Discover which top sets are ranked in the Chambers UK Bar guide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
With an impressive 24 rankings, including 13 at band one, Kings Chambers continues to dominate several markets across the Northern, North Eastern and Midlands circuits. This \u201cpremier league\u201d set fields superstars handling a range of commercial disputes, with the \u201cbrilliant\u201d Lesley Anderson QC and the \u201csuperb\u201d David Casement QC taking on high-value and complex cases, often for household name clients. Similarly, solicitors advising clients on large disputes in the environment and planning spheres consider Kings Chambers to be a first choice for such cases due to the breadth and depth of the set\u2019s team. Vincent Fraser QC continues to be a go-to for this kind of work and is highly praised by market sources who describe him as \u201cvery forensic\u201d and \u201creally diligent.\u201d Members of chambers are also regularly instructed in high-profile real estate litigation. Paul Chaisty QC, for instance, is described as \u201ctop class\u201d in relation to property work. In addition, several of the set\u2019s barristers are included in the personal injury and clinical negligence rankings. Nicholas Braslavsky QC, for example, is a \u201cdown-to-earth and thorough\u201d expert in catastrophic personal injury cases. Public law remains a key source of instructions for Kings, with a number of tenants regularly retained to act in judicial reviews concerning everything from healthcare to residential developments. As ever, the barristers at Kings are supported by the \u201cvery efficient service\u201d provided by its team of clerks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Lisa Giovanetti QC, Stuart Catchpole QC, Neil Block QC – just some of the 39 Essex tenants listed as star individuals in our guide. Few other sets of chambers can match the cast list at 39 Essex, and with a hugely impressive twenty rankings in our guide, instructing solicitors know they can find quality counsel across a vast array of areas. For matters relating to health and welfare, for example, clients can choose from a number of top silks, such as the \u201cfantastic\u201d Jenni Richards QC, \u201ctrue leader\u201d Vikram Sachdeva QC, or \u201cabsolute star\u201d junior Alexander Ruck Keene. 39 Essex Chambers also holds a top band ranking in our competitive personal injury section. There are many juniors and silks worthy of mention here, but Christian Du Cann continues to reign supreme among senior juniors. \u201cHe is one of the best advocates I\u2019ve ever been against,\u201d says a fellow barrister. In our professional discipline category, the set fields several top counsel. \u201cTop performer\u201d David Bradly has long held the coveted star individual status, and Eleanor Grey QC, Fenella Morris QC and Gregory Tiverton-Jones QC all appear in band one. Another of the set\u2019s stars is Stephen Tromans QC, \u201cthe doyen of environmental law.\u201d Tromans and several other specialists make up the top-ranked environment team at the set. Members of this chambers hold 37 band one rankings between them, in areas ranging from international arbitration to education, and from construction to media. As a result, instructing solicitors at all manner of specialist boutiques and magic circle firms happily return to this \u201cwell run set\u201d time and time again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Founded in 2000, Matrix Chambers has attracted attention as a driver of change in the profession throughout the 20 years of its existence, not least thanks to an innovative approach to practice management. In that time, it has also firmly established itself as one of the cornerstones of the Public and Human Rights Bar. Most with an interest in the law will be familiar with many of Matrix\u2019s leading names, such as Phillippa Kaufmann QC, Helen Mountfield QC and Richard Hermer QC, who are generally to be found representing claimants or NGOs in prominent cases such as R(Elgizouli) v SSHD, Big Brother Watch v United Kingdom, or other matters including public inquiries. The set\u2019s continued success in this area is assured by the presence of established juniors including Nicholas Armstrong and Sarah Hannett. Edward Craven and Raj Desai are among individuals of more recent call who have been rising up the ranks across numerous practice areas. Public law solicitors say: \u201cThey’re totally committed to pushing the boundaries and being creative when representing claimants. It’s really refreshing to work with a set like that.\u201d Matrix has amassed an array of Chambers rankings in related fields, sitting atop the listings in civil liberties and human rights, community care and education. It is also highly ranked in administrative and public law, crime, and immigration, where Raza Husain QC has star individual status. In employment, Karon Monaghan QC has once again cemented her standing as a leader in the field with a victory in the important case of Gilham v Ministry of Justice, while Claire Darwin attracted attention when she successfully represented Samira Ahmed in a ground-breaking equal pay challenge. The set\u2019s media and information law offering is well represented in our defamation\/privacy and data protection tables: Antony White QC and Hugh Tomlinson QC are particularly revered in these markets. Matrix is one of three sets to be listed in our new coverage of protest law, where an individual ranking for Blinne N\u00ed Ghr\u00e1laigh recognises her special expertise in protest injunctions and associated criminal matters. Others from the set appear in our new spotlight table covering international human rights law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Those with a keen interest in current affairs will likely know Blackstone as the home of constitutional law heavyweights. Our interviewees share that assessment: in the words of one commentator, \u201cBlackstone has, for several years, been cementing its reputation as perhaps the pre-eminent chambers in administrative and public law, its members include a remarkable number of senior figures of tremendous talent.\u201d Treasury devil Sir James Eadie QC is routinely called upon to defend the most difficult and consequential challenges to government policy, where he is \u201cjust humbling to watch,\u201d according to his peers. Lord Pannick QC, described by sources as \u201cone of the greatest barristers of his generation,\u201d is perhaps best known for defeating the government in the Article 50 and Prorogation judicial reviews, two of the most widely watched cases of recent times. The \u201csimply phenomenal\u201d Dinah Rose QC is well established as a major force across numerous areas including administrative & public law, human rights, employment and competition. Rising stars such as Shaheed Fatima QC, Kate Gallafent QC, Ben Jaffey QC and Tom Hickman QC are regarded as the next generation of the public and regulatory law elite, whilst more junior members tackle a high volume of sophisticated judicial review work on a regular basis. Beyond the realm of public and human rights law, the barristers\u2019 superb command of regulatory systems, blended with a keen commercial awareness, underpins the set\u2019s pre-eminence in areas such as media and sport law: Ian Mill QC and Adam Lewis QC are notable names. Meanwhile, the set\u2019s employment law offering goes from strength to strength, boasting involvement in a number of high-profile team move, whistleblowing and worker status cases. Members can also offer well-honed expertise in the regulation of the professions. All in all, Blackstone appears in 17 Chambers practice areas, and is a band one set in 10 of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ranked in 15 Chambers practice areas, Doughty Street\u2019s strong reputation for challenging state powers and championing minority rights is well deserved. As one interviewee remarks, \u201cthey always seem to be involved with serious and meaningful human rights litigation.\u201d The set is seen as \u201ca highbrow chambers, a level of excellence to aspire to,\u201d and is found to \u201cprovide a very high quality, affordable, claimant-friendly service.\u201d Star silk and joint head of chambers Edward Fitzgerald QC sets the tone with a superb practice spanning criminal, public and human rights law; his leading role in Maha Elgizouli\u2019s successful Supreme Court challenge demonstrates his continuing impact in all these areas. Another highly eminent silk is \u201csuperstar\u201d Heather Williams QC, a human rights law veteran who, along with star junior Ruth Brander and others, has gained particular attention for work surrounding the Hillsborough disaster and the undercover policing scandal. Other members, such as Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Jennifer Robinson and Amal Clooney, are notable for their accomplishments in human rights law in jurisdictions beyond the reach of the ECHR, and appear in our new international human rights section. In recent years Doughty Street\u2019s tally of band one rankings has been significantly expanded; this year the set receives top billing in inquests and public inquiries and appears in our new table covering protest law. Meanwhile new acquisitions such as rising talent Shu Shin Luh are set to boost the chambers\u2019 reach across many core areas such as community care and social housing, where they join leading figures such as Martin Westgate QC and Jamie Burton. The set additionally receives a ranking in our employment section for the first time this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
No5 Barristers\u2019 Chambers is unquestionably one of the finest provincial legal hubs, with its strongest concentration of talent in Birmingham, alongside a substantial pied-\u00e0-terre in London and further offices in Bristol and Leicester. Instructing solicitors identify No5 as a \u201cleading set nationally\u201d offering \u201ca high quality of service in a wide variety of specialisms,\u201d and testament to this are the set\u2019s rankings in an impressive fourteen practice areas in the Midlands, eleven of these in band one placements, including chancery, clinical negligence, company, crime, employment, family: children and also matrimonial finance, health and safety, immigration, personal injury and planning. The set is also ranked in commercial dispute resolution, real estate litigation, and court of protection: health and welfare. Among the most distinguished members is head of chambers Mark Anderson QC, endowed with a \u201cfantastic brain\u201d and \u201ctop-drawer analysis,\u201d top-ranked in commercial dispute resolution and professional negligence, and also recognised in chancery and company law. Richard Kimblin QC, \u201ca very effective and focused advocate with an economical style that appeals to courts and tribunals,\u201d is band 1-ranked in environment and planning; Michele Friel, top-ranked for children law and considered \u201ceasily one of the best private children law specialists,\u201d comes recommended in particular for high-conflict matters; Abid Mahmood, band one for administrative and public law and immigration, is commended for his \u201cclear and incisive\u201d advocacy and ability to \u201cput people at ease so effortlessly.\u201d The extensive and specialist clerking team, directed by Tony McDaid, comes in for effusive and detailed commendation. One source says: \u201cThey understand the profile of our cases, the personalities involved and what will and won\u2019t work. They’ve invested in really good tech resulting in a really slick system.\u201d Leaving one solicitor with the final word: \u201cOverall the chambers has provided us with an excellent service over the years we have been using them. They go out of their way to accommodate our requests and provide a service over and above the norm by providing various additional support, such as mock tribunals”<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Instructing solicitors praise 3 Verulam Buildings as \u201ca first-rate chambers\u201d for banking and finance matters, while the set also achieves tier one rankings this year for its civil fraud, financial services and commercial dispute resolution offerings. The set houses a deep bench of senior and junior barristers who routinely appear in the highest courts both in the UK and further afield, with recent work for the set including defending Barclays Bank against the \u00a31.5 billion lawsuit brought by Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners. The chambers\u2019 \u201cfantastic set of barristers\u201d includes such luminaries as Adrian Beltrami QC and Michael Blair QC, who have both retained their star individual status in our 2021 rankings. Top banking and commercial silk Beltrami earns praise from interviewees who describe him as a \u201ccalm and effective advocate,\u201d while leading financial services barrister Blair is lauded for his \u201cdeep understanding of regulatory perspective\u201d and ability to provide \u201cclear, detailed and technically exact advice.\u201d Among the set\u2019s enviable bench of junior barristers, senior juniors Michael Lazarus and Adam Kramer are more than worthy of mention. Lazarus has retained his star individual ranking for information technology this year and is lauded by interviewees as \u201can awesome talent who is always commercial and direct with clients.\u201d Kramer earns praise for his \u201ceasy courtroom manner\u201d and remains a go-to for complex commercial disputes. The set is also considered a top choice for challenging insurance and professional negligence cases. Members recognised for their strength in these areas include the \u201cvery knowledgeable\u201d Tom Weitzman QC, a noted expert in professional indemnity matters, and the \u201cextremely engaging and highly personable\u201d Andrew Onslow QC, a top choice for complex negligence disputes concerning works of art. Adding to an already impressive collection of rankings, for the first time this year 3VB has been recognised as a leading set for public international law and restructuring and insolvency matters, further cementing its position as a market leader at the Commercial Bar. Instructing solicitors consistently praise the set\u2019s \u201cmodern approach,\u201d and note that \u201cthe barristers are all approachable, commercial and extremely client friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Brick Court Chambers is rightly regarded as one of the leading sets in the country, with top tier rankings across five different areas of law. It has developed a reputation as \u201cthe go-to set for heavyweight disputes,\u201d attracting instructions from significant clients for cases arising in various jurisdictions, including Europe, Africa and North America. Interviewees remark that Brick Court is \u201cobviously the leading commercial set in the country,\u201d and this excellence serves it well across numerous areas of law, including in the field of competition law where the set attracts praise for its \u201cstrong blend of general commercial and competition experience.\u201d Clients and instructing solicitors alike \u201care spoiled for choice,\u201d with two star individuals headlining an incredibly deep bench of barristers. Mark Hoskins QC continues to be revered as \u201cthe absolute gold standard for competition silks,\u201d while Marie Demetriou QC\u2019s reputation as \u201can outstanding advocate with a brilliant track record\u201d has only been enhanced by her successful representation in Merricks v Mastercard, the first collective action claim to reach the Supreme Court. The set is also revered for its expert handling of European law mandates, with Maya Lester QC regarded as \u201cthe go-to expert on EU State aid rules\u201d and David Anderson QC possessing \u201cunparalleled experience in matters of EU law.\u201d Beyond these key areas, sources reserve high praise for the set\u2019s \u201cbest in class\u201d energy offering and \u201cmarket leading\u201d fraud practice, with \u201coutstanding senior silk\u201d Helen Davies QC and \u201cthe pre-eminent trial lawyer of his generation\u201d Mark Howard QC attracting the highest of plaudits. Rounding out the set\u2019s exceptional offering in a multitude of areas, Tim Lord QC continues to provide a \u201cdevastatingly good\u201d service to clients in the banking and finance sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
