln’s Inn, and Gray’s Inn. These benchers include judges, KCs, and barristers who have made significant contributions to their Inn’s work and life.