College Chambers

About Us

History

College Chambers was founded in 1989 by His Honour Judge Roger Shawcross and Robin Belben, consolidating members from two leading London sets here in the heart of Southampton. Over the last thirty years, we have established ourselves as one of the leading sets in the South of England attracting new members and clients from across the country.

Many thanks for all your help with this matter you were absolutely outstanding and I am very much looking forward to working with you again in the future.

Services

College Chambers dispels the myth that you have to go to London to receive first-class legal assistance and representation.  We are committed to delivering the professional, robust and reliable services our clients expect and deserve at a location convenient for them.

At College Chambers, our members believe in supporting and encouraging each other, sharing legal knowledge and resources for the collective benefit of all our clients.

At College Chambers we put people first. We know the impact legal problems can have on our clients, so we are passionate about making their journey as easy as possible. Therefore we always strive to offer you more.

Our legal services include:

  • Advice in conference
  • Alternative means of resolving disputes
  • Arbitration
  • Civil dispute determinations
  • Drafting legal documents and pleadings
  • Early conciliation
  • Mediation
  • Private FDRs
  • Private pre-trial settlement hearings
  • Remote ADR
  • Representation in court, tribunals, inquests or other disciplinary hearings
  • Written advice

 

Dispute Resolution

College Chambers is unique in being able to offer arbitration, mediation and dispute resolution services on-site, at other locations most convenient to the parties or via remote means such as by telephone or various video conferencing platforms.  Our facilities include two large identical conference rooms, proven to put parties in the right frame of mind when negotiating a dispute. 

Our dispute resolution packages are designed to offer you a qualified arbitrator or mediator, experienced independent representation for each party and the venue.  These packages are designed with our clients in mind offering a saving on standalone services.

Recommended by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500

"Particularly noted for cross-border, complex financial disputes"

"College Chambers is home to a strong Chancery team which deals with a variety of matters, but is particularly strong on probate, wills, and administration matters"

"Specialises in children law cases, both public and private"

"Southampton-based College Chambers is home to a group of counsel with experience acting across the Chancery and commercial spaces, and who have a strong focus on heavily-contested Inheritance Act 1975 claims"

"Very experienced in handling wills and administration of estates"

"Very knowledgeable commercial group includes professional negligence claims, partnership disputes and trusts and wills matters"

"Well known for acting in family finance matters"

"Recommended for a broad range of family law matters"

Memberships & Awards

Legal 500 Shortlisted 2025 Set of the Year
Legal 500 2025 Recommended Set
Legal 500 2025 Leading Junior
Legal 500 2025 Leading Mediator
Legal 500 2025 Leading Set
Legal 500 2025 Included Clerk
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Wellbeing at the Bar | Certificate of Recognition
Family Law Awards 2020 - Family Law Chambers of the Year
Civil Mediation Council
Family Law Bar Association
Professional Negligence Bar Association
Chancery Bar
Resolution first for family law