With four band one rankings across various areas of law, it is little wonder that Essex Court Chambers maintains a reputation for housing \u201cthe very top counsel across a range of fields.\u201d Market sources say that the set is the \u201cfirst port of call for top tier work,\u201d and this is exemplified by the set\u2019s successful representation of the claimant in PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Plc, in which Barclays was found to have waived privilege in legal advice given by its internal and external lawyers. It is therefore unsurprising that lead silk on the matter, Joe Smouha QC, is described by one source as \u201cbasically the best litigator in the world.\u201d His leading status has culminated in his elevation to the star individual ranking in our commercial dispute resolution table. Elsewhere, the set\u2019s civil fraud offering continues to attract plaudits for its high calibre work, with one such example being the recent National Bank Trust v Yurov & Others case, which involved no fewer than seven members of chambers. One key individual in that case, James Willan, is noted for being \u201castonishing in every sense of the word,\u201d while fellow star individual Tim Akkouh receives considerable praise from instructing solicitors, with one remarking: \u201cHe is the stand-out junior of the Commercial Bar. I have seen him turn even the most cynical Judges around with his calm, measured advocacy.\u201d Essex Court Chambers\u2019 \u201cimpressive bench strength in the junior ranks\u201d continues in the realm of international arbitration where the \u201cvery bright and extremely diligent\u201d Siddharth Dhar goes from strength to strength. Meanwhile, in \u201coutstanding PIL lawyer\u201d Vaughan Lowe QC and \u201cindirect tax guru\u201d Roderick Cordara QC, the set possesses two of the finest silks in their respective fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Wilberforce Chambers is home to an enviable number of barristers experienced in all manner of commercial chancery cases, as well as traditional chancery and trusts matters. The \u201chuge breadth of practice\u201d at Wilberforce is admired by instructing solicitors who \u201cconsistently receive excellent service and support.\u201d No write-up of Wilberforce Chambers is complete without a mention of Brian Green QC, a star-ranked barrister in both our traditional chancery and pensions tables with additional rankings in the offshore, trusts and private client tax sections. \u201cHe is formidable,\u201d says one solicitor, adding: \u201cHe is a top silk at the top of his game. Other silks fear him!\u201d Wilberforce dominates the Pensions Bar, the set has \u201cgot the market cornered,\u201d as one source puts it – and has achieved an impressive 18 individual rankings here. The set also has several individuals listed in band one of our commercial and traditional chancery tables. Emily Campbell, for example, is a \u201cfirst rate\u201d barrister and held in high esteem by a raft of top instructing solicitors for her expertise in complex trusts matters. Though the barristers at Wilberforce are well-versed in a wide range of domestic pensions, property and trusts matters, many are listed in our offshore ranking table, demonstrating their extensive expertise in matters with an international element. The \u201cexceptional\u201d Robert Ham QC is regularly instructed in high-value offshore matters. Wilberforce is also a force to be reckoned with in real estate litigation cases. \u201cBarrister of the moment\u201d Joanne Wicks QC is one of the top property litigators in the country and has acted in many of the leading cases of the past few years. She is \u201cgreat at providing technical, tactical and extremely commercial advice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
4 Pump Court remains the preeminent set for information technology disputes. It boasts impressive expertise across professional negligence, international arbitration, energy, construction and property damage matters. The set possesses an impressive bench with \u201ca good depth of specialist juniors and QCs\u201d including construction star individual Sean Brannigan QC, “a first-choice advocate, always on top of papers, practical, commercial and among the best cross-examiners with the gift of the silver tongue,” and information technology star junior Matthew Lavy who is hailed “a leading IT practitioner with an awesome ability to assimilate the most complex cases while making them understandable for the court.” One instructing solicitor notes: \u201cThe set is able to offer barristers that have defined specialisms and\/or broad practice areas, which provides flexibility.\u201d 4 Pump Court is additionally recognised for its prowess in shipping and commodities, insurance and financial services disputes, among other areas. The accomplished clerking team, led by senior clerks Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs, is highly regarded for its \u201cexceptional clerking and commercial approach.\u201d Sources also highlight that the clerks \u201cgo above and beyond, are really helpful and nothing is too much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Crown Office Chambers draws praise from instructing solicitors who describe it as \u201cfar and away the best set in its chosen fields,\u201d adding that \u201cthe barristers are all commercial, approachable and there is no feeling of separation between counsel and the rest of the legal team.\u201d The chambers has achieved an impressive 11 set rankings this year, and is particularly well regarded for its \u201coutstanding\u201d health and safety offering. Described as \u201ca cut above the rest for health and safety,\u201d the set is home to an impressive bench of senior counsel including the \u201cabsolutely amazing\u201d James Ageros QC and \u201cexcellent strategist\u201d John Cooper QC, while senior junior Mark Balysz is lauded by market sources as \u201can exceptional barrister\u201d and \u201can amazing jury advocate.\u201d The set has also retained its top-tier ranking in our personal injury table, and its barristers are regularly called upon to handle claims involving injuries of the utmost severity. Several of the set\u2019s personal injury barristers, such as the \u201cvery accomplished and well respected\u201d Michael Kent QC and the \u201cthoughtful and commercial\u201d David Platt QC, are also noted experts in industrial disease matters, and have been instructed in several of the leading cases in this area. The chambers is also considered a go-to for complex product liability and clinical negligence claims, thanks in no small part to the \u201cvery persuasive\u201d Alexander Antelme QC, who has achieved top-tier rankings in both tables this year. The set\u2019s enviable bench of junior counsel undertaking clinical negligence mandates includes Charlotte Jones and Farrah Mauladad, who are respectively praised for their \u201cexcellent analysis of expert evidence\u201d and \u201cimpeccable attention to detail.\u201d The set also has considerable expertise in property damage and construction disputes, and its barristers are regularly called upon to handle both litigation and arbitrations. The set\u2019s deep roster of barristers with expertise in this area includes the \u201cvery impressive\u201d Andrew Rigney QC and the \u201cvery pragmatic and commercial\u201d Michele De Gregorio. \u201cMy overall impression of Crown Office Chambers is one of excellence,\u201d reports one instructing solicitor, adding: \u201cThey have never let me down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Fountain Court Chambers continues to receive due recognition for its role as one of the essential institutions of London\u2019s corporate and financial firmament, whose members are sought after for instruction in industry-defining cases by litigants from around the world. The set is ranked in the top band for seven Chambers practice areas ,aviation, banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution, financial services, civil fraud, professional discipline and travel: regulatory and commercial. The wider set has also retained rankings in insurance, professional negligence, international arbitration: general commercial and insurance and product liability. One instructing solicitor says: \u201cWith its renowned commercial expertise, Fountain Court remain one of our go-to chambers,\u201d adding: \u201cIt is important that our clients are drawn to counsel both on a professional and a personal level, and Fountain Court rarely disappoints in either regard.\u201d Among the set\u2019s leading performers are Laura John, band one-ranked in banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution and civil fraud, whose \u201cadvocacy is a delight to watch,\u201d and \u201clion-hearted advocate\u201d Richard Lissack QC, star-rated in financial services and financial crime, not to mention a clutch of rankings in related disciplines. The set is also home to David Railton QC, \u201cextremely good at simplifying highly complex issues,\u201d star-rated in banking and finance and band one in commercial dispute resolution and insurance, and Bankim Thanki QC, who \u201cprojects an air of calm authority\u201d while being \u201cquietly devastating\u201d in cross examination, and is star-rated in banking and finance and in the top tier for commercial dispute resolution, financial services and civil fraud. The clerking team, led by Alex Taylor, are \u201calways accommodating and very knowledgeable about their barristers\u2019 practices,\u201d according to one source, while another concurs: \u201cWhen you call up they always know the context and have taken the time to understand the cases their barristers are doing.\u201d The abiding impression one is left with is that at Fountain Court, \u201cyou will always find the right barrister for your case.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Garden Court Chambers is highly respected for its knowledge of matters concerning social care and provision for vulnerable individuals, with recognition for its Court of Protection and children law expertise along with a top ranking for community care, for which one source reports: \u201cThey are my first point of call and their advice and representation is second to none.\u201d The set\u2019s greatest area of strength is undoubtedly in social housing, in which area it is considered by some as \u201cthe leading set in the country.\u201d Joint head of chambers and star individual Liz Davies is herself described as \u201cone of the leading voices in housing law,\u201d in particular for her dedicated focus on advocating for the homeless. More broadly, the set is known for its focus on representing claimants in a wide range of proceedings, including inquests and public inquiries, regarding immigration matters and claims brought against the police. Immigration law is a particular area of strength, with one interviewee describing the set as \u201cstellar, with phenomenal strength and depth.\u201d Another of the set\u2019s three star individuals is Laurie Fransman QC, who is considered \u201cunquestionably a leader in the field of immigration and a leading expert in UK nationality law.\u201d The set also houses a number of criminal defence barristers, including \u201cexpert criminal advocate\u201d Henry Blaxland QC. Garden Court Chambers is one of a select group of sets to be ranked this year in our new protest law table thanks to both its criminal law and human rights expertise. In addition to the wide range of excellent barristers available for instruction, the clerking team, led by director Colin Cook, also receives praise, with impressed sources saying: \u201cThe clerks always get back to me very quickly, are always happy to help and are good at allocating cases to appropriate counsel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Bristol-based Guildhall Chambers is, unquestionably, the leading set of barristers on the Western Circuit. The set tops the rankings in ten of the eleven practice areas in which it is ranked. The sheer breadth of expertise at Guildhall Chambers makes its defining feature the range of practice areas in which it excels. This is demonstrated by its top tier rankings in commercial areas, such as company, banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution and restructuring and insolvency law, as well as its leading position in our professional negligence, clinical negligence and crime rankings. Anna Vigars QC heads the chambers and is described as \u201cabsolutely top notch\u201d for her criminal law work. Other barristers of note include 2020 silk Selena Plowden QC, widely viewed as a go-to clinical negligence practitioner and described as \u201ctruly inspiring\u201d for her \u201camazingly incisive and detailed case analysis.\u201d Andrew Langdon QC and Richard Smith QC are both considered star criminal silks and are a key reason Guildhall is known as \u201cone of the leading sets for criminal work on the Western Circuit.\u201d The clerking team, led by senior practice managers Lucy Northeast and Oliver Edwards, is also consistently praised. Instructing solicitors appreciate that \u201cthey are always willing to go the extra mile to assist\u201d and that \u201cthey\u2019re very helpful in finding the right counsel for your case.\u201d From experienced silks to juniors, as well as in the clerks\u2019 room, the set shines, and its reputation as the stand out Bristol set is well earned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cLandmark obviously stands out,\u201d says one instructing solicitor. This fitting summary of the set is borne out by our rankings, where Landmark Chambers comes out on top in five practice areas and wins rankings in a further six. Overall, sources appreciate that \u201cLandmark understands the commercial context\u201d of instructions and cases. The quality of both the juniors and silks in Landmark\u2019s top-ranked planning team is praised by a host of instructing solicitors. Top performers, such as \u201cgo-to\u201d Christopher Katkowski QC and \u201crole model\u201d James Maurici QC, are kept on their toes by the next generation of planning law stars, including 2020 silk Scott Lyness QC and well-regarded junior Guy Williams, who \u201cleaves no stone unturned in preparing for his advocacy.\u201d Similarly, environmental law is one of the set\u2019s particular areas of expertise. Richard Moules was recently instructed by the Dover Harbour Board in a complex defence of the Marine Management Organisation\u2019s decision to grant a marine licence authorising dredging at the Port of Dover. Other luminaries at the set continue to impress, with David Elvin QC noted for his experience and \u201cencyclopedic knowledge.\u201d Real estate litigation is another area of quality for Landmark. Excellence at the silk level, the set is home to the likes of David Holland QC and Zia Bhaloo QC, is matched by a raft of leading juniors, including Camilla Lamont, a \u201cdirect, commercial barrister and a joy to work with.