Brick Court Chambers

With ‘in-depth expertise and experience in public law matters’ Brick Court Chambers has a range of experienced administrative law and human rights counsel. Jemima Stratford KC led in R (British Gas) v Secretary of State for Energy, a judicial review of the transfer of the business of collapsed energy supply Bulb to Octopus Energy - the matter is listed for hearing by the Court of Appeal. James McClelland KC and Emily MacKenzie represented the London Metal Exchange in R (Elliott Associates) v LME, defeating a claim for $471m of lost profits after the exchange cancelled nickel future trades, preventing its members from being on the hook for a $20bn margin call. In an unusual Opposed Bill Committee in the House of Lords, Paul Bowen KC represented the promoters of the Corporation of the Hall of the Arts and Sciences - the charity which owns the Royal Albert Hall - in proceedings over amendments to its constitution allowing to raise further revenue from its members; Article 1 Protocol 1 arguments were raised by opponents to the bill.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Brick Court Chambers provide fantastic service to their solicitors. Jo Francis is a brilliant clerk who is fantastic and ensures a seamless service. A joy to work with as an instructing solicitor.'
'Brick Court has a very good clerking team in this practice area and they are responsive. In particular, Tony Burgess and Jo Francis are very good and the Chambers attracts work that might otherwise go elsewhere because of the service of the clerking in the Admin and Public law practice area.'
'Tony Burgess and Jo Francis are excellent.'
'Brick Court have the best clerks in the business! Jo Francis and Tony Burgess in particular are absolute stars - they are responsive, proactive and seem to read your mind. They are incredibly organised and work well with solicitors and clients alike.'
'Brick Court Chambers has huge strength-in-depth and the juniors are always extremely able and their work is of a high standard. There is no shortage of counsel willing to take on matters on a pro bono basis which is commendable.'
'Brick Court has excellent strength-in-depth and unrivalled expertise in complex commercial public law cases.'

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Jemima Stratford KC

'Jemima is very calm and thoughtful, with a particular awareness of strategic and tactical questions that arise in being a third party intervener in a big case.'

Paul Bowen KC

‘He is extremely strategic and his written submissions are first-rate and he has the rare ability to translate extremely complex and sensitive legal matters into accessible but powerful submissions. His oral advocacy is highly persuasive and he is extremely quick to grasp and provide key information to the judges. Paul is one of the best and it is always a pleasure to work with him.’

Marie Demetriou KC

'Marie is conscientious and prepares well. She is very good to work with and gets on well with clients. Marie is a very strong technical lawyer and a first choice on public law work.'

Maya Lester KC

‘Maya is a devastating advocate who gets under the hood of each of her cases, considers them from every angle, and is ready for anything that the court can throw at her.’

James McClelland KC

‘Very skilful advocate – very measured, matter-of-fact delivery that builds to the inescapable conclusion that his position is correct. Leaves no stone unturned in anticipating the other side\’s arguments and ensuring that your position is as strong as possible.’

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

Malcolm Birdling

'A clear thinker, with an ability to explain and present complex legal principles in plain English. Measured in his advocacy and is excellent at reading the mood of a Court. Clients particularly like his pragmatism when approaching what can at times seem like insoluble problems.'

Tim Johnston

Tim is a very intelligent individual, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Very good with clients. He is all over the material at an early stage, and his comments and drafting are first rate.'

David Heaton

‘David is a fantastic junior – dedicated, tenacious and with a Stakhanovite work ethic.’

Emily MacKenzie

‘Emily is a truly erudite barrister, who will work tirelessly to find the best possible answer and present it in as compelling a way as possible. She is also an effective and polished advocate. She works hard and always delivers what she has committed to.’

Jennifer MacLeod

‘Jennifer is a brilliant person to work with. She combines outstanding legal skills with tremendous energy and drive, and great warmth and empathy with her clients.’

Yaaser Vanderman

'He is approachable and friendly. An easy person to work with. He is clear, concise and to the point. His written work is excellent. He has a particular talent for whittling down complex matters into simple, straightforward and easy to understand information. His advocacy is fantastic. He is responsive and reliable, an excellent advocate and barrister.'

Sarah Love

Emma Mockford

'Emma is a barrister who punches far above her weight of call. She is measured and calm, including under pressure, with a fierce intellect and fabulous cross examination skills. She is a future star.'

Rising stars

Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.