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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.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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  • Immigration update May 2012

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Press Releases in the UK

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