\u201d Market sources also offer glowing praise for the set\u2019s expertise in relation to agricultural affairs, as well as local government matters, where Richard Drabble QC tops the table. Members of chambers are also frequently involved in challenging civil liberties and human rights cases. A team of \u201camazingly responsive\u201d clerks, led by practice directors Ben Connor and Mark Ball, complete this top quality set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Maitland Chambers is a highly regarded set which is \u201cteeming with very bright and hard-working barristers who are all commercially minded and easy to deal with,\u201d according to our interviewees. The chambers is recognised as a leading set across several practice areas, including civil fraud, company, partnership, real estate litigation and professional negligence, and its members are regularly instructed in high-profile and high-value cases arising in the UK as well as in several international and offshore jurisdictions. The set attracts particular praise for its depth of expertise in commercial chancery disputes, and among the barristers recognised for their work in this area are the \u201ctenacious and robust\u201d Thomas Grant QC and the \u201cunderstated but extremely effective\u201d Christopher Pymont QC, who have both achieved tier one rankings this year. Another of the set\u2019s key areas of expertise is charities law, thanks in no small part to star junior Matthew Smith, who earns praise from instructing solicitors for his \u201cclear, cogent and well-judged advice.\u201d The set also boasts a strong reputation in the restructuring and insolvency market, and its barristers have played major roles in litigation arising from the collapse of several major corporates, including most recently Carillion and Thomas Cook. Standout junior Rebecca Page is ranked for both insolvency and company law, and she garners praise from interviewees who note that \u201cshe will go the extra mile for her clients and is fantastic in court.\u201d \u201cExceptional silk\u201d Catherine Addy QC is another of the set\u2019s barristers undertaking work in these areas who is also more than worthy of mention ,she is praised by market sources as \u201ca delightful opponent with excellent judgement,\u201d and since taking silk in 2017 Addy\u2019s practice has gone from strength to strength. While the quality of the advocates is regularly praised by interviewees, instructing solicitors are also quick to point out that the \u201cseamless service\u201d provided by the clerking team is highly appreciated. Led by senior clerk John Wiggs, the team is consistently noted to be \u201ccommercially aware and business-oriented,\u201d as well as \u201cresponsive, friendly and very down-to-earth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Hailed as the \u201cgo-to set for difficult competition matters,\u201d Monckton Chambers wins further plaudits for its strength in telecommunications law, with one commentator describing the set as \u201ctop of the pack.\u201d It also boasts top-tier rankings in our public procurement, European law and indirect tax sections. Star individual Melanie Hall QC is lauded her for \u201cextremely sharp and strategic insight\u201d in relation to indirect tax, while Anneli Howard is described as a \u201cstunningly bright barrister\u201d on European law matters. The set is also home to top-ranked Jon Turner QC who \u201cis an exceptional lawyer and advocate and arguably the best competition barrister in the UK,\u201d according to one source, while another describes him as \u201cbrilliantly clever and analytical, with a calm, client-friendly approach.\u201d The public procurement offering is bolstered by \u201cguru\u201d Michael Bowsher QC, \u201ca fearless tactician\u201d with \u201cencyclopaedic knowledge of the area.\u201d The \u201csuperb quality, innovative thinking and reliable service\u201d of the set is further shown through its inclusion in the community care, administrative and public law, civil liberties and human rights, data protection, environment and sport rankings, with commentators also underlining the \u201cgenuine human warmth from the team\u201d as a key attribute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The \u201cabsolutely wonderful\u201d Serle Court continues to enjoy \u201can exceptionally strong reputation\u201d for chancery work, with its barristers lauded as \u201cterrifying geniuses\u201d in the area. The commercial chancery practice boasts the top-ranked Elizabeth Jones QC, who is described by one interviewee as \u201cmonumentally impressive\u201d due to her \u201cclear strategic vision of a case, direct style and incredibly high quality\u201d of work, while Alan Boyle QC is lauded as \u201cthe doyen\u201d of the traditional chancery field. Dakis Hagen QC attracts praise for his \u201calmost unparalleled ability to simplify complex legal principles and facts for the benefit of both solicitors and lay clients,\u201d with another source applauding his \u201cencyclopaedic knowledge\u201d of offshore matters. The set further enjoys top rankings in civil fraud and partnership, with John Machell QC earning the title of \u201cMr LLP\u201d from several sources, while another adds: \u201cHe is highly intelligent and a collaborative team player. He has strong technical knowledge and commercial understanding, and his advice remains clear, practical and easy for clients to understand.\u201d The set offers additional expertise in the charities, company, restructuring and insolvency, professional negligence and real estate litigation fields, with commentators appreciating that across the board \u201cthey are always reliable, and you know that you are in safe hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
St Philips is a \u201chighly respected set and home to some very bright legal minds.\u201d With ten band one rankings across a range of areas, the set is clearly a first choice for an extensive network of instructing solicitors across the Midlands Circuit and further afield. The set is home to a broad range of excellent counsel, including leading silks such as John Randall QC. Considered \u201cbrilliant with the law\u201d with \u201ca knack of perfectly pitching cases to judges in way that has them eating out of his hand,\u201d Randall is listed as a star individual for commercial dispute resolution. St Philips also excels in the field of criminal law and is considered \u201ca first rate set\u201d by instructing solicitors. Stand out silks in this area include Richard Atkins QC and Andrew Smith QC. Atkins, a former Chair of the Bar and band one ranked barrister, is described as a \u201cmeticulously prepared and forceful advocate,\u201d and Smith \u201chas a brain big enough for two,\u201d according to one fellow barrister. Employment is another key area for St Philips; its barristers are said to have \u201can unbeatable level of expertise.\u201d The band one ranked practice is headlined by \u201cstellar practitioner\u201d Sarah George and the \u201cvery methodical and highly pragmatic\u201d Edmund Beever. The junior ranks of the chambers are well stocked. John Brennan, for example, receives extensive praise from market sources. He is top ranked in our professional negligence, chancery and commercial dispute resolution sections and is described by a fellow barrister as a \u201cleading light\u201d who is \u201creadily capable of engaging in huge litigation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[],"publication":[],"blocks":[{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Discover which top sets are ranked in the Chambers UK Bar guide. <\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Discover which top sets are ranked in the Chambers UK Bar guide. <\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Ranked in 24 practice areas","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"1lbF2G","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-1lbF2G"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Kings Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"li3TT","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-li3TT"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
With an impressive 24 rankings, including 13 at band one, Kings Chambers continues to dominate several markets across the Northern, North Eastern and Midlands circuits. This \u201cpremier league\u201d set fields superstars handling a range of commercial disputes, with the \u201cbrilliant\u201d Lesley Anderson QC and the \u201csuperb\u201d David Casement QC taking on high-value and complex cases, often for household name clients. Similarly, solicitors advising clients on large disputes in the environment and planning spheres consider Kings Chambers to be a first choice for such cases due to the breadth and depth of the set\u2019s team. Vincent Fraser QC continues to be a go-to for this kind of work and is highly praised by market sources who describe him as \u201cvery forensic\u201d and \u201creally diligent.\u201d Members of chambers are also regularly instructed in high-profile real estate litigation. Paul Chaisty QC, for instance, is described as \u201ctop class\u201d in relation to property work. In addition, several of the set\u2019s barristers are included in the personal injury and clinical negligence rankings. Nicholas Braslavsky QC, for example, is a \u201cdown-to-earth and thorough\u201d expert in catastrophic personal injury cases. Public law remains a key source of instructions for Kings, with a number of tenants regularly retained to act in judicial reviews concerning everything from healthcare to residential developments. As ever, the barristers at Kings are supported by the \u201cvery efficient service\u201d provided by its team of clerks.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
With an impressive 24 rankings, including 13 at band one, Kings Chambers continues to dominate several markets across the Northern, North Eastern and Midlands circuits. This \u201cpremier league\u201d set fields superstars handling a range of commercial disputes, with the \u201cbrilliant\u201d Lesley Anderson QC and the \u201csuperb\u201d David Casement QC taking on high-value and complex cases, often for household name clients. Similarly, solicitors advising clients on large disputes in the environment and planning spheres consider Kings Chambers to be a first choice for such cases due to the breadth and depth of the set\u2019s team. Vincent Fraser QC continues to be a go-to for this kind of work and is highly praised by market sources who describe him as \u201cvery forensic\u201d and \u201creally diligent.\u201d Members of chambers are also regularly instructed in high-profile real estate litigation. Paul Chaisty QC, for instance, is described as \u201ctop class\u201d in relation to property work. In addition, several of the set\u2019s barristers are included in the personal injury and clinical negligence rankings. Nicholas Braslavsky QC, for example, is a \u201cdown-to-earth and thorough\u201d expert in catastrophic personal injury cases. Public law remains a key source of instructions for Kings, with a number of tenants regularly retained to act in judicial reviews concerning everything from healthcare to residential developments. As ever, the barristers at Kings are supported by the \u201cvery efficient service\u201d provided by its team of clerks.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Ranked in 20 practice areas","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"ZdlRtP","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-ZdlRtP"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"39 Essex Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"Z1Eb5bR","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-Z1Eb5bR"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Lisa Giovanetti QC, Stuart Catchpole QC, Neil Block QC - just some of the 39 Essex tenants listed as star individuals in our guide. Few other sets of chambers can match the cast list at 39 Essex, and with a hugely impressive twenty rankings in our guide, instructing solicitors know they can find quality counsel across a vast array of areas. For matters relating to health and welfare, for example, clients can choose from a number of top silks, such as the \u201cfantastic\u201d Jenni Richards QC, \u201ctrue leader\u201d Vikram Sachdeva QC, or \u201cabsolute star\u201d junior Alexander Ruck Keene. 39 Essex Chambers also holds a top band ranking in our competitive personal injury section. There are many juniors and silks worthy of mention here, but Christian Du Cann continues to reign supreme among senior juniors. \u201cHe is one of the best advocates I\u2019ve ever been against,\u201d says a fellow barrister. In our professional discipline category, the set fields several top counsel. \u201cTop performer\u201d David Bradly has long held the coveted star individual status, and Eleanor Grey QC, Fenella Morris QC and Gregory Tiverton-Jones QC all appear in band one. Another of the set\u2019s stars is Stephen Tromans QC, \u201cthe doyen of environmental law.\u201d Tromans and several other specialists make up the top-ranked environment team at the set. Members of this chambers hold 37 band one rankings between them, in areas ranging from international arbitration to education, and from construction to media. As a result, instructing solicitors at all manner of specialist boutiques and magic circle firms happily return to this \u201cwell run set\u201d time and time again.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Lisa Giovanetti QC, Stuart Catchpole QC, Neil Block QC - just some of the 39 Essex tenants listed as star individuals in our guide. Few other sets of chambers can match the cast list at 39 Essex, and with a hugely impressive twenty rankings in our guide, instructing solicitors know they can find quality counsel across a vast array of areas. For matters relating to health and welfare, for example, clients can choose from a number of top silks, such as the \u201cfantastic\u201d Jenni Richards QC, \u201ctrue leader\u201d Vikram Sachdeva QC, or \u201cabsolute star\u201d junior Alexander Ruck Keene. 39 Essex Chambers also holds a top band ranking in our competitive personal injury section. There are many juniors and silks worthy of mention here, but Christian Du Cann continues to reign supreme among senior juniors. \u201cHe is one of the best advocates I\u2019ve ever been against,\u201d says a fellow barrister. In our professional discipline category, the set fields several top counsel. \u201cTop performer\u201d David Bradly has long held the coveted star individual status, and Eleanor Grey QC, Fenella Morris QC and Gregory Tiverton-Jones QC all appear in band one. Another of the set\u2019s stars is Stephen Tromans QC, \u201cthe doyen of environmental law.\u201d Tromans and several other specialists make up the top-ranked environment team at the set. Members of this chambers hold 37 band one rankings between them, in areas ranging from international arbitration to education, and from construction to media. As a result, instructing solicitors at all manner of specialist boutiques and magic circle firms happily return to this \u201cwell run set\u201d time and time again.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Matrix Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"TvS8","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-TvS8"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Founded in 2000, Matrix Chambers has attracted attention as a driver of change in the profession throughout the 20 years of its existence, not least thanks to an innovative approach to practice management. In that time, it has also firmly established itself as one of the cornerstones of the Public and Human Rights Bar. Most with an interest in the law will be familiar with many of Matrix\u2019s leading names, such as Phillippa Kaufmann QC, Helen Mountfield QC and Richard Hermer QC, who are generally to be found representing claimants or NGOs in prominent cases such as R(Elgizouli) v SSHD, Big Brother Watch v United Kingdom, or other matters including public inquiries. The set\u2019s continued success in this area is assured by the presence of established juniors including Nicholas Armstrong and Sarah Hannett. Edward Craven and Raj Desai are among individuals of more recent call who have been rising up the ranks across numerous practice areas. Public law solicitors say: \u201cThey're totally committed to pushing the boundaries and being creative when representing claimants. It's really refreshing to work with a set like that.\u201d Matrix has amassed an array of Chambers rankings in related fields, sitting atop the listings in civil liberties and human rights, community care and education. It is also highly ranked in administrative and public law, crime, and immigration, where Raza Husain QC has star individual status. In employment, Karon Monaghan QC has once again cemented her standing as a leader in the field with a victory in the important case of Gilham v Ministry of Justice, while Claire Darwin attracted attention when she successfully represented Samira Ahmed in a ground-breaking equal pay challenge. The set\u2019s media and information law offering is well represented in our defamation\/privacy and data protection tables: Antony White QC and Hugh Tomlinson QC are particularly revered in these markets. Matrix is one of three sets to be listed in our new coverage of protest law, where an individual ranking for Blinne N\u00ed Ghr\u00e1laigh recognises her special expertise in protest injunctions and associated criminal matters. Others from the set appear in our new spotlight table covering international human rights law.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Founded in 2000, Matrix Chambers has attracted attention as a driver of change in the profession throughout the 20 years of its existence, not least thanks to an innovative approach to practice management. In that time, it has also firmly established itself as one of the cornerstones of the Public and Human Rights Bar. Most with an interest in the law will be familiar with many of Matrix\u2019s leading names, such as Phillippa Kaufmann QC, Helen Mountfield QC and Richard Hermer QC, who are generally to be found representing claimants or NGOs in prominent cases such as R(Elgizouli) v SSHD, Big Brother Watch v United Kingdom, or other matters including public inquiries. The set\u2019s continued success in this area is assured by the presence of established juniors including Nicholas Armstrong and Sarah Hannett. Edward Craven and Raj Desai are among individuals of more recent call who have been rising up the ranks across numerous practice areas. Public law solicitors say: \u201cThey're totally committed to pushing the boundaries and being creative when representing claimants. It's really refreshing to work with a set like that.\u201d Matrix has amassed an array of Chambers rankings in related fields, sitting atop the listings in civil liberties and human rights, community care and education. It is also highly ranked in administrative and public law, crime, and immigration, where Raza Husain QC has star individual status. In employment, Karon Monaghan QC has once again cemented her standing as a leader in the field with a victory in the important case of Gilham v Ministry of Justice, while Claire Darwin attracted attention when she successfully represented Samira Ahmed in a ground-breaking equal pay challenge. The set\u2019s media and information law offering is well represented in our defamation\/privacy and data protection tables: Antony White QC and Hugh Tomlinson QC are particularly revered in these markets. Matrix is one of three sets to be listed in our new coverage of protest law, where an individual ranking for Blinne N\u00ed Ghr\u00e1laigh recognises her special expertise in protest injunctions and associated criminal matters. Others from the set appear in our new spotlight table covering international human rights law.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Ranked in 17 practice areas","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"Zmd4UO","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-Zmd4UO"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Blackstone Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"9MSoC","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-9MSoC"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Those with a keen interest in current affairs will likely know Blackstone as the home of constitutional law heavyweights. Our interviewees share that assessment: in the words of one commentator, \u201cBlackstone has, for several years, been cementing its reputation as perhaps the pre-eminent chambers in administrative and public law, its members include a remarkable number of senior figures of tremendous talent.\u201d Treasury devil Sir James Eadie QC is routinely called upon to defend the most difficult and consequential challenges to government policy, where he is \u201cjust humbling to watch,\u201d according to his peers. Lord Pannick QC, described by sources as \u201cone of the greatest barristers of his generation,\u201d is perhaps best known for defeating the government in the Article 50 and Prorogation judicial reviews, two of the most widely watched cases of recent times. The \u201csimply phenomenal\u201d Dinah Rose QC is well established as a major force across numerous areas including administrative & public law, human rights, employment and competition. Rising stars such as Shaheed Fatima QC, Kate Gallafent QC, Ben Jaffey QC and Tom Hickman QC are regarded as the next generation of the public and regulatory law elite, whilst more junior members tackle a high volume of sophisticated judicial review work on a regular basis. Beyond the realm of public and human rights law, the barristers\u2019 superb command of regulatory systems, blended with a keen commercial awareness, underpins the set\u2019s pre-eminence in areas such as media and sport law: Ian Mill QC and Adam Lewis QC are notable names. Meanwhile, the set\u2019s employment law offering goes from strength to strength, boasting involvement in a number of high-profile team move, whistleblowing and worker status cases. Members can also offer well-honed expertise in the regulation of the professions. All in all, Blackstone appears in 17 Chambers practice areas, and is a band one set in 10 of these.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Those with a keen interest in current affairs will likely know Blackstone as the home of constitutional law heavyweights. Our interviewees share that assessment: in the words of one commentator, \u201cBlackstone has, for several years, been cementing its reputation as perhaps the pre-eminent chambers in administrative and public law, its members include a remarkable number of senior figures of tremendous talent.\u201d Treasury devil Sir James Eadie QC is routinely called upon to defend the most difficult and consequential challenges to government policy, where he is \u201cjust humbling to watch,\u201d according to his peers. Lord Pannick QC, described by sources as \u201cone of the greatest barristers of his generation,\u201d is perhaps best known for defeating the government in the Article 50 and Prorogation judicial reviews, two of the most widely watched cases of recent times. The \u201csimply phenomenal\u201d Dinah Rose QC is well established as a major force across numerous areas including administrative & public law, human rights, employment and competition. Rising stars such as Shaheed Fatima QC, Kate Gallafent QC, Ben Jaffey QC and Tom Hickman QC are regarded as the next generation of the public and regulatory law elite, whilst more junior members tackle a high volume of sophisticated judicial review work on a regular basis. Beyond the realm of public and human rights law, the barristers\u2019 superb command of regulatory systems, blended with a keen commercial awareness, underpins the set\u2019s pre-eminence in areas such as media and sport law: Ian Mill QC and Adam Lewis QC are notable names. Meanwhile, the set\u2019s employment law offering goes from strength to strength, boasting involvement in a number of high-profile team move, whistleblowing and worker status cases. Members can also offer well-honed expertise in the regulation of the professions. All in all, Blackstone appears in 17 Chambers practice areas, and is a band one set in 10 of these.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Ranked in 15 practice areas","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"ZMy4Xi","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-ZMy4Xi"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Doughty Street Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"ZbqaeY","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-ZbqaeY"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Ranked in 15 Chambers practice areas, Doughty Street\u2019s strong reputation for challenging state powers and championing minority rights is well deserved. As one interviewee remarks, \u201cthey always seem to be involved with serious and meaningful human rights litigation.\u201d The set is seen as \u201ca highbrow chambers, a level of excellence to aspire to,\u201d and is found to \u201cprovide a very high quality, affordable, claimant-friendly service.\u201d Star silk and joint head of chambers Edward Fitzgerald QC sets the tone with a superb practice spanning criminal, public and human rights law; his leading role in Maha Elgizouli\u2019s successful Supreme Court challenge demonstrates his continuing impact in all these areas. Another highly eminent silk is \u201csuperstar\u201d Heather Williams QC, a human rights law veteran who, along with star junior Ruth Brander and others, has gained particular attention for work surrounding the Hillsborough disaster and the undercover policing scandal. Other members, such as Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Jennifer Robinson and Amal Clooney, are notable for their accomplishments in human rights law in jurisdictions beyond the reach of the ECHR, and appear in our new international human rights section. In recent years Doughty Street\u2019s tally of band one rankings has been significantly expanded; this year the set receives top billing in inquests and public inquiries and appears in our new table covering protest law. Meanwhile new acquisitions such as rising talent Shu Shin Luh are set to boost the chambers\u2019 reach across many core areas such as community care and social housing, where they join leading figures such as Martin Westgate QC and Jamie Burton. The set additionally receives a ranking in our employment section for the first time this year.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Ranked in 15 Chambers practice areas, Doughty Street\u2019s strong reputation for challenging state powers and championing minority rights is well deserved. As one interviewee remarks, \u201cthey always seem to be involved with serious and meaningful human rights litigation.\u201d The set is seen as \u201ca highbrow chambers, a level of excellence to aspire to,\u201d and is found to \u201cprovide a very high quality, affordable, claimant-friendly service.\u201d Star silk and joint head of chambers Edward Fitzgerald QC sets the tone with a superb practice spanning criminal, public and human rights law; his leading role in Maha Elgizouli\u2019s successful Supreme Court challenge demonstrates his continuing impact in all these areas. Another highly eminent silk is \u201csuperstar\u201d Heather Williams QC, a human rights law veteran who, along with star junior Ruth Brander and others, has gained particular attention for work surrounding the Hillsborough disaster and the undercover policing scandal. Other members, such as Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Jennifer Robinson and Amal Clooney, are notable for their accomplishments in human rights law in jurisdictions beyond the reach of the ECHR, and appear in our new international human rights section. In recent years Doughty Street\u2019s tally of band one rankings has been significantly expanded; this year the set receives top billing in inquests and public inquiries and appears in our new table covering protest law. Meanwhile new acquisitions such as rising talent Shu Shin Luh are set to boost the chambers\u2019 reach across many core areas such as community care and social housing, where they join leading figures such as Martin Westgate QC and Jamie Burton. The set additionally receives a ranking in our employment section for the first time this year.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Ranked in 14 practice areas","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"3oXN3","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-3oXN3"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"No5 Barristers' Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"8cn4x","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-8cn4x"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
No5 Barristers\u2019 Chambers is unquestionably one of the finest provincial legal hubs, with its strongest concentration of talent in Birmingham, alongside a substantial pied-\u00e0-terre in London and further offices in Bristol and Leicester. Instructing solicitors identify No5 as a \u201cleading set nationally\u201d offering \u201ca high quality of service in a wide variety of specialisms,\u201d and testament to this are the set\u2019s rankings in an impressive fourteen practice areas in the Midlands, eleven of these in band one placements, including chancery, clinical negligence, company, crime, employment, family: children and also matrimonial finance, health and safety, immigration, personal injury and planning. The set is also ranked in commercial dispute resolution, real estate litigation, and court of protection: health and welfare. Among the most distinguished members is head of chambers Mark Anderson QC, endowed with a \u201cfantastic brain\u201d and \u201ctop-drawer analysis,\u201d top-ranked in commercial dispute resolution and professional negligence, and also recognised in chancery and company law. Richard Kimblin QC, \u201ca very effective and focused advocate with an economical style that appeals to courts and tribunals,\u201d is band 1-ranked in environment and planning; Michele Friel, top-ranked for children law and considered \u201ceasily one of the best private children law specialists,\u201d comes recommended in particular for high-conflict matters; Abid Mahmood, band one for administrative and public law and immigration, is commended for his \u201cclear and incisive\u201d advocacy and ability to \u201cput people at ease so effortlessly.\u201d The extensive and specialist clerking team, directed by Tony McDaid, comes in for effusive and detailed commendation. One source says: \u201cThey understand the profile of our cases, the personalities involved and what will and won\u2019t work. They've invested in really good tech resulting in a really slick system.\u201d Leaving one solicitor with the final word: \u201cOverall the chambers has provided us with an excellent service over the years we have been using them. They go out of their way to accommodate our requests and provide a service over and above the norm by providing various additional support, such as mock tribunals\"<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
No5 Barristers\u2019 Chambers is unquestionably one of the finest provincial legal hubs, with its strongest concentration of talent in Birmingham, alongside a substantial pied-\u00e0-terre in London and further offices in Bristol and Leicester. Instructing solicitors identify No5 as a \u201cleading set nationally\u201d offering \u201ca high quality of service in a wide variety of specialisms,\u201d and testament to this are the set\u2019s rankings in an impressive fourteen practice areas in the Midlands, eleven of these in band one placements, including chancery, clinical negligence, company, crime, employment, family: children and also matrimonial finance, health and safety, immigration, personal injury and planning. The set is also ranked in commercial dispute resolution, real estate litigation, and court of protection: health and welfare. Among the most distinguished members is head of chambers Mark Anderson QC, endowed with a \u201cfantastic brain\u201d and \u201ctop-drawer analysis,\u201d top-ranked in commercial dispute resolution and professional negligence, and also recognised in chancery and company law. Richard Kimblin QC, \u201ca very effective and focused advocate with an economical style that appeals to courts and tribunals,\u201d is band 1-ranked in environment and planning; Michele Friel, top-ranked for children law and considered \u201ceasily one of the best private children law specialists,\u201d comes recommended in particular for high-conflict matters; Abid Mahmood, band one for administrative and public law and immigration, is commended for his \u201cclear and incisive\u201d advocacy and ability to \u201cput people at ease so effortlessly.\u201d The extensive and specialist clerking team, directed by Tony McDaid, comes in for effusive and detailed commendation. One source says: \u201cThey understand the profile of our cases, the personalities involved and what will and won\u2019t work. They've invested in really good tech resulting in a really slick system.\u201d Leaving one solicitor with the final word: \u201cOverall the chambers has provided us with an excellent service over the years we have been using them. They go out of their way to accommodate our requests and provide a service over and above the norm by providing various additional support, such as mock tribunals\"<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Ranked in 12 practice areas","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"2kOqfV","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-2kOqfV"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"3 Verulam Buildings","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"Z2iNvoc","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-Z2iNvoc"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Instructing solicitors praise 3 Verulam Buildings as \u201ca first-rate chambers\u201d for banking and finance matters, while the set also achieves tier one rankings this year for its civil fraud, financial services and commercial dispute resolution offerings. The set houses a deep bench of senior and junior barristers who routinely appear in the highest courts both in the UK and further afield, with recent work for the set including defending Barclays Bank against the \u00a31.5 billion lawsuit brought by Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners. The chambers\u2019 \u201cfantastic set of barristers\u201d includes such luminaries as Adrian Beltrami QC and Michael Blair QC, who have both retained their star individual status in our 2021 rankings. Top banking and commercial silk Beltrami earns praise from interviewees who describe him as a \u201ccalm and effective advocate,\u201d while leading financial services barrister Blair is lauded for his \u201cdeep understanding of regulatory perspective\u201d and ability to provide \u201cclear, detailed and technically exact advice.\u201d Among the set\u2019s enviable bench of junior barristers, senior juniors Michael Lazarus and Adam Kramer are more than worthy of mention. Lazarus has retained his star individual ranking for information technology this year and is lauded by interviewees as \u201can awesome talent who is always commercial and direct with clients.\u201d Kramer earns praise for his \u201ceasy courtroom manner\u201d and remains a go-to for complex commercial disputes. The set is also considered a top choice for challenging insurance and professional negligence cases. Members recognised for their strength in these areas include the \u201cvery knowledgeable\u201d Tom Weitzman QC, a noted expert in professional indemnity matters, and the \u201cextremely engaging and highly personable\u201d Andrew Onslow QC, a top choice for complex negligence disputes concerning works of art. Adding to an already impressive collection of rankings, for the first time this year 3VB has been recognised as a leading set for public international law and restructuring and insolvency matters, further cementing its position as a market leader at the Commercial Bar. Instructing solicitors consistently praise the set\u2019s \u201cmodern approach,\u201d and note that \u201cthe barristers are all approachable, commercial and extremely client friendly.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Instructing solicitors praise 3 Verulam Buildings as \u201ca first-rate chambers\u201d for banking and finance matters, while the set also achieves tier one rankings this year for its civil fraud, financial services and commercial dispute resolution offerings. The set houses a deep bench of senior and junior barristers who routinely appear in the highest courts both in the UK and further afield, with recent work for the set including defending Barclays Bank against the \u00a31.5 billion lawsuit brought by Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners. The chambers\u2019 \u201cfantastic set of barristers\u201d includes such luminaries as Adrian Beltrami QC and Michael Blair QC, who have both retained their star individual status in our 2021 rankings. Top banking and commercial silk Beltrami earns praise from interviewees who describe him as a \u201ccalm and effective advocate,\u201d while leading financial services barrister Blair is lauded for his \u201cdeep understanding of regulatory perspective\u201d and ability to provide \u201cclear, detailed and technically exact advice.\u201d Among the set\u2019s enviable bench of junior barristers, senior juniors Michael Lazarus and Adam Kramer are more than worthy of mention. Lazarus has retained his star individual ranking for information technology this year and is lauded by interviewees as \u201can awesome talent who is always commercial and direct with clients.\u201d Kramer earns praise for his \u201ceasy courtroom manner\u201d and remains a go-to for complex commercial disputes. The set is also considered a top choice for challenging insurance and professional negligence cases. Members recognised for their strength in these areas include the \u201cvery knowledgeable\u201d Tom Weitzman QC, a noted expert in professional indemnity matters, and the \u201cextremely engaging and highly personable\u201d Andrew Onslow QC, a top choice for complex negligence disputes concerning works of art. Adding to an already impressive collection of rankings, for the first time this year 3VB has been recognised as a leading set for public international law and restructuring and insolvency matters, further cementing its position as a market leader at the Commercial Bar. Instructing solicitors consistently praise the set\u2019s \u201cmodern approach,\u201d and note that \u201cthe barristers are all approachable, commercial and extremely client friendly.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Brick Court Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"14d94s","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-14d94s"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Brick Court Chambers is rightly regarded as one of the leading sets in the country, with top tier rankings across five different areas of law. It has developed a reputation as \u201cthe go-to set for heavyweight disputes,\u201d attracting instructions from significant clients for cases arising in various jurisdictions, including Europe, Africa and North America. Interviewees remark that Brick Court is \u201cobviously the leading commercial set in the country,\u201d and this excellence serves it well across numerous areas of law, including in the field of competition law where the set attracts praise for its \u201cstrong blend of general commercial and competition experience.\u201d Clients and instructing solicitors alike \u201care spoiled for choice,\u201d with two star individuals headlining an incredibly deep bench of barristers. Mark Hoskins QC continues to be revered as \u201cthe absolute gold standard for competition silks,\u201d while Marie Demetriou QC\u2019s reputation as \u201can outstanding advocate with a brilliant track record\u201d has only been enhanced by her successful representation in Merricks v Mastercard, the first collective action claim to reach the Supreme Court. The set is also revered for its expert handling of European law mandates, with Maya Lester QC regarded as \u201cthe go-to expert on EU State aid rules\u201d and David Anderson QC possessing \u201cunparalleled experience in matters of EU law.\u201d Beyond these key areas, sources reserve high praise for the set\u2019s \u201cbest in class\u201d energy offering and \u201cmarket leading\u201d fraud practice, with \u201coutstanding senior silk\u201d Helen Davies QC and \u201cthe pre-eminent trial lawyer of his generation\u201d Mark Howard QC attracting the highest of plaudits. Rounding out the set\u2019s exceptional offering in a multitude of areas, Tim Lord QC continues to provide a \u201cdevastatingly good\u201d service to clients in the banking and finance sector.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Brick Court Chambers is rightly regarded as one of the leading sets in the country, with top tier rankings across five different areas of law. It has developed a reputation as \u201cthe go-to set for heavyweight disputes,\u201d attracting instructions from significant clients for cases arising in various jurisdictions, including Europe, Africa and North America. Interviewees remark that Brick Court is \u201cobviously the leading commercial set in the country,\u201d and this excellence serves it well across numerous areas of law, including in the field of competition law where the set attracts praise for its \u201cstrong blend of general commercial and competition experience.\u201d Clients and instructing solicitors alike \u201care spoiled for choice,\u201d with two star individuals headlining an incredibly deep bench of barristers. Mark Hoskins QC continues to be revered as \u201cthe absolute gold standard for competition silks,\u201d while Marie Demetriou QC\u2019s reputation as \u201can outstanding advocate with a brilliant track record\u201d has only been enhanced by her successful representation in Merricks v Mastercard, the first collective action claim to reach the Supreme Court. The set is also revered for its expert handling of European law mandates, with Maya Lester QC regarded as \u201cthe go-to expert on EU State aid rules\u201d and David Anderson QC possessing \u201cunparalleled experience in matters of EU law.\u201d Beyond these key areas, sources reserve high praise for the set\u2019s \u201cbest in class\u201d energy offering and \u201cmarket leading\u201d fraud practice, with \u201coutstanding senior silk\u201d Helen Davies QC and \u201cthe pre-eminent trial lawyer of his generation\u201d Mark Howard QC attracting the highest of plaudits. Rounding out the set\u2019s exceptional offering in a multitude of areas, Tim Lord QC continues to provide a \u201cdevastatingly good\u201d service to clients in the banking and finance sector.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Essex Court Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"19GrwQ","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-19GrwQ"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
With four band one rankings across various areas of law, it is little wonder that Essex Court Chambers maintains a reputation for housing \u201cthe very top counsel across a range of fields.\u201d Market sources say that the set is the \u201cfirst port of call for top tier work,\u201d and this is exemplified by the set\u2019s successful representation of the claimant in PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Plc, in which Barclays was found to have waived privilege in legal advice given by its internal and external lawyers. It is therefore unsurprising that lead silk on the matter, Joe Smouha QC, is described by one source as \u201cbasically the best litigator in the world.\u201d His leading status has culminated in his elevation to the star individual ranking in our commercial dispute resolution table. Elsewhere, the set\u2019s civil fraud offering continues to attract plaudits for its high calibre work, with one such example being the recent National Bank Trust v Yurov & Others case, which involved no fewer than seven members of chambers. One key individual in that case, James Willan, is noted for being \u201castonishing in every sense of the word,\u201d while fellow star individual Tim Akkouh receives considerable praise from instructing solicitors, with one remarking: \u201cHe is the stand-out junior of the Commercial Bar. I have seen him turn even the most cynical Judges around with his calm, measured advocacy.\u201d Essex Court Chambers\u2019 \u201cimpressive bench strength in the junior ranks\u201d continues in the realm of international arbitration where the \u201cvery bright and extremely diligent\u201d Siddharth Dhar goes from strength to strength. Meanwhile, in \u201coutstanding PIL lawyer\u201d Vaughan Lowe QC and \u201cindirect tax guru\u201d Roderick Cordara QC, the set possesses two of the finest silks in their respective fields.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
