In response to the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lock down, the Northern Circuit established the Circuit Task Force to assist members of the Circuit during the crisis. Two members of the Criminal Team at 9 St John Street have been active participants in that response.
Jaime Hamilton QC, the Circuit's Attorney-General, has helped co-ordinate the Task Force and has particularly assisted with the response concerning those currently undertaking their pupillage on Circuit.
"The Circuit is there to assist its members in every way that it can. It has been great to see so many people pitching in, providing so much advice and information to everyone. The Circuit has now established a hardship fund to provide some assistance to those who are hardest hit by the consequences of the lock down."
Jaime Hamilton QC
Helen Longworth has been assisting the vital flow of information by working with the CTF and producing a daily bulletin of all the guidance, advice and practice directions that have cascaded down since the decision was taken to stop most face to face hearings in the courts. Helen has put her skills in communication and her previous experience of drafting briefing papers in the world of politics to good use in drafting the clear and essential daily bulletin. The Bulletin can be found on the Northern Circuit's website and is posted daily to the Twitter feed @CircuitNorth.
Lisa Roberts QC, the Leader of the Northern Circuit had this to say about Helen’s contribution:
"No one wants a pandemic on their watch, but everyone should want Helen Longworth at their side should one occur. Communication is everything in a world of uncertainty and turmoil. Helen has been indispensable to me in consistently getting the message out, correctly and swiftly, and when most needed. I thank Helen for being such a good friend to me and, crucially, to the Circuit. Proud to have her on the team."