United Kingdom > Regional Bar > Western Circuit
Overview
Index of tables
Western Circuit – Leading Sets
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1
- Guildhall Chambers Bristol (Blair)
- St John’s Chambers Bristol (Stead)
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2
- Albion Chambers Bristol (Fitton)
- Queen Square Chambers Bristol (Taylor)
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3
- 12 College Place Southampton (Haggan)
- College Chambers Southampton (Belben)
- Colleton Chambers Exeter and Taunton (Meeke)
- Devon Chambers Plymouth (Linford)
- Rougemont Chambers Exeter (Berkley)
Annexes
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1
- Doughty Street Chambers Bristol (Robertson, Fitzgerald)
- Old Square Chambers Bristol (McNeill, Cooksley)
- 3PB Bristol, Bournemouth, Oxford, Winchester (Tyson)
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2
- 3 Pump Court Winchester (Miller, Nsugbe)
- No5 Chambers Bristol (Bleasdale)
With five specialist teams in place and as a holder of BARMARK, Guildhall Chambers is ‘truly a viable alternative to London chambers’. It has a national and international insolvency reputation, a niche sports law offering and an ever-growing personal injury and clinical negligence team. St John’s Chambers’ clerks ‘really do appear to consider carefully recommendations when they are asked for them’, and the set continues to have the leading family team in Bristol. Despite several losses to the bench, Albion Chambers remains a prominent crime and family set and has an ‘extremely high standard of clerking’. Queen Square Chambers is a ‘very friendly and professional set’ that continues to have a leading employment team. Outside of Bristol, 12 College Place, which is also a holder of BARMARK, and College Chambers service Southampton, as does Devon Chambers in Plymouth. The ‘very good’ Colleton Chambers and Rougemont Chambers, along with Walnut House, are the pre-eminent sets in Exeter and Taunton. Leading Bristol annexes include Old Square Chambers, whose clerks are ‘very helpful and flexible to ensure suitable counsel is available’, and 3PB that provides a ‘“Rolls-Royce” service; right from head of chambers at the top, to junior clerks’. 3 Pump Court and Doughty Street Chambers also have a presence on circuit, and No5 Chambers’ Bristol annex provides a ‘niche, almost boutique service which distinguishes itself from the Birmingham and London chambers’. 1 Paper Buildings is highly visible on this circuit, particularly in Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester. With the opening of the new Bristol Civil Court Centre, it is expected that an increasing volume of work will stay in the hands of local sets.
Commercial, insolvency and property
Guildhall Chambers has an ‘acknowledged reputation for insolvency work’. The outstanding team includes Stephen Davies QC (‘coruscatingly bright’ and a ‘stellar performer’); Jeremy Bamford (‘exceptionally intellectually able’); Paul French (‘his knowledge of law and, in particular case law, is legendary’); Hugh Sims (‘very user-friendly’, ‘incredibly bright and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of insolvency law’). Stefan Ramel, who has a growing cross-border practice, Christopher Brockman, Richard Ascroft and Katie Gibb are the other linchpins.
Guildhall Chambers’ Neil Levy is a ‘first-rate leading junior’ for commercial matters and has an increasingly busy insolvency practice. Adrian Palmer QC’s extensive commercial practice includes insurance and restraint of trade issues. The ‘outstanding’ Gerard McMeel is a ‘recognised expert in financial services who gets straight to the nub of the issue’. The ‘well-respected’ John Virgo is rated for his advice on financial mis-selling and negligent investment. Ross Fentem is praised for his ‘superb drafting skills’, and Lucy Walker is an expert on the Consumer Credit Act. Matthew Wales (who has a ‘superb grasp of language and expresses himself with compelling eloquence’) and Ewan Paton (‘thorough; dogged’) spearhead the property team. Tim Walsh, who is a ‘tenacious and commercial advocate’, has a probate and property driven practice.
St John’s Chambers’ Leslie Blohm QC is ‘extremely knowledgeable in all areas of property litigation’ in addition to commercial litigation: he recently led Guy Adams in a key case at the Supreme Court. The set’s property team also includes Richard Stead (‘a forceful advocate who is not afraid to argue novel points’); John Sharples (‘an extremely good property lawyer’); and Charles Auld (‘a practical lawyer with a gift for settling cases in a constructive manner’). James Pearce-Smith, who is ‘quick to master instructions and good with clients’, handles commercial, property and professional negligence claims. Alex Troup, who is a property and probate practitioner, is ‘among the most skilful barristers’ and ‘adopts a truly collaborative approach to each case’. Andrew Marsden, who ‘leaves no stone unturned’, handles complex company, commercial and partnership disputes; Martha Maher is the set’s go-to insolvency barrister; and John Dickinson and Christopher Jones are also highly rated.
