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Chambers of the Year

This award highlights the UK set that stands out for its impressive performance over the past year. Key factors considered will be evidence of an outstanding track record in winning high-end disputes, innovation, effective leadership, high-quality clerking, impressive financial performance and increased market share.

Previous Winners / Nominees

Winner

3 Verulam Buildings

Robin Jackson

Given its problems in 2016/17, when there was talk of 3VB imploding, this set has enjoyed a renaissance since with robust performance in a number of areas combined with a 20% year-on-year increase in turnover. A number of strong barristers have joined, notably Hodge Malek QC from 39 Essex Street.

Nominee

Red Lion Chambers HIGHLY COMMENDED

Mark Bennett

This criminal and regulatory set with over 100 barristers has 24 QCs – six of whom were appointed in 2018. Red Lion has developed a considerable reputation in its field, with former head of chambers and independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Max Hill QC, recently appointed as Director of Public Prosecutions.

Nominee

Brick Court Chambers

Helen Davies QC, Mark Howard QC

Brick Court’s position at the top of the commercial chambers tree is confirmed with a 12% increase in gross revenue reported – a significant increase for a large, mature set with 41 silks. The recent handover of the senior clerking team from Julian Hawes and Ian Moyler to their deputies, Paul Dennison and Tony Burgess, has been smooth and well-executed.

Nominee

Hardwicke

Amanda Illing

Seven new barristers have joined this set over the past year, and Harwicke has achieved an impressive financial performance of late with turnover up 12% on 2017. A standout matter was SKAT v Elysium Global (Dubai) Ltd: a claim by the Danish government to recover £2bn+ alleged to have been paid out pursuant to a fraudulent conspiracy.

Nominee

Keating Chambers

Declan Redmond

Keating’s reputation is built on its construction and energy expertise and chambers reports that its financial performance in 2018/19 will match the 22% increase in turnover it achieved in 2017/18. In addition to some impressive and high-profile instructions, Keating is noted for its flexible and innovative approach to pricing, while 21% of its current crop of silks are female.

Nominee

Outer Temple Chambers

Rebecca Priestley

Noted for innovation and variety in its practice, Outer Temple was ‘the first and only set’ to register with Dubai International Finance Centre and Abu Dhabi Global Market, opening offices in both. Work includes public inquiries such as Grenfell, as well as major private sector cases such as the largest equal pay case against ASDA.

Nominee

Radcliffe Chambers

Fiona Fitzgerald

A strong 2018 saw this set’s restructuring and insolvency team go from strength to strength, winning instructions on a number of business-critical cases and the adding three new members, while Tina Kyriakides has been widely acknowledged as a leading junior.