With four band one rankings across various areas of law, it is little wonder that Essex Court Chambers maintains a reputation for housing \u201cthe very top counsel across a range of fields.\u201d Market sources say that the set is the \u201cfirst port of call for top tier work,\u201d and this is exemplified by the set\u2019s successful representation of the claimant in PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Plc, in which Barclays was found to have waived privilege in legal advice given by its internal and external lawyers. It is therefore unsurprising that lead silk on the matter, Joe Smouha QC, is described by one source as \u201cbasically the best litigator in the world.\u201d His leading status has culminated in his elevation to the star individual ranking in our commercial dispute resolution table. Elsewhere, the set\u2019s civil fraud offering continues to attract plaudits for its high calibre work, with one such example being the recent National Bank Trust v Yurov & Others case, which involved no fewer than seven members of chambers. One key individual in that case, James Willan, is noted for being \u201castonishing in every sense of the word,\u201d while fellow star individual Tim Akkouh receives considerable praise from instructing solicitors, with one remarking: \u201cHe is the stand-out junior of the Commercial Bar. I have seen him turn even the most cynical Judges around with his calm, measured advocacy.\u201d Essex Court Chambers\u2019 \u201cimpressive bench strength in the junior ranks\u201d continues in the realm of international arbitration where the \u201cvery bright and extremely diligent\u201d Siddharth Dhar goes from strength to strength. Meanwhile, in \u201coutstanding PIL lawyer\u201d Vaughan Lowe QC and \u201cindirect tax guru\u201d Roderick Cordara QC, the set possesses two of the finest silks in their respective fields.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Wilberforce Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"15wJpK","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-15wJpK"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Wilberforce Chambers is home to an enviable number of barristers experienced in all manner of commercial chancery cases, as well as traditional chancery and trusts matters. The \u201chuge breadth of practice\u201d at Wilberforce is admired by instructing solicitors who \u201cconsistently receive excellent service and support.\u201d No write-up of Wilberforce Chambers is complete without a mention of Brian Green QC, a star-ranked barrister in both our traditional chancery and pensions tables with additional rankings in the offshore, trusts and private client tax sections. \u201cHe is formidable,\u201d says one solicitor, adding: \u201cHe is a top silk at the top of his game. Other silks fear him!\u201d Wilberforce dominates the Pensions Bar, the set has \u201cgot the market cornered,\u201d as one source puts it - and has achieved an impressive 18 individual rankings here. The set also has several individuals listed in band one of our commercial and traditional chancery tables. Emily Campbell, for example, is a \u201cfirst rate\u201d barrister and held in high esteem by a raft of top instructing solicitors for her expertise in complex trusts matters. Though the barristers at Wilberforce are well-versed in a wide range of domestic pensions, property and trusts matters, many are listed in our offshore ranking table, demonstrating their extensive expertise in matters with an international element. The \u201cexceptional\u201d Robert Ham QC is regularly instructed in high-value offshore matters. Wilberforce is also a force to be reckoned with in real estate litigation cases. \u201cBarrister of the moment\u201d Joanne Wicks QC is one of the top property litigators in the country and has acted in many of the leading cases of the past few years. She is \u201cgreat at providing technical, tactical and extremely commercial advice.\u201d<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Wilberforce Chambers is home to an enviable number of barristers experienced in all manner of commercial chancery cases, as well as traditional chancery and trusts matters. The \u201chuge breadth of practice\u201d at Wilberforce is admired by instructing solicitors who \u201cconsistently receive excellent service and support.\u201d No write-up of Wilberforce Chambers is complete without a mention of Brian Green QC, a star-ranked barrister in both our traditional chancery and pensions tables with additional rankings in the offshore, trusts and private client tax sections. \u201cHe is formidable,\u201d says one solicitor, adding: \u201cHe is a top silk at the top of his game. Other silks fear him!\u201d Wilberforce dominates the Pensions Bar, the set has \u201cgot the market cornered,\u201d as one source puts it - and has achieved an impressive 18 individual rankings here. The set also has several individuals listed in band one of our commercial and traditional chancery tables. Emily Campbell, for example, is a \u201cfirst rate\u201d barrister and held in high esteem by a raft of top instructing solicitors for her expertise in complex trusts matters. Though the barristers at Wilberforce are well-versed in a wide range of domestic pensions, property and trusts matters, many are listed in our offshore ranking table, demonstrating their extensive expertise in matters with an international element. The \u201cexceptional\u201d Robert Ham QC is regularly instructed in high-value offshore matters. Wilberforce is also a force to be reckoned with in real estate litigation cases. \u201cBarrister of the moment\u201d Joanne Wicks QC is one of the top property litigators in the country and has acted in many of the leading cases of the past few years. She is \u201cgreat at providing technical, tactical and extremely commercial advice.\u201d<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Ranked in 11 practice areas","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"Z8G7TW","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-Z8G7TW"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"4 Pump Court","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"1vbQWN","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-1vbQWN"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
4 Pump Court remains the preeminent set for information technology disputes. It boasts impressive expertise across professional negligence, international arbitration, energy, construction and property damage matters. The set possesses an impressive bench with \u201ca good depth of specialist juniors and QCs\u201d including construction star individual Sean Brannigan QC, \"a first-choice advocate, always on top of papers, practical, commercial and among the best cross-examiners with the gift of the silver tongue,\" and information technology star junior Matthew Lavy who is hailed \"a leading IT practitioner with an awesome ability to assimilate the most complex cases while making them understandable for the court.\" One instructing solicitor notes: \u201cThe set is able to offer barristers that have defined specialisms and\/or broad practice areas, which provides flexibility.\u201d 4 Pump Court is additionally recognised for its prowess in shipping and commodities, insurance and financial services disputes, among other areas. The accomplished clerking team, led by senior clerks Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs, is highly regarded for its \u201cexceptional clerking and commercial approach.\u201d Sources also highlight that the clerks \u201cgo above and beyond, are really helpful and nothing is too much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
4 Pump Court remains the preeminent set for information technology disputes. It boasts impressive expertise across professional negligence, international arbitration, energy, construction and property damage matters. The set possesses an impressive bench with \u201ca good depth of specialist juniors and QCs\u201d including construction star individual Sean Brannigan QC, \"a first-choice advocate, always on top of papers, practical, commercial and among the best cross-examiners with the gift of the silver tongue,\" and information technology star junior Matthew Lavy who is hailed \"a leading IT practitioner with an awesome ability to assimilate the most complex cases while making them understandable for the court.\" One instructing solicitor notes: \u201cThe set is able to offer barristers that have defined specialisms and\/or broad practice areas, which provides flexibility.\u201d 4 Pump Court is additionally recognised for its prowess in shipping and commodities, insurance and financial services disputes, among other areas. The accomplished clerking team, led by senior clerks Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs, is highly regarded for its \u201cexceptional clerking and commercial approach.\u201d Sources also highlight that the clerks \u201cgo above and beyond, are really helpful and nothing is too much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Crown Office Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"1HK81Q","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-1HK81Q"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Crown Office Chambers draws praise from instructing solicitors who describe it as \u201cfar and away the best set in its chosen fields,\u201d adding that \u201cthe barristers are all commercial, approachable and there is no feeling of separation between counsel and the rest of the legal team.\u201d The chambers has achieved an impressive 11 set rankings this year, and is particularly well regarded for its \u201coutstanding\u201d health and safety offering. Described as \u201ca cut above the rest for health and safety,\u201d the set is home to an impressive bench of senior counsel including the \u201cabsolutely amazing\u201d James Ageros QC and \u201cexcellent strategist\u201d John Cooper QC, while senior junior Mark Balysz is lauded by market sources as \u201can exceptional barrister\u201d and \u201can amazing jury advocate.\u201d The set has also retained its top-tier ranking in our personal injury table, and its barristers are regularly called upon to handle claims involving injuries of the utmost severity. Several of the set\u2019s personal injury barristers, such as the \u201cvery accomplished and well respected\u201d Michael Kent QC and the \u201cthoughtful and commercial\u201d David Platt QC, are also noted experts in industrial disease matters, and have been instructed in several of the leading cases in this area. The chambers is also considered a go-to for complex product liability and clinical negligence claims, thanks in no small part to the \u201cvery persuasive\u201d Alexander Antelme QC, who has achieved top-tier rankings in both tables this year. The set\u2019s enviable bench of junior counsel undertaking clinical negligence mandates includes Charlotte Jones and Farrah Mauladad, who are respectively praised for their \u201cexcellent analysis of expert evidence\u201d and \u201cimpeccable attention to detail.\u201d The set also has considerable expertise in property damage and construction disputes, and its barristers are regularly called upon to handle both litigation and arbitrations. The set\u2019s deep roster of barristers with expertise in this area includes the \u201cvery impressive\u201d Andrew Rigney QC and the \u201cvery pragmatic and commercial\u201d Michele De Gregorio. \u201cMy overall impression of Crown Office Chambers is one of excellence,\u201d reports one instructing solicitor, adding: \u201cThey have never let me down.\u201d<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Crown Office Chambers draws praise from instructing solicitors who describe it as \u201cfar and away the best set in its chosen fields,\u201d adding that \u201cthe barristers are all commercial, approachable and there is no feeling of separation between counsel and the rest of the legal team.\u201d The chambers has achieved an impressive 11 set rankings this year, and is particularly well regarded for its \u201coutstanding\u201d health and safety offering. Described as \u201ca cut above the rest for health and safety,\u201d the set is home to an impressive bench of senior counsel including the \u201cabsolutely amazing\u201d James Ageros QC and \u201cexcellent strategist\u201d John Cooper QC, while senior junior Mark Balysz is lauded by market sources as \u201can exceptional barrister\u201d and \u201can amazing jury advocate.\u201d The set has also retained its top-tier ranking in our personal injury table, and its barristers are regularly called upon to handle claims involving injuries of the utmost severity. Several of the set\u2019s personal injury barristers, such as the \u201cvery accomplished and well respected\u201d Michael Kent QC and the \u201cthoughtful and commercial\u201d David Platt QC, are also noted experts in industrial disease matters, and have been instructed in several of the leading cases in this area. The chambers is also considered a go-to for complex product liability and clinical negligence claims, thanks in no small part to the \u201cvery persuasive\u201d Alexander Antelme QC, who has achieved top-tier rankings in both tables this year. The set\u2019s enviable bench of junior counsel undertaking clinical negligence mandates includes Charlotte Jones and Farrah Mauladad, who are respectively praised for their \u201cexcellent analysis of expert evidence\u201d and \u201cimpeccable attention to detail.\u201d The set also has considerable expertise in property damage and construction disputes, and its barristers are regularly called upon to handle both litigation and arbitrations. The set\u2019s deep roster of barristers with expertise in this area includes the \u201cvery impressive\u201d Andrew Rigney QC and the \u201cvery pragmatic and commercial\u201d Michele De Gregorio. \u201cMy overall impression of Crown Office Chambers is one of excellence,\u201d reports one instructing solicitor, adding: \u201cThey have never let me down.\u201d<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Fountain Court Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"Z155eCI","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-Z155eCI"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Fountain Court Chambers continues to receive due recognition for its role as one of the essential institutions of London\u2019s corporate and financial firmament, whose members are sought after for instruction in industry-defining cases by litigants from around the world. The set is ranked in the top band for seven Chambers practice areas ,aviation, banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution, financial services, civil fraud, professional discipline and travel: regulatory and commercial. The wider set has also retained rankings in insurance, professional negligence, international arbitration: general commercial and insurance and product liability. One instructing solicitor says: \u201cWith its renowned commercial expertise, Fountain Court remain one of our go-to chambers,\u201d adding: \u201cIt is important that our clients are drawn to counsel both on a professional and a personal level, and Fountain Court rarely disappoints in either regard.\u201d Among the set\u2019s leading performers are Laura John, band one-ranked in banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution and civil fraud, whose \u201cadvocacy is a delight to watch,\u201d and \u201clion-hearted advocate\u201d Richard Lissack QC, star-rated in financial services and financial crime, not to mention a clutch of rankings in related disciplines. The set is also home to David Railton QC, \u201cextremely good at simplifying highly complex issues,\u201d star-rated in banking and finance and band one in commercial dispute resolution and insurance, and Bankim Thanki QC, who \u201cprojects an air of calm authority\u201d while being \u201cquietly devastating\u201d in cross examination, and is star-rated in banking and finance and in the top tier for commercial dispute resolution, financial services and civil fraud. The clerking team, led by Alex Taylor, are \u201calways accommodating and very knowledgeable about their barristers\u2019 practices,\u201d according to one source, while another concurs: \u201cWhen you call up they always know the context and have taken the time to understand the cases their barristers are doing.\u201d The abiding impression one is left with is that at Fountain Court, \u201cyou will always find the right barrister for your case.\u201d<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Fountain Court Chambers continues to receive due recognition for its role as one of the essential institutions of London\u2019s corporate and financial firmament, whose members are sought after for instruction in industry-defining cases by litigants from around the world. The set is ranked in the top band for seven Chambers practice areas ,aviation, banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution, financial services, civil fraud, professional discipline and travel: regulatory and commercial. The wider set has also retained rankings in insurance, professional negligence, international arbitration: general commercial and insurance and product liability. One instructing solicitor says: \u201cWith its renowned commercial expertise, Fountain Court remain one of our go-to chambers,\u201d adding: \u201cIt is important that our clients are drawn to counsel both on a professional and a personal level, and Fountain Court rarely disappoints in either regard.