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  1. Information technology – Leading Sets
  2. Information technology – Leading Silks
  3. Information technology – New Silks
  4. Information technology – Leading Juniors

Information technology – New Silks

4 Pump Court has long held a reputation as the pre-eminent IT set. Jeremy Storey QC is ‘sharp, meticulous and a natural choice for technology disputes’; David Blunt QC is ‘a solid leader and a pleasure to work with’; and Alex Charlton QC ‘can be relied upon for a robust view’. Duncan McCall QC delivers an ‘overall excellent performance’, and Nigel Tozzi QC impresses with his ‘strategic perspectives and grasp of complex matters’. On the junior side, Terence Bergin is ‘willing to fight points that other counsel are often not’; Simon Henderson is ‘always comfortable with even the most technical IT disputes’; and Michael Taylor has ‘real insight into the dynamics of a case’.

Leading IP set 11 South Square houses a number of barristers from technical backgrounds. Henry Carr QC recently represented Samsung in its highly publicised patent dispute with Apple, while the ‘professional and client-friendly’ Michael Silverleaf QC acts as an independent expert for Nominet and handles a number of domain name cases for the client. Brian Nicholson (who also acted for Samsung in Apple v Samsung) has ‘formidable technical knowledge’ and is ‘exceptionally talented’; and Jacqueline Reid has ‘a real can-do attitude’. Giles Fernando and Heather Lawrence are also recommended.

The barristers at Atkin Chambers are well known for their strengths in contractual matters, and remain particularly active in IT arbitration. Nicholas Baatz QC and the ‘outstanding’ David Streatfeild-James QC come highly recommended, while at junior level Mark Chennells and James Howells also stand out. ‘A technological expert’, Christopher Lewis is ‘incredibly intelligent and very hardworking‘

8 New Square’s offering at senior level was strengthened with the appointment of the highly regarded Adrian Speck QC in 2012. Daniel Alexander QC is experienced in IT arbitration as well as rights-related and contract disputes, and Martin Howe QC has niche expertise in biotechnology and genetic engineering cases. At junior level, Robert Onslow and James St Ville are recommended.

Henderson Chambers’ Peter Susman QC has experience as an arbitrator, mediator and early neutral evaluator in IT disputes. Richard Mawrey QC offers ‘informed and insightful advice based on his substantial experience’; and Geraint Webb’s knowledge of IT is ‘first class’.

Hogarth Chambers’ Alastair Wilson QC has knowledge that spans the mechanical devices and microbiology fields, and Guy Tritton is experienced in peer-to-peer file-sharing matters and cases involving European Community issues. Michael Hicks wins plaudits for his expertise in software copyright; he is ‘user friendly, proactive and willing to consider difficult points in an innovative manner’.

Three New Square’s Guy Burkill QC is ‘a go-to barrister for the most complex technical issues’, and is noted for ‘his hands-on approach’. Douglas Campbell is ‘an impressive and robust advocate, who takes the time to get to know his clients’ business’; and Tom Hinchliffe ‘digests complex technical issues without difficulty’.

At 3 Verulam Buildings, Michael Lazarus stands out for his ‘superior technical ability, excellent turnaround times, approachable manner and client focus’. Clive Freedman is also well regarded.

Other recommended practitioners include Quadrant Chambers’ Simon Croall QC; Alan Gourgey QC at 11 Stone Buildings; Graham Read QC of Devereux; 7 Bedford Row’s Derek Sweeting QC; Nicholas Saunders at Brick Court Chambers; new silk Lawrence Akka QC at 20 Essex Street, who has an ‘excellent grasp of complex matters’; One Essex Court’s Geoffrey Hobbs QC and Philip Roberts, who is ‘very strong on his feet’; the ‘clear and persuasive’ Mark Shaw QC at Blackstone Chambers, which is well known for its telecoms expertise; and Cyril Chern of Crown Office Chambers, who has ‘exceptional knowledge and experience in IT both in the UK and throughout Europe’.

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