• March 28, 2024
 St John’s Buildings Appoint Joint Head Of Chambers

St John’s Buildings Appoint Joint Head Of Chambers

Frances Heaton QC is joining Richard Norton as the Joint Head of Chambers at St John’s Building’s Barristers’ Chambers. 

On being appointed Head of Chambers in 2018, Richard Norton always intended to share his role with Frances, with both now being appointed for a three-year term. 

With over 30 years’ experience as a family law barrister, Frances Heaton QC has been at the Chambers for six years, specialising in Family: Children Law. Frances was called to the Bar in 1984, in 2002 she was appointed as a Recorder and took silk in 2012.  

News of Frances’ appointment comes just two months before the centenary anniversary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, when all legal barriers to women working as lawyers were removed. Passing of the Act was a landmark moment for gender equality in the legal industry as today, one third of all practising barristers and approximately half of all practising solicitors are women. 

Speaking on the appointment, Joint Head of Chambers Richard Norton said:  

“I am delighted to welcome Frances as Joint Head. As a member of the Board, Frances has played a key role in helping us work towards our vision of becoming the most cohesive Chambers in the country. We will work in partnership to carry on the exceptional work of our previous Head, Sally Harrison QC, in ensuring that Chambers continues to thrive.” 

Frances Heaton QC said:  

“To have been elected as Joint Head of Chambers is a proud moment. Richard has already done a fantastic job as Head over the past year and with this new role, I’m looking forward to sharing the leadership responsibilities alongside him.” 

If your organisation has made a new appointment, Today’s Family Lawyer would like to hear from you. Email us as press@todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk  

Jennifer van Deursen

Jen is the Senior Media Officer for Today’s Conveyancer, Today’s Wills & Probate  and Today’s Family Lawyer.

Having gained a degree in Multimedia Computing, Jen fell into a content role after successfully applying for a job at Cheshire Police. During her 6-year service, she took on the role as personal Press Officer under the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire and worked in the busy press office for the force.

Jen has experience in the marketing and communication sphere, which stems from her time in the public sector, private care sector and now here at the Practical Vision Network, where she can utilise her skills and challenge herself further.

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