‘Whether the issue concerns cost budgeting, security for costs, complex funding arrangements, or non-party costs orders', 4 New Square Chambers is 'the go-to set for anything within the costs and litigation funding sphere.’ Leading the costs teams in respect of six of fifteen different vehicle manufacturers, Nicholas Bacon KC is acting one of the largest group actions currently in the commercial court, the £6bn Dieselgate claim. Benjamin Williams KC is advising Apple concerning a major opt-out class action with complex funding issues now on appeal in the Court of Appeal. Robert Marven KC appeared in Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP v Kenig, a Court of Appeal case of importance to estate practitioners as the decision examined the rights of non-clients to assess a solicitor’s bill under the Solicitors Act 1974 section 71(3). Roger Mallalieu KC and Shail Patel KC are instructed to defend Igor Kolomoisky from a £10m costs claim.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerks are lovely, always friendly and eager to help. Alex Dolby, Dennis Peck, Nick Angliss and Christopher Ebdon all stand out.'
  • 'The clerks’ room at 4 New Square provide exceptional service. They are responsive, pragmatic, and commercially aware. James Barrass stands out in particular; he is solutions-focused, knowledgeable about both the barristers' capabilities and the practical realities faced by solicitors, and adept at navigating availability issues with minimal fuss. The clerks' room has always been approachable and efficient, which makes instructing counsel a smooth and well-supported process from start to finish.'
  • 'Very good, James Barrass is very dependable.'
  • 'The clerking team are consistently excellent. They are responsive, efficient, and always helpful in coordinating work to meet tight deadlines and managing the demands of busy caseloads. Their support ensures a smooth and professional experience throughout.'
  • '4 New Square are undoubtedly one of, if not the leading, set for costs matters. Fantastic strength-in-depth at all levels.'
  • '4 New Square Chambers is, without question, the leading set in costs litigation. The breadth and depth of expertise across all levels of seniority is unmatched. It is rare to encounter a significant appellate level costs case that does not feature at least one member of chambers. The team’s technical strength is complemented by its commercial insight, making it the go-to set for anything within the costs and litigation funding sphere. The strong pipeline of talent also ensures a consistent and reliable standard of advocacy and advice at both silk and junior levels.'

Lawyers

2024 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.

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.