Circuits are the highest-level administrative divisions of the Bar of England and Wales and His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service.[1] Today, they serve as professional associations for barristers practicing within their areas, as well as administrative divisions for the purposes of administration of justice.
There are six circuits in total: Midland, Northern, North Eastern, Western, Wales and Chester, and South Eastern.
There is also the European Circuit, which is an association of barristers with interests in European law. Though it is called a circuit and recognised by the Bar Council, it does not serve any administrative or judicial purposes.[2]
Circuits are divided along local authority area borders.[3]