The MCCBA is delighted and proud to announce that one of its committee members, Simon Bradshaw, has been appointed as a full-time District Judge, with effect from 27 July 2026. For many years, Simon has been a popular and well-respected member of the Midlands Bar, building up an impressive practice from Cornwall Street Chambers in Business and Property work, and has sat as a part-time District Judge in Birmingham for the past 4 years. He is widely recognised as a strong practitioner with a friendly and collaborative character, and he will be missed at the Bar.

Simon has been an ardent supporter of the MCCBA during his years at the Bar (not least in maintaining its website, no small task), and all members wish him the very best in his new role. He will be initially sitting in Wolverhampton County Court, and it is expected that he will also undertake Business and Property work in Birmingham from autumn 2026 onwards.

Some of you will be aware of the upcoming changes to the High Court divisions; namely that the Chancery Division is being re-named/re-structured, and a new Business and Property Division is being created.

If you haven’t yet heard about these changes, or want more information about them and how they might affect your practice, the MCCBA and Birmingham BPC Forum are delighted to be hosting an event where your questions can be answered.

We have invited the Chancellor, Birmingham’s Supervising High Court Judge, and the lead judge for the Birmingham BPC to present a Q&A panel event. Please come along and fee free to email me with any advance questions or topics you would like to see covered.

All details on the attached flyer. Please RSVP so we can understand how many people to expect and provide seating and refreshments accordingly.

We will also be using this event as an opportunity to remember, and say a few words about, Deputy High Court Judge Steven Gasztowicz, who has sadly passed away.

– Louise Corfield, MCCBA Chair