Mid-market private equity firm LDC’s Bristol-based South West team has made a minority investment in tech-enabled legal services company revolutionising the way barristers work.
The Barrister Group (TBG), an umbrella group for legal brands such as Clerksroom Chambers and Clerksroom Direct, uses its innovative proprietary Chambers365 management software to give barristers choice over their working patterns. 
It offers flexibility by enabling practitioners to operate on a remote basis without the need for a physical chambers.
LDC’s investment, believed to be the first in the Bar of England & Wales, was led by investment directors Oliver Schofield and Stefan Gunn with investment manager Alex Knox. Oliver and Stefan will join the TBG board.
The deal backs co-founders Harry Hodgkin and Stephen Ward alongside their existing management team.
TBG was advised by PKF Francis Clark (corporate finance) and Michelmores (legals) while LDC was advised by GT (corporate finance and tax structuring), WBD (legals), BDO (financial & tax due diligence) and Armstrong (commercial due diligence).
LDC’s investment will enable TBG to attract more barristers and instructions with its alternative chambers model, while supporting existing members and investing further in its proprietary technology to support the growth of the business.
TBG co-founder Stephen Ward said: “Since we began back in 2001 as Clerksroom we’ve wanted to make a difference to the way the Bar operates. 
“The traditional chambers model has its place, but might not be for all barristers. Our technology and our model offer many advantages that other chambers may not be able to match.
“We are building the Bar of the 21st century and LDC’s experience of building tech-enabled services companies, will help us take the next step in making that happen.”
TBG co-founder and CEO Harry Hodgkin added: “The LDC team understand our business and our sector, and they were quick to identify a number of value-add areas where they can support TBG.
“LDC’s regional network, which closely aligns with TBG’s proposition, their sector experience and insights were a real draw for us.
“This investment and LDC’s support will enable us to expand and develop as a business, giving greater access to the profession for those less inclined towards the older chambers model.”
Oliver said TBG was bringing disruptive tech-enabled solutions to the legal market in a move that offered greater flexibility and alternative ways of working for the Bar while, importantly, improving access to justice for the public.
“TBG has the potential to revolutionise the future of the Bar by offering a real alternative to the traditional chambers model and we’re excited to support the team as they continue to pursue their growth plans,” he added.
The investment is the second completed by LDC’s Bristol team this year and follows its transaction with Cardiff-based Idwal, a leading provider of tech-enabled inspection services for the global commercial shipping sector.
The team’s investments last year included Bristol-based independent artisan cake manufacturer Cakesmiths and Hampshire-based global pharmaceutical development organisation TMC Pharma Services.
Pictured, below, the LDC and TBG teams involved in the deal
