Quadrant Chambers has announced the appointment of Poonam Melwani QC as its new Head of Chambers. Poonam begins her term with immediate effect, taking over from Simon Croall QC who continues in full-time practice at chambers.
Poonam has been at the set for over 30 years, so has a deep understanding of Quadrant’s culture, its business and its ambitions. She is perfectly positioned to lead the set in the next phase of its journey.
One of the pre-eminent international commerce sets, in recent years Quadrant has been on an upward trajectory, expanding out from its original shipping and aviation niche to become a broader commercial set covering sectors such as banking, commodities, insurance and energy. Like many legal businesses, Quadrant’s challenges throughout Covid have been more cultural than financial (2020 was in fact the set’s most successful year ever financially).
Poonam becomes Head of Chambers with a focus on seeking to bring members, staff and clients back into a close supportive relationship after a long period of forced remote working.
Commenting on the change of leadership today, Simon said “It has been a privilege to be Head of Quadrant Chambers and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved. I look forward to being part of Quadrant’s continuing success under Poonam’s leadership.”
Poonam said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Head of this very special Chambers, Quadrant having been my home for the entirety of my career. I know I speak for all of Chambers in thanking Simon for his excellent guidance and direction in recent years, during which Quadrant has continued to go from strength to strength.”
As to the challenges for Chambers post Lockdown, Poonam continued: “Community and collaboration are values that have always been very close to my heart: I believe that in Chambers your colleagues are your best resource. Thankfully we have been financially successful throughout the pandemic and our business strategy continues to work well, but we have to recognise the potential for a longer-term threat to culture and to future generations if we don’t make real efforts. Working creatively to keep a sense of belonging and togetherness between members of Quadrant and by extension with our clients is an important focus of my leadership. I’m looking forward to it.”
