‘IP powerhouse’ Three New Square is home to a number of active barristers including Guy Burkill KC, who boasts particular expertise in the patent litigation arena, especