Life at Exchange – Helena Williams

March 25, 2025

In the latest in a series of interviews with criminal barristers who have relocated from other cities to join Exchange, Helena Williams talks about life on the Northern Circuit.

When Helena Williams decided to pursue a career in law, her ambition was always to become a criminal barrister.

Helena’s route to the Bar involved working at a busy criminal defence firm before successfully completing her pupillage in London.

In March 2021, Helena joined Exchange Chambers, attracted by the quality and strength in depth of Chambers’ criminal team.

“Moving to Exchange, and the Northern Circuit, was a great opportunity and I am delighted with how it has gone,” explains Helena, who was called to the Bar in 2018.

Since joining Exchange, Helena has developed a balanced prosecution and defence practice.  As well as being instructed as junior counsel, she has been instructed as prosecution junior in cases involving multi-handed drugs conspiracies and firearm offences.

“From a very early stage at Exchange, I gained invaluable experience being led in cases,” adds Helena.  “It was a great way to gain hands-on experience of multi-handed trials.”

Helena believes the practice development support at Exchange is second-to-none.

“There is a clear focus on career development by my clerks,” continues Helena.  “My diary is always full and the quality of work is very high.”

Based in Manchester, Helena is enjoying life both at Exchange and on the Northern Circuit.

“At Exchange there are superb barristers at all levels of call and other members are always on hand to provide guidance.  There is great camaraderie within Chambers.

“The Northern Circuit is also thriving.  It is a fantastic place to build a busy and successful practice.”

Exchange Chambers welcomes applications from outstanding practitioners of all backgrounds. For further information, please contact Jonathan I’Anson (Chief Executive) in the strictest confidence.