Barristers might have a reputation for existing in a world where things tend to be done in an old-fashioned and traditional way.

But one Birmingham set is bucking the trend after embracing Twitter to boost its profile.

St Ives’ Chambers’ Twitter feed has already attracted a large following but using social media is a serious business for the set.

St Ives’ barrister Kevin Saunders said: “Everyone is engaging with social media but if you look around Twitter we are the only chambers in the country to have embraced it head on, though a few are dabbling with it.

“More importantly most of our followers are highly relevant and it is expanding at a rate of around 50 followers a week.

“We have also found it a useful tool for recruitment.”

With barristers generally doing far more to engage with the public at large (they no longer need referrals from solicitors but can be approached directly) it is something that makes sense from Mr Saunders’ point of view, even if St Ives expects to continue getting the bulk of its work from referrals.

“We wanted to be different and stand out from the rest. It seemed ideal given that we were rebranding as a chambers offering a boutique service and want to be seen as both modern and approachable.

“Historically barristers have been seen as being a bit aloof. Whether or not that is a reality is debatable but it has certainly been a perception.

“It also means that we can engage with clients and also open ourselves up to feedback or even criticism.

“We are very happy with the way it is progressing and all our members contribute to the tweets, as well as being members of Linked In.

“Collectively we took the view that it is no longer 1985 and we needed to be cutting edge and the feedback so far is that people are finding it useful.

“When we first launched it there were some members of the Bar who seemed a little bit sceptical but it’s interesting how others have now set up Twitter feeds too.”

St Ives, which has a strong reputation for its expertise family law, is also reinforcing its youthful image by being one of the few chambers to expand its criminal team by taking on junior barristers.

“In crime particularly it is extremely difficult for junior barristers,” Mr Saunders added.

“Changes to the criminal justice system and legal aid mean less people are being charged and more people are being given cautions or fixed fines.

“Also a lot of work that might have been undertaken by junior barristers is being undertaken by solicitors or the Crown Prosecution Service in house.

“For us to be expanding really is unusual, though the future of the criminal Bar remains uncertain.

“But we have had five fresh juniors come into the team in the last 12 months and that is incredible.”

http://twitter.com/StIvesCriminal