Church Court Chambers has appointed Maria Karaiskos KC as head of chambers, succeeding Michael Mather-Lees KC after his three-year tenure. Maria becomes the first female silk and the first home-grown silk in the set’s history to take on the role. Appointed King’s Counsel in 2023, she brings extensive experience in handling some of the UK’s most serious and complex criminal cases, including murder, sexual offences, large-scale fraud and international drug conspiracies.
Maria said her appointment is ‘a significant milestone in my career and a role that I am both honoured and humbled to take on’. She added: ‘To now be entrusted with leading this exceptional set is both a personal and professional responsibility I take very seriously.’ Alongside her practice, she also sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court and as a Deputy District Judge in the Magistrates’ Court, and is regularly recognised by The Legal 500.
Reflecting on her priorities, Maria noted that chambers has long been known for ‘excellence in advocacy, commitment to justice, collaborative culture, and its emphasis on kindness and wellbeing’. She said her aim is to ‘support and champion our members, foster the next generation of talent, and ensure that we continue to deliver outstanding service to our clients and instructing solicitors’.
Departing head Michael Mather-Lees KC praised his successor, saying: ‘Maria is one of the most exceptional silks I have had the pleasure of working with, and a true testament to everything Church Court Chambers stands for. A fierce advocate and natural leader, she is perfectly placed to take Chambers forward.’ Her appointment follows the recent arrival of Claire Anderson as chief executive, marking another step in chambers’ period of growth.
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