Set Profile > Chambers of Henry Harrod > London, England

Private client: trusts and probate Tier 1

5 Stone Buildings is an ‘outstanding chambers for contentious probate and trusts' thanks to it having 'a broad range of barristers who have varying levels of call.’ One client said: 'All of the barristers we have dealt with have been knowledgeable, efficient, approachable, and good advocates.’ In one recent case of note, Henry Legge QC acted for the trustees in a contested removal of the trustees of a series of very large settlements.

Court of Protection and community care Tier 2

5 Stone Buildings is 'an outstanding set for Court of Protection matters', advising on the full range of property and affairs issues as well as health and welfare applications. Tracey Angus QC advised on a major case which raised complex issues about the interpretation of a testamentary instrument that was made by the Court of Protection. Members regularly represent clients in disputes over issues such as statutory wills and gifts, lasting and enduring powers of attorney, as well as deputyships.

Offshore Tier 3

5 Stone Buildings' members continue to appear in Chancery cases across the offshore world. On top of numerous members having experience of trust litigation that sets the agenda in Jersey and Bermuda, Matthew Paton has experience of acting as an expert witness on Bahamian law.

Mediators Tier 5

5 Stone Buildings' Miranda Allardice's mediations range in subject matter from breach of trust claims to probate, constructive trust and Inheritance Act disputes.

Media and entertainment (including art and cultural property)

The ‘excellent arts team’ at 5 Stone Buildings provide ‘very impressive, expeditious advice’. Henry Legge QC and Luke Harris recently successfully represented the owner of £5m Islamic rock crystal jar in establishing title in interpleader proceedings against Sotheby’s.

Set overviews: England and Wales

For some, 5 Stone Buildings is ‘the best Chancery set bar none’. Members have an ‘excellent depth of knowledge on contentious probate, trusts and estates, as well as Court of Protection matters’, along with pensions and art and cultural property issues. ‘Even the most junior counsel provides solid advice and there are some big hitters to utilise for experience’ meaning ‘there is always someone available who can assist and who you can trust to have a good client manner’. In recent news, Toby Bishop joined from Field Court Chambers, while David Rees QC has been elected vice chair of the new Court of Protection Bar Association. The clerks' room is one of chambers’ greatest strengths, according to solicitors. Senior clerk Paul Jennings is as well-known as his members and is ‘great at maintaining relationships between his barristers and those instructing them’. Jennings ‘runs a tight ship with humour’ and ‘is always available (and commercially realistic) for the discussion of fees’. First junior Dan Coote and second junior Elliott Hurrell are also recommended for being ‘responsive and agile in their approach’; ‘tell them what you need, and they will always find a way to deliver’. Asked how chambers could improve, one solicitor replied: ‘Hard to say when they are so close to perfection’. Offices in: London

Client Testimonials

CLIENT: Stephen Richards
COMPANY/FIRM: Withers LLP
TESTIMONIAL: The team at 5 Stone Buildings really are at the top of their game. From the juniors through to the QCs, you know that you will get an excellent service, robust, sensible advice and excellence in both court and around the negotiating table.

CLIENT: Geoffrey Kertesz
COMPANY/FIRM: BDB Pitmans LLP
TESTIMONIAL: It is hard to think of a chambers that, top to bottom, covers the full spectrum of Chancery work so effectively. Whether your client needs a silk experienced in cross-border trust disputes, a senior junior to provide sage, practical advice, or a junior barrister to handle a discrete matter, 5 Stone Buildings has some of the best barristers for the job. It is also a chambers that moves with the times, as shown by its willingness to bring in new talent at various levels, while simultaneously developing its pupils into effective junior tenants. All this, coupled with an efficient clerks’ room, makes 5 Stone Buildings very much a ‘go to’ set in this area.

CLIENT:  Philip Youdan
COMPANY/FIRM: Cripps Pemberton Greenish
TESTIMONIAL: The team at 5 Stone Buildings consistently delivers exceptional legal advice. This comes from their depth of legal knowledge and their commitment to placing the client’s interests at the heart of their work. It is a pleasure to continue to work with them.