\u201d Among the set\u2019s leading performers are Laura John, band one-ranked in banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution and civil fraud, whose \u201cadvocacy is a delight to watch,\u201d and \u201clion-hearted advocate\u201d Richard Lissack QC, star-rated in financial services and financial crime, not to mention a clutch of rankings in related disciplines. The set is also home to David Railton QC, \u201cextremely good at simplifying highly complex issues,\u201d star-rated in banking and finance and band one in commercial dispute resolution and insurance, and Bankim Thanki QC, who \u201cprojects an air of calm authority\u201d while being \u201cquietly devastating\u201d in cross examination, and is star-rated in banking and finance and in the top tier for commercial dispute resolution, financial services and civil fraud. The clerking team, led by Alex Taylor, are \u201calways accommodating and very knowledgeable about their barristers\u2019 practices,\u201d according to one source, while another concurs: \u201cWhen you call up they always know the context and have taken the time to understand the cases their barristers are doing.\u201d The abiding impression one is left with is that at Fountain Court, \u201cyou will always find the right barrister for your case.\u201d<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Garden Court Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"2oFEdY","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-2oFEdY"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Garden Court Chambers is highly respected for its knowledge of matters concerning social care and provision for vulnerable individuals, with recognition for its Court of Protection and children law expertise along with a top ranking for community care, for which one source reports: \u201cThey are my first point of call and their advice and representation is second to none.\u201d The set\u2019s greatest area of strength is undoubtedly in social housing, in which area it is considered by some as \u201cthe leading set in the country.\u201d Joint head of chambers and star individual Liz Davies is herself described as \u201cone of the leading voices in housing law,\u201d in particular for her dedicated focus on advocating for the homeless. More broadly, the set is known for its focus on representing claimants in a wide range of proceedings, including inquests and public inquiries, regarding immigration matters and claims brought against the police. Immigration law is a particular area of strength, with one interviewee describing the set as \u201cstellar, with phenomenal strength and depth.\u201d Another of the set\u2019s three star individuals is Laurie Fransman QC, who is considered \u201cunquestionably a leader in the field of immigration and a leading expert in UK nationality law.\u201d The set also houses a number of criminal defence barristers, including \u201cexpert criminal advocate\u201d Henry Blaxland QC. Garden Court Chambers is one of a select group of sets to be ranked this year in our new protest law table thanks to both its criminal law and human rights expertise. In addition to the wide range of excellent barristers available for instruction, the clerking team, led by director Colin Cook, also receives praise, with impressed sources saying: \u201cThe clerks always get back to me very quickly, are always happy to help and are good at allocating cases to appropriate counsel.\u201d<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Garden Court Chambers is highly respected for its knowledge of matters concerning social care and provision for vulnerable individuals, with recognition for its Court of Protection and children law expertise along with a top ranking for community care, for which one source reports: \u201cThey are my first point of call and their advice and representation is second to none.\u201d The set\u2019s greatest area of strength is undoubtedly in social housing, in which area it is considered by some as \u201cthe leading set in the country.\u201d Joint head of chambers and star individual Liz Davies is herself described as \u201cone of the leading voices in housing law,\u201d in particular for her dedicated focus on advocating for the homeless. More broadly, the set is known for its focus on representing claimants in a wide range of proceedings, including inquests and public inquiries, regarding immigration matters and claims brought against the police. Immigration law is a particular area of strength, with one interviewee describing the set as \u201cstellar, with phenomenal strength and depth.\u201d Another of the set\u2019s three star individuals is Laurie Fransman QC, who is considered \u201cunquestionably a leader in the field of immigration and a leading expert in UK nationality law.\u201d The set also houses a number of criminal defence barristers, including \u201cexpert criminal advocate\u201d Henry Blaxland QC. Garden Court Chambers is one of a select group of sets to be ranked this year in our new protest law table thanks to both its criminal law and human rights expertise. In addition to the wide range of excellent barristers available for instruction, the clerking team, led by director Colin Cook, also receives praise, with impressed sources saying: \u201cThe clerks always get back to me very quickly, are always happy to help and are good at allocating cases to appropriate counsel.\u201d<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Guildhall Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"7Qh3u","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-7Qh3u"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Bristol-based Guildhall Chambers is, unquestionably, the leading set of barristers on the Western Circuit. The set tops the rankings in ten of the eleven practice areas in which it is ranked. The sheer breadth of expertise at Guildhall Chambers makes its defining feature the range of practice areas in which it excels. This is demonstrated by its top tier rankings in commercial areas, such as company, banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution and restructuring and insolvency law, as well as its leading position in our professional negligence, clinical negligence and crime rankings. Anna Vigars QC heads the chambers and is described as \u201cabsolutely top notch\u201d for her criminal law work. Other barristers of note include 2020 silk Selena Plowden QC, widely viewed as a go-to clinical negligence practitioner and described as \u201ctruly inspiring\u201d for her \u201camazingly incisive and detailed case analysis.\u201d Andrew Langdon QC and Richard Smith QC are both considered star criminal silks and are a key reason Guildhall is known as \u201cone of the leading sets for criminal work on the Western Circuit.\u201d The clerking team, led by senior practice managers Lucy Northeast and Oliver Edwards, is also consistently praised. Instructing solicitors appreciate that \u201cthey are always willing to go the extra mile to assist\u201d and that \u201cthey\u2019re very helpful in finding the right counsel for your case.\u201d From experienced silks to juniors, as well as in the clerks\u2019 room, the set shines, and its reputation as the stand out Bristol set is well earned.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Bristol-based Guildhall Chambers is, unquestionably, the leading set of barristers on the Western Circuit. The set tops the rankings in ten of the eleven practice areas in which it is ranked. The sheer breadth of expertise at Guildhall Chambers makes its defining feature the range of practice areas in which it excels. This is demonstrated by its top tier rankings in commercial areas, such as company, banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution and restructuring and insolvency law, as well as its leading position in our professional negligence, clinical negligence and crime rankings. Anna Vigars QC heads the chambers and is described as \u201cabsolutely top notch\u201d for her criminal law work. Other barristers of note include 2020 silk Selena Plowden QC, widely viewed as a go-to clinical negligence practitioner and described as \u201ctruly inspiring\u201d for her \u201camazingly incisive and detailed case analysis.\u201d Andrew Langdon QC and Richard Smith QC are both considered star criminal silks and are a key reason Guildhall is known as \u201cone of the leading sets for criminal work on the Western Circuit.\u201d The clerking team, led by senior practice managers Lucy Northeast and Oliver Edwards, is also consistently praised. Instructing solicitors appreciate that \u201cthey are always willing to go the extra mile to assist\u201d and that \u201cthey\u2019re very helpful in finding the right counsel for your case.\u201d From experienced silks to juniors, as well as in the clerks\u2019 room, the set shines, and its reputation as the stand out Bristol set is well earned.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Landmark Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"ZS8gd3","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-ZS8gd3"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
\u201cLandmark obviously stands out,\u201d says one instructing solicitor. This fitting summary of the set is borne out by our rankings, where Landmark Chambers comes out on top in five practice areas and wins rankings in a further six. Overall, sources appreciate that \u201cLandmark understands the commercial context\u201d of instructions and cases. The quality of both the juniors and silks in Landmark\u2019s top-ranked planning team is praised by a host of instructing solicitors. Top performers, such as \u201cgo-to\u201d Christopher Katkowski QC and \u201crole model\u201d James Maurici QC, are kept on their toes by the next generation of planning law stars, including 2020 silk Scott Lyness QC and well-regarded junior Guy Williams, who \u201cleaves no stone unturned in preparing for his advocacy.\u201d Similarly, environmental law is one of the set\u2019s particular areas of expertise. Richard Moules was recently instructed by the Dover Harbour Board in a complex defence of the Marine Management Organisation\u2019s decision to grant a marine licence authorising dredging at the Port of Dover. Other luminaries at the set continue to impress, with David Elvin QC noted for his experience and \u201cencyclopedic knowledge.\u201d Real estate litigation is another area of quality for Landmark. Excellence at the silk level, the set is home to the likes of David Holland QC and Zia Bhaloo QC, is matched by a raft of leading juniors, including Camilla Lamont, a \u201cdirect, commercial barrister and a joy to work with.\u201d Market sources also offer glowing praise for the set\u2019s expertise in relation to agricultural affairs, as well as local government matters, where Richard Drabble QC tops the table. Members of chambers are also frequently involved in challenging civil liberties and human rights cases. A team of \u201camazingly responsive\u201d clerks, led by practice directors Ben Connor and Mark Ball, complete this top quality set.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
\u201cLandmark obviously stands out,\u201d says one instructing solicitor. This fitting summary of the set is borne out by our rankings, where Landmark Chambers comes out on top in five practice areas and wins rankings in a further six. Overall, sources appreciate that \u201cLandmark understands the commercial context\u201d of instructions and cases. The quality of both the juniors and silks in Landmark\u2019s top-ranked planning team is praised by a host of instructing solicitors. Top performers, such as \u201cgo-to\u201d Christopher Katkowski QC and \u201crole model\u201d James Maurici QC, are kept on their toes by the next generation of planning law stars, including 2020 silk Scott Lyness QC and well-regarded junior Guy Williams, who \u201cleaves no stone unturned in preparing for his advocacy.\u201d Similarly, environmental law is one of the set\u2019s particular areas of expertise. Richard Moules was recently instructed by the Dover Harbour Board in a complex defence of the Marine Management Organisation\u2019s decision to grant a marine licence authorising dredging at the Port of Dover. Other luminaries at the set continue to impress, with David Elvin QC noted for his experience and \u201cencyclopedic knowledge.\u201d Real estate litigation is another area of quality for Landmark. Excellence at the silk level, the set is home to the likes of David Holland QC and Zia Bhaloo QC, is matched by a raft of leading juniors, including Camilla Lamont, a \u201cdirect, commercial barrister and a joy to work with.\u201d Market sources also offer glowing praise for the set\u2019s expertise in relation to agricultural affairs, as well as local government matters, where Richard Drabble QC tops the table. Members of chambers are also frequently involved in challenging civil liberties and human rights cases. A team of \u201camazingly responsive\u201d clerks, led by practice directors Ben Connor and Mark Ball, complete this top quality set.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Maitland Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"W6LrG","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-W6LrG"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Maitland Chambers is a highly regarded set which is \u201cteeming with very bright and hard-working barristers who are all commercially minded and easy to deal with,\u201d according to our interviewees. The chambers is recognised as a leading set across several practice areas, including civil fraud, company, partnership, real estate litigation and professional negligence, and its members are regularly instructed in high-profile and high-value cases arising in the UK as well as in several international and offshore jurisdictions. The set attracts particular praise for its depth of expertise in commercial chancery disputes, and among the barristers recognised for their work in this area are the \u201ctenacious and robust\u201d Thomas Grant QC and the \u201cunderstated but extremely effective\u201d Christopher Pymont QC, who have both achieved tier one rankings this year. Another of the set\u2019s key areas of expertise is charities law, thanks in no small part to star junior Matthew Smith, who earns praise from instructing solicitors for his \u201cclear, cogent and well-judged advice.\u201d The set also boasts a strong reputation in the restructuring and insolvency market, and its barristers have played major roles in litigation arising from the collapse of several major corporates, including most recently Carillion and Thomas Cook. Standout junior Rebecca Page is ranked for both insolvency and company law, and she garners praise from interviewees who note that \u201cshe will go the extra mile for her clients and is fantastic in court.\u201d \u201cExceptional silk\u201d Catherine Addy QC is another of the set\u2019s barristers undertaking work in these areas who is also more than worthy of mention ,she is praised by market sources as \u201ca delightful opponent with excellent judgement,\u201d and since taking silk in 2017 Addy\u2019s practice has gone from strength to strength. While the quality of the advocates is regularly praised by interviewees, instructing solicitors are also quick to point out that the \u201cseamless service\u201d provided by the clerking team is highly appreciated. Led by senior clerk John Wiggs, the team is consistently noted to be \u201ccommercially aware and business-oriented,\u201d as well as \u201cresponsive, friendly and very down-to-earth.\u201d<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Maitland Chambers is a highly regarded set which is \u201cteeming with very bright and hard-working barristers who are all commercially minded and easy to deal with,\u201d according to our interviewees. The chambers is recognised as a leading set across several practice areas, including civil fraud, company, partnership, real estate litigation and professional negligence, and its members are regularly instructed in high-profile and high-value cases arising in the UK as well as in several international and offshore jurisdictions. The set attracts particular praise for its depth of expertise in commercial chancery disputes, and among the barristers recognised for their work in this area are the \u201ctenacious and robust\u201d Thomas Grant QC and the \u201cunderstated but extremely effective\u201d Christopher Pymont QC, who have both achieved tier one rankings this year. Another of the set\u2019s key areas of expertise is charities law, thanks in no small part to star junior Matthew Smith, who earns praise from instructing solicitors for his \u201cclear, cogent and well-judged advice.\u201d The set also boasts a strong reputation in the restructuring and insolvency market, and its barristers have played major roles in litigation arising from the collapse of several major corporates, including most recently Carillion and Thomas Cook. Standout junior Rebecca Page is ranked for both insolvency and company law, and she garners praise from interviewees who note that \u201cshe will go the extra mile for her clients and is fantastic in court.\u201d \u201cExceptional silk\u201d Catherine Addy QC is another of the set\u2019s barristers undertaking work in these areas who is also more than worthy of mention ,she is praised by market sources as \u201ca delightful opponent with excellent judgement,\u201d and since taking silk in 2017 Addy\u2019s practice has gone from strength to strength. While the quality of the advocates is regularly praised by interviewees, instructing solicitors are also quick to point out that the \u201cseamless service\u201d provided by the clerking team is highly appreciated. Led by senior clerk John Wiggs, the team is consistently noted to be \u201ccommercially aware and business-oriented,\u201d as well as \u201cresponsive, friendly and very down-to-earth.\u201d<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Monckton Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"1cqVLD","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-1cqVLD"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
