Crown Office Chambers is a ‘good all-around set’, particular strength in handling work for clients in the construction and energy sectors. The team’s workload includes business interruption, property damage, employers’ liability, and public liability cases. Andrew Rigney KC is leading a team of 3 counsel for the insurers in the Sky & Mace v Riverstone and other Insurers case, a case arising from damage done to the roof of Sky’s global headquarters, leading to a coverage dispute claim under a construction all risks policy. Elsewhere in chambers, James Medd is representing AXA Insurance Limited in a case involving a fire at a warehouse; it is alleged that the fire started due to the improper disposal of cloths that were soaked with linseed oil, which eventually self-heated, leading to the fire. Michael Curtis KC has retired.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The clerks are strong, particularly Steve Purse, who really looks after solicitors and makes sure to deliver the right barrister for them and their client, and the new senior clerk, James Wilkinson.'
'Steve Purse is one of the leading clerks of his generation. Andy Flanagan is one of the best clerks operating at the bar today - incredibly helpful, commercial, likeable, knowledgeable, and simply an all-round star who knows his team and his instructing solicitors inside-out.'

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.

Michael Curtis KC

Crispin Winser KC

‘Crispin is the go-to barrister for complex claims, in particular complex coverage claims. His advice is clear, concise, and he cuts through complex issues with ease. His turnaround is swift.'

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.

Caroline McColgan

‘Caroline is extremely bright, responsive and has the ability to digest, analyse and form a pragmatic and well-reasoned opinion very quickly. She grapples with the issues and can get to the heart of the dispute with ease.' \n \n

James Medd

‘One of the best senior juniors in the property damage arena. Really great at matters involving complex and technical underlying facts.'

Andrew Brown

Suzanne Chalmers

‘Able to produce fantastic work in double quick time. Brings a different dimension to the work.'

Michele De Gregorio

Skilled and highly knowledgeable. Pleasant to deal with and approachable - explains everything clearly, and drafting is impeccable.'

Julian Field

Really great on his feet – massively experienced and knows exactly what is needed in a tight spot in court.’ \n \n

Athena Markides

‘Athena is extremely bright, she has an investigative, sharp mind and is able to see through the detail to get to the heart of the matter, particularly brilliant on fraud matters. Responsive and lovely to work with'

Richard Sage

'Richard is an all-rounder who consistently performs at an extremely high standard. To illustrate by way of example, Richard has been heavily involved in a very hands-on, litigated, complex policy coverage dispute'

Carlo Taczalski

‘Carlo is a fantastic advocate and leader in his field.'

Joshua Brown

Josh has excellent analytical skills and gives deep thought to legal and strategy issues in the cases he works on. He is not afraid to challenge orthodoxies.’

Steven Coles

When it comes to insurance cover advice, there is no one better. Clear and pragmatic advice is always given.’

Ivor Collett

John Greenbourne

‘Very user friendly'

Michael Harper

Michael is truly a master of his trade. He is extremely thorough in his work and will go the extra mile to secure the result for the client. His advice is meticulous, and his advocacy is superb.'

David Myhill

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.

Hamish Fraser

‘Hamish is exceptional for his level. The quality of his advice, written work, and advocacy is well beyond his years. He is a pleasure to work with and not afraid to offer his views even when he is being led by Leading Counsel. He doesn’t have any weaknesses.’