Chambers of Robert Smith QC
16 PARK PLACE, LEEDS, LS1 2SJ, ENGLANDWhat we say about the set's legal practice in Regional Bar
North Eastern Circuit
Within Commercial, insolvency and property,
Park Court Chambers has ‘proved itself to be exceptionally flexible and accommodating in relation to both fees and a willingness to operate to tight timeframes’. Among those recommended include: James Normington (has ‘a robust grasp of the commercial realities of litigation allied with an ability to provide an accurate, reasoned prognosis’); Elaine Skittrell (has ‘an ability to extract the key issues quickly and succinctly, with a courtroom manner that instils confidence’); Alex Offer (‘superb’, immensely knowledgable, and ‘consistently performs way beyond his years’); and Ashley Tucker.
Within Crime,
Park Court Chambers has ‘built up a very strong team of criminal barristers from the newly admitted to QCs’. Well respected by fellow professionals, Simon Bourne-Arton QC has an ‘excellent manner with clients and jurors’, and Alistair MacDonald QC is ‘tenacious in court, meticulous in his research and presentation of cases’. The set also houses Robert Smith QC (‘still the leading advocate on the circuit’), David Hatton QC (‘a formidable advocate’), and Paul Greaney QC (‘since taking silk in 2010 he has moved from being the very best junior to a competent silk; he also has the rare ability to control the courtroom no matter who the tribunal is’). Clients also recommend Bryan Cox QC, Tom Bayliss QC and Christopher Tehrani.
Within Employment,
The employment team at Park Court Chambers has a ‘good set of skills, experience and qualifications’. Catherine Knowles ‘marries excellent legal knowledge with commercial awareness’, and Ceri Widdett is ‘an extremely skilled, confident and tenacious advocate who keeps a cool head in tribunal’.
Within Family,
Park Court Chambers’ Valerie Sterling has ‘an excellent courtroom manner’, and Chloe Hudson is ‘an extremely competent and articulate advocate’. Sally Terris and Alex Taylor (who is ‘good on his feet’) are recommended.
Within Health and safety, regulatory,
Park Court Chambers’ regulatory team receives instructions in a number of areas including health and safety enforcement, police misconduct proceedings, professional disciplinary proceedings and inquests. Sharon Beattie and Alan Taylor are both developing regulatory practices, especially with regards to General Medical Council (particularly in respect of cases involving practitioner’s performance and misconduct). Simon Jackson QC is strongly recommended.
Within Overview , Park Court Chambers (Chambers of Robert Smith QC) is a first tier firm,
‘Professional outfit’ Broadway House Chambers maintains its position in the top tier through ‘true value for money’ and ‘a down-to-earth approach’. Park Court Chambers has ‘a reputation for strong advocacy’ with an ‘excellent mix of experience among the set’; April 2011 saw the arrival of new CEO Michael Meeson to the chambers. Commentators note that ‘good regional set’ Parklane Plowden continues to grow in size and confidence and is ‘led by a good set of clerks who are very focused on service delivery’. Zenith Chambers provides ‘a wide range of experience and specific areas of expertise’. Perhaps the most significant development was the arrival of new CEO Andrew Argyle to Zenith Chambers, one of the first sets to make such an appointment.
Treasury Panel Lists
Within Treasury Panel Lists Regions 3 and 4