Hailed as the \u201cgo-to set for difficult competition matters,\u201d Monckton Chambers wins further plaudits for its strength in telecommunications law, with one commentator describing the set as \u201ctop of the pack.\u201d It also boasts top-tier rankings in our public procurement, European law and indirect tax sections. Star individual Melanie Hall QC is lauded her for \u201cextremely sharp and strategic insight\u201d in relation to indirect tax, while Anneli Howard is described as a \u201cstunningly bright barrister\u201d on European law matters. The set is also home to top-ranked Jon Turner QC who \u201cis an exceptional lawyer and advocate and arguably the best competition barrister in the UK,\u201d according to one source, while another describes him as \u201cbrilliantly clever and analytical, with a calm, client-friendly approach.\u201d The public procurement offering is bolstered by \u201cguru\u201d Michael Bowsher QC, \u201ca fearless tactician\u201d with \u201cencyclopaedic knowledge of the area.\u201d The \u201csuperb quality, innovative thinking and reliable service\u201d of the set is further shown through its inclusion in the community care, administrative and public law, civil liberties and human rights, data protection, environment and sport rankings, with commentators also underlining the \u201cgenuine human warmth from the team\u201d as a key attribute.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
Hailed as the \u201cgo-to set for difficult competition matters,\u201d Monckton Chambers wins further plaudits for its strength in telecommunications law, with one commentator describing the set as \u201ctop of the pack.\u201d It also boasts top-tier rankings in our public procurement, European law and indirect tax sections. Star individual Melanie Hall QC is lauded her for \u201cextremely sharp and strategic insight\u201d in relation to indirect tax, while Anneli Howard is described as a \u201cstunningly bright barrister\u201d on European law matters. The set is also home to top-ranked Jon Turner QC who \u201cis an exceptional lawyer and advocate and arguably the best competition barrister in the UK,\u201d according to one source, while another describes him as \u201cbrilliantly clever and analytical, with a calm, client-friendly approach.\u201d The public procurement offering is bolstered by \u201cguru\u201d Michael Bowsher QC, \u201ca fearless tactician\u201d with \u201cencyclopaedic knowledge of the area.\u201d The \u201csuperb quality, innovative thinking and reliable service\u201d of the set is further shown through its inclusion in the community care, administrative and public law, civil liberties and human rights, data protection, environment and sport rankings, with commentators also underlining the \u201cgenuine human warmth from the team\u201d as a key attribute.<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Serle Court","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"2sx0PL","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-2sx0PL"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
The \u201cabsolutely wonderful\u201d Serle Court continues to enjoy \u201can exceptionally strong reputation\u201d for chancery work, with its barristers lauded as \u201cterrifying geniuses\u201d in the area. The commercial chancery practice boasts the top-ranked Elizabeth Jones QC, who is described by one interviewee as \u201cmonumentally impressive\u201d due to her \u201cclear strategic vision of a case, direct style and incredibly high quality\u201d of work, while Alan Boyle QC is lauded as \u201cthe doyen\u201d of the traditional chancery field. Dakis Hagen QC attracts praise for his \u201calmost unparalleled ability to simplify complex legal principles and facts for the benefit of both solicitors and lay clients,\u201d with another source applauding his \u201cencyclopaedic knowledge\u201d of offshore matters. The set further enjoys top rankings in civil fraud and partnership, with John Machell QC earning the title of \u201cMr LLP\u201d from several sources, while another adds: \u201cHe is highly intelligent and a collaborative team player. He has strong technical knowledge and commercial understanding, and his advice remains clear, practical and easy for clients to understand.\u201d The set offers additional expertise in the charities, company, restructuring and insolvency, professional negligence and real estate litigation fields, with commentators appreciating that across the board \u201cthey are always reliable, and you know that you are in safe hands.\u201d<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
The \u201cabsolutely wonderful\u201d Serle Court continues to enjoy \u201can exceptionally strong reputation\u201d for chancery work, with its barristers lauded as \u201cterrifying geniuses\u201d in the area. The commercial chancery practice boasts the top-ranked Elizabeth Jones QC, who is described by one interviewee as \u201cmonumentally impressive\u201d due to her \u201cclear strategic vision of a case, direct style and incredibly high quality\u201d of work, while Alan Boyle QC is lauded as \u201cthe doyen\u201d of the traditional chancery field. Dakis Hagen QC attracts praise for his \u201calmost unparalleled ability to simplify complex legal principles and facts for the benefit of both solicitors and lay clients,\u201d with another source applauding his \u201cencyclopaedic knowledge\u201d of offshore matters. The set further enjoys top rankings in civil fraud and partnership, with John Machell QC earning the title of \u201cMr LLP\u201d from several sources, while another adds: \u201cHe is highly intelligent and a collaborative team player. He has strong technical knowledge and commercial understanding, and his advice remains clear, practical and easy for clients to understand.\u201d The set offers additional expertise in the charities, company, restructuring and insolvency, professional negligence and real estate litigation fields, with commentators appreciating that across the board \u201cthey are always reliable, and you know that you are in safe hands.\u201d<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"St Philips Chambers","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"ZJlQLz","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-ZJlQLz"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n
St Philips is a \u201chighly respected set and home to some very bright legal minds.\u201d With ten band one rankings across a range of areas, the set is clearly a first choice for an extensive network of instructing solicitors across the Midlands Circuit and further afield. The set is home to a broad range of excellent counsel, including leading silks such as John Randall QC. Considered \u201cbrilliant with the law\u201d with \u201ca knack of perfectly pitching cases to judges in way that has them eating out of his hand,\u201d Randall is listed as a star individual for commercial dispute resolution. St Philips also excels in the field of criminal law and is considered \u201ca first rate set\u201d by instructing solicitors. Stand out silks in this area include Richard Atkins QC and Andrew Smith QC. Atkins, a former Chair of the Bar and band one ranked barrister, is described as a \u201cmeticulously prepared and forceful advocate,\u201d and Smith \u201chas a brain big enough for two,\u201d according to one fellow barrister. Employment is another key area for St Philips; its barristers are said to have \u201can unbeatable level of expertise.\u201d The band one ranked practice is headlined by \u201cstellar practitioner\u201d Sarah George and the \u201cvery methodical and highly pragmatic\u201d Edmund Beever. The junior ranks of the chambers are well stocked. John Brennan, for example, receives extensive praise from market sources. He is top ranked in our professional negligence, chancery and commercial dispute resolution sections and is described by a fellow barrister as a \u201cleading light\u201d who is \u201creadily capable of engaging in huge litigation.\u201d<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n
St Philips is a \u201chighly respected set and home to some very bright legal minds.\u201d With ten band one rankings across a range of areas, the set is clearly a first choice for an extensive network of instructing solicitors across the Midlands Circuit and further afield. The set is home to a broad range of excellent counsel, including leading silks such as John Randall QC. Considered \u201cbrilliant with the law\u201d with \u201ca knack of perfectly pitching cases to judges in way that has them eating out of his hand,\u201d Randall is listed as a star individual for commercial dispute resolution. St Philips also excels in the field of criminal law and is considered \u201ca first rate set\u201d by instructing solicitors. Stand out silks in this area include Richard Atkins QC and Andrew Smith QC. Atkins, a former Chair of the Bar and band one ranked barrister, is described as a \u201cmeticulously prepared and forceful advocate,\u201d and Smith \u201chas a brain big enough for two,\u201d according to one fellow barrister. Employment is another key area for St Philips; its barristers are said to have \u201can unbeatable level of expertise.\u201d The band one ranked practice is headlined by \u201cstellar practitioner\u201d Sarah George and the \u201cvery methodical and highly pragmatic\u201d Edmund Beever. The junior ranks of the chambers are well stocked. John Brennan, for example, receives extensive praise from market sources. He is top ranked in our professional negligence, chancery and commercial dispute resolution sections and is described by a fellow barrister as a \u201cleading light\u201d who is \u201creadily capable of engaging in huge litigation.\u201d<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"About Chambers and Partners","headerLevel":"2","blockId":"Tj6WU","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-Tj6WU"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-media-card","attrs":{"title":"Chambers UK Bar","content":"Visit the Chambers UK Bar guide page to view our rankings, gain insights into the guide, overviews and more.","desktop-image":"%7B%22alt%22:%22Chambers%20Topics%20Chambers%20UK%20Bar%20Guide%22,%22title%22:%22Link_Component_Chambers_UK%20Bar_2021_353x200%22,%22caption%22:%22%22,%22description%22:%22%22,%22id%22:4816,%22link%22:%22https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/leading-sets-and-barristers-for-and-against-the-government\/link_component_chambers_uk-bar_2021_353x200\/%22,%22url%22:%22https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/24145140\/Link_Component_Chambers_UK-Bar_2021_353x200.png%22,%22sizes%22:%7B%22thumbnail%22:%7B%22height%22:120,%22width%22:120,%22url%22:%22https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/24145140\/Link_Component_Chambers_UK-Bar_2021_353x200-120x120.png%22,%22orientation%22:%22landscape%22%7D,%22medium%22:%7B%22height%22:170,%22width%22:300,%22url%22:%22https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/24145140\/Link_Component_Chambers_UK-Bar_2021_353x200-300x170.png%22,%22orientation%22:%22landscape%22%7D,%22full%22:%7B%22url%22:%22https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/24145140\/Link_Component_Chambers_UK-Bar_2021_353x200.png%22,%22height%22:201,%22width%22:354,%22orientation%22:%22landscape%22%7D%7D%7D","retina-image":"%7B%22alt%22:%22Chambers%20Topics%20Chambers%20UK%20Bar%20Guide%22,%22title%22:%22Link_Component_Chambers_UK%20Bar_2021_353x200%22,%22caption%22:%22%22,%22description%22:%22%22,%22id%22:4816,%22link%22:%22https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/leading-sets-and-barristers-for-and-against-the-government\/link_component_chambers_uk-bar_2021_353x200\/%22,%22url%22:%22https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/24145140\/Link_Component_Chambers_UK-Bar_2021_353x200.png%22,%22sizes%22:%7B%22thumbnail%22:%7B%22height%22:120,%22width%22:120,%22url%22:%22https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/24145140\/Link_Component_Chambers_UK-Bar_2021_353x200-120x120.png%22,%22orientation%22:%22landscape%22%7D,%22medium%22:%7B%22height%22:170,%22width%22:300,%22url%22:%22https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/24145140\/Link_Component_Chambers_UK-Bar_2021_353x200-300x170.png%22,%22orientation%22:%22landscape%22%7D,%22full%22:%7B%22url%22:%22https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/24145140\/Link_Component_Chambers_UK-Bar_2021_353x200.png%22,%22height%22:201,%22width%22:354,%22orientation%22:%22landscape%22%7D%7D%7D","image-alignment":"right","button-text":"View guide","button-url":"https:\/\/chambers.com\/legal-guide\/uk-bar-14","event_action":"topic","event_category":"click","event_label":"topic-guide-page-click","blockId":"Z219AaM","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-media-card-Z219AaM"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]}],"new_scheduled_revision":null,"save_as_revision":null,"acf":{"sponsored_page":false,"custom_url":{"base_url":"guides","category":""},"hero_title":"","hero_image":false,"hero_retina_image":false,"useful_links":false,"social_sharing_post_options":{"alignment":"left","sticky":false},"title":"","sponsors_list":{"sponsors":false,"showhide_borders":false},"template":{"name":"text-rich-media","sticky_sidebar":false},"href_lang":false,"hero_description":"","hero_content_color":"light","hero_enable_responsive_images":false},"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n