Rougemont Chambers’ ‘very bright’ Michael Berkley handles ‘matters ranging from fairly routine to heavyweight commercial and chancery litigation’.
At 3PB, Monty Palfrey is a contentious property barrister and is rated for his ‘persuasive advocacy skills’. Jamal Demachkie ‘deals with complex issues with an intelligent, confident and realistic approach’, and is recommended for property matters. Victoria Jones is one to watch on the insolvency and IP front.
At Queen Square Chambers, Charles Goodall is recommended for property-related matters.
Construction, planning, licensing and environmental
St John’s Chambers’ Peter Wadsley, who ‘brings clear and concise thinking to the table’, and David Fletcher are recommended for planning matters. Professor Roy Light is an ‘excellent licensing advocate’, whose ‘well-honed communication skills warrant particular mention’.
Guildhall Chambers’ William Batstone provides ‘very careful and detailed advice and pleadings’ on complex agricultural land disputes. Rajinder Sahonte has a traditional chancery practice and is particularly recommended for property litigation matters. Kerry Barker, who has ‘excellent knowledge of licensing and environmental areas of the law and the experience to match’, has a national licensing practice, and Susan Cavender is an up-and-coming junior in the field.
2010 saw Julian Allsop at Queen Square Chambers make several appearances in the High Court, including a commercial building dispute and a complex building-related negligence case.
At 12 College Place, Philip Glen handles housing, land, and residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters.
Paul Cairnes, Richard Kimblin and Gordon Wignall are part of No5 Chambers’ exceptional planning and environmental law team.
Rougemont Chambers’ Gavin Collett is recommended for his planning expertise.
3PB’s Ian Lawrie QC is a maritime and fisheries expert and is considered a ‘first choice for shipping crime’.
Colleton Chambers’ Malcolm Galloway is rated for environmental crime.
Devon Chambers’ Russell James has a niche practice in housing law.
Crime
Albion Chambers has a ‘very good selection of counsel at all levels’, who are ‘professionally and ably supported by a team of clerks and support staff’. Michael Fitton QC and Ignatius Hughes QC are leading criminal silks. Fiona Elder is a recognised defence-oriented criminal practitioner, and team head Stephen Mooney routinely handles very complex cases. The ‘outstanding and fearless advocate’ Kate Brunner, who has the ‘ability to make well-informed legal and tactical judgements’, also has a notable regulatory practice. Don Tait and Robert Duval are also recommended, and Edward Burgess is one to watch. Anna Midgley is a very able junior who is ahead of her call.
Guildhall Chambers’ Richard Smith QC is ‘thoroughly professional and conscientious’, and balances his criminal and sports practice effectively. Rosaleen Collins builds an ‘excellent rapport with clients and is able to clearly set out, in easy-to-understand language, the pros and cons of their cases.’ Anna Vigars’ ‘legal knowledge and advocacy skills are excellent; but it is her caring attitude and ability to relate to clients from all walks of life that sets her apart’. Ramin Pakrooh is ‘exceptional at representing difficult clients’, and Nicolas Gerasimidis is ‘one of the best barristers available’. The ‘strikingly good’ Ray Tully ‘doesn ’t shirk from advising clients as to the difficult elements of a case’. Christopher Quinlan QC’s practice comprises heavyweight criminal matters and sports disciplinary cases. Andrew Langdon QC’s strengths include his ‘exceptionally effective cross-examinations’ and his ‘instincts as a jury advocate’.
Queen Square Chambers makes ‘every attempt to provide continuance, which solicitors ’ clients, especially those that are more vulnerable, really appreciate’. James Tucker’s ‘capacity to absorb complex material is enormous’, and he is rated for his POCA knowledge. Charles Row’s ‘preparatory work is excellent and his skill as an advocate incomparable’, and Alun Jenkins QC continues to have a solid reputation on circuit. Ian Halliday (‘clear and persuasive advocacy; agile mind’) and Robin Shellard (‘excellent all-rounder; a star performer’) are recommended. Oliver Willmott is a leading junior on serious criminal cases and is developing a strong regulatory practice.
The ‘highly regarded’ Nicholas Haggan QC at 12 College Place is recommended for serious criminal defence work.
Devon Chambers’ Rupert Taylor is recommended for vehicle-related criminal offences, and Robert Linford has a wide-ranging criminal practice.
3PB’s Nigel Lickley QC, who is the circuit leader, continues to be involved in many high-profile cases. Christopher Parker QC’s broad criminal practice is augmented by a strong military-related caseload. Robert Grey, Tom Horder and Nick Robinson are all recommended.
