About

Our goal is to unite, support and develop a diverse List of progressively minded Barristers who achieve excellence for their clients by combining specialist technical expertise with a pragmatic, affable and authentic approach – moving beyond conventional legal expertise.

We are a contemporary, innovative, and forward-thinking List that moves with the evolving legal industry, as well as our Barrister’s careers.

What we value

Our Barristers

The success and wellbeing of our Barristers is at the core of what we value. We treat everyone as unique – understanding their skills, goals and drivers to help them excel. As a united and collegiate group, we have the combined resources, support, and knowledge to achieve greatness – both as a List and individually.

Our Clients

Positive outcomes and experiences for our clients are paramount to the success of our Barristers, and our List. We listen and use our knowledge of the law, commercial acumen and deep understanding of the unique skills and characteristics of our Barristers to appoint the right person for our clients and their unique situation.

The Legal Profession

We have the utmost respect and commitment to the prestige and integrity of the legal industry and are dedicated to its continuous growth and innovation. We encourage and facilitate reciprocal relationships between Barristers of all seniority and invest in the next generation – from Readers through to Silks.

Who we are

We are professional, competent and reputable

We are committed to remaining skilled and experienced in our fields of law. We are recognised for achieving excellence and for being dependable. We operate with integrity and take our role as legal advocates seriously.

We are approachable, affable and collegiate

We recognise the power of collaboration and humility. We work together to create environments that foster trust, build rapport, and achieve outcomes greater than what could be done singularly.

We are dynamic, contemporary and authentic

We are a forward-thinking and progressive group of professionals who take a modern approach without losing sight of our traditional origins. We know who we are and where we’re going and celebrate our uniqueness.

We are strategic, holistic and selective

We make considered decisions backed by experience and strategy. We apply a holistic lens when considering the appropriateness of the people who look to join our List, as well as who we invest in and collaborate with.

Our Heritage

In September 1980, the Victorian Bar appointed Ric Howell to establish a new list of barristers. The list was formed with three consecutive intakes of readers – with 19 barristers making up the initial intake of Howells’ List.

The List quickly developed into an established and flourishing List with many members emerging as leaders in their field. Under Ric’s leadership, the List continued to grow and prosper into the 21st century – including merging with the Lists of Clerks Roberts and Laurence.

In 2021, Chris Chapman was appointed as the Clerk of Howells’ List and shortly thereafter, the Lists’ members made the decision to change its name to Chapman’s List Barristers.

Today, Chris, his staff and the members of Chapman’s List Barristers still pay homage to the traditions and expertise of Howells’ List – with a new focus on continuous improvement and innovation.