At 3 Pump Court’s Winchester annex, Nigel Pascoe QC and Susan Evans QC have varied, heavyweight criminal practices.
Martin Meeke QC at Colleton Chambers is a prominent and well-respected figure in the local market.
1 Paper Buildings’ Michael Hubbard QC handles ‘heavy-duty crime’ matters, and Matthew Jewell and Louisa Bagley provide ‘exceptional service’.
Employment
Old Square Chambers is the ‘first port of call for employment barristers; it has excellent strength in depth from juniors to seniors’. Michael Ford, who knows ‘employment law inside out (he is a “human textbook”), has a razor-sharp analytical brain, and is ferociously clever’, is accustomed to making appearances in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, ECJ and ECHR. Toby Kempster is ‘vastly experienced and utterly dependable’; Rohan Pirani is ‘very easy-going yet clear and determined in his arguments’; and Mark Whitcombe, who is a ‘forceful advocate without resorting to histrionics’, is a popular choice for trade union matters. Helen Gower and Hilary Winstone are ‘first rate and combine excellent advocacy skills with a sensible commercial approach’.
At Queen Square Chambers, Nick Smith takes a ‘very straightforward approach and provides clear and cogent analysis of a case along with practical recommendations’. Debbie Grennan’s ‘responses are prompt, apposite and down to earth; and her business acumen is faultless’. Julian Allsop is a ‘safe pair of hands, and adopts a solid and robust approach’. Allan Roberts is ‘courteous, well prepared and professional’, and Douglas Leach’s ‘technical ability shines through on complex cases’.
Albion Chambers’ John Livesey is an ‘exceptional’ employer-oriented practitioner, who has the ‘ability to quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of a claim’. Liz Cunningham and Richard Shepherd are also recommended.
St John’s Chambers’ Matthew White handles a wide range of employment matters and is adept at representing clients in the High Court and EAT.
Colleton Chambers’ team has recently been bolstered by the arrival of Martin Fodder from Littleton Chambers, as an associate tenant. Team head Graham Watson ‘stands out as a quality specialist’ for a range of employment law matters. Roderick Moore recently left the team and has taken tenancy at 3 Pump Court.
College Chambers’ Gary Self is a top employment practitioner at the Southampton Bar.
Family
Queen Square Chambers’ Stephen Roberts is ‘always well prepared, extremely knowledgeable and is a favourite with clients’. The ‘exceptional’ Joanna Lucas has the ‘expertise to grasp the issues in a case quickly’. Fiona Farquhar is particularly strong on public and private childcare matters, and is ‘extremely diligent and thorough’. Caroline Elford handles complex care proceedings and is ‘able to pitch her approach to clients in a way that is appropriate to their needs’.
Albion Chambers’ family team has recently been enhanced with Nkumbe Ekaney QC’s appointment to silk. Deborah Dinan-Hayward is ‘always among the top choices for financial work’. Daniel Leafe is ‘extremely effective in complex financial cases’, as is Nicholas Sproull, whose ‘calm and confident manner is always well received by clients’. Benjamin Jenkins is 'approachable and able to explain issues in a straightforward and understandable way’.
St John’s Chambers has a ‘high calibre of senior and junior barristers’, which includes Susan Jacklin QC, who is ‘absolutely meticulous so that not a single page of evidence is ever left unscrutinised’, and Christopher Sharp QC, who are both ‘exemplars of legal wisdom and court craft’. Andrew Commins has a ‘steely yet deft approach’, is ‘outstanding for his call’, and has a ‘lucid and well-planned’ advocacy style. Susan Hunter ‘defuses even the most stressful of situations with her dry wit and ability to empathise’, and is ‘extremely tenacious when warranted’. Lucy Reed has an ‘impressive ability to get to the crux of a complicated and messy dispute’. Robin Tolson QC, Catriona Duthie and Kambiz Moradifar are also recommended.
3PB’s Richard Tyson and Elisabeth Hudson, who recently appeared in the Court of Appeal in a complex public children law case, also have strong ancillary relief practices. Team head Nicola Martin ‘never disappoints’ and is a ‘fantastic advocate’, and Tanya Zabihi has a flourishing childcare practice and is ‘always willing to fight her client’s corner however difficult that may be’. Out of the set’s Bournemouth office, clients brief Hayley Griffiths in ‘even the most complex childcare cases’, and Rachael Goodall is rated for ‘her careful preparation and earnest interest in the client and their case’. Recent arrivals to the Bristol office include Tony Ward, who practised as a sole practitioner, and Tom Tyler from
Devon Chambers’ Alison Crookes specialises in ancillary relief, inheritance and TOLATA matters.
Colleton Chambers has a ‘huge strength in childcare law’ with Mark Horton and Mark Whitehall singled out for their excellence. Richard Crabb is recommended for ancillary relief cases particularly where farm-related issues are involved.
At College Chambers, Anthony Hand has a busy childcare practice and Simon Lillington has a strong ancillary relief practice.
Health and safety, and regulatory
Guildhall Chambers is ‘well ahead’ of other local sets in this field. Andrew Langdon QC is currently leading the prosecution team in the high-profile Buncefield litigation, and is nationally renowned for his HSE work. Ian Dixey has a full-time HSE practice and is a recognised practitioner on circuit. James Bennett, who is ‘pragmatic and extremely user friendly’, handles high-profile HSE matters for both sides. Peter Blair QC is recommended for his environmental regulatory practice.
St John’s Chambers’ Simon Morgan ‘always shows an ability to make firm, logical decisions very quickly’, is a ‘formidable advocate’, and has a mixed crime, regulatory and inquest practice.
Alan Fuller at Albion Chambers predominantly practises in this area.
Queen Square Chambers’ ‘excellent’ Nigel Fryer routinely handles complex HSE and environmental matters.
At Old Square Chambers, John Hendy QC, Brian Cummins, Rohan Pirani and Jonathan Clarke were instructed on the coroner’s inquest into the Potter’s Bar rail disaster.
Personal injury and clinical negligence
Guildhall Chambers’ clerks ‘always “bend over backwards” to assist’. James Townsend has a ‘marvellously understated approach’ and is ‘a consummate advocate’. Selena Plowden ‘emanates an aura of intellect and confidence’, and ‘always adopts a sensible and pragmatic approach’. Julian Benson is highly rated for complex PI matters. Practice head Gabriel Farmer is a ‘good tactician, highly effective negotiator and ultimately the advocate you want on your side’. Anthony Reddiford is ‘always calm and collected, presents arguments well, and is very approachable’. John Snell ‘thinks about things from all angles (and from both a claimant and defendant perspective) so that he gives a well thought out and balanced view at all times ’. The team was enhanced by the arrival of Robert Sowersby, who exhibits ‘a ruthless professionalism in court’, provides advice that is ‘to the point and easy to understand’, and is ‘superb with experts’. Abigail Stamp’s ‘greatest asset is that she is an “all-rounder”’; she is ‘very methodical in her analysis and extremely personable’. Adrian Palmer QC is ‘one of the best personal injury silks with a sound understanding of the most complex of claims’, and Adam Chippindall is ‘a tremendous advocate’.
St John’s Chambers’ practice head Glyn Edwards is ‘among the best senior juniors for PI work’, whose ‘unstuffy approach helps him communicate appropriately with clients’. Claimant-focused Timothy Grice handles high-value catastrophic injury and complex clinical negligence cases, and is ‘excellent with technical special damage claims’. Richard Stead specialises in brain and spinal injury claims, and is an equine and Animal Act expert. Andrew McLaughlin is ‘very enthusiastic, committed and demonstrates excellent knowledge of the subject area’. Anna Symington is ‘technically very good’, and is noted for her civil fraud expertise. Christopher Sharp QC is also highly rated for complex brain and spinal injury cases.
Queen Square Chambers’ Christopher Taylor has ‘good knowledge of catastrophic injury cases’, and is ‘authoritative but has an easy manner’. Rebecca Dennis ‘applies legal principles with an eye on the practicalities of litigation’.
Old Square Chambers’ Christopher Walker is a ‘tenacious advocate and a shrewd negotiator’. Andreá Risoli ‘fights until the job really is done to the highest standard possible’. David Rivers is an ‘excellent costs advocate’. Toby Kempster and Jonathan Clarke are also recommended.
Doughty Street Chambers’ Daniel Bennett has a niche practice in hospital-acquired infections, and David Haines, who has recently joined the set from
Rougemont Chambers’ Dr David Thomas handles PI, clinical negligence, inquest and shaken baby syndrome cases.
No5 Chambers’ Dr Simon Fox has the ‘ability to cut through the issues in complicated cases’, and is a ‘clinical negligence specialist who impresses’. Chris Bright QC is a ‘first-class advocate’ who produces ‘coherent case plans’.
At 3PB, Mark Lomas and Cyrus Katrak are recommended for PI matters, and Richard Tyson handles top-end PI work in addition to prosecuting doctors for professional negligence.
At Devon Chambers, Stuart Frampton’s personal injury practice has an employers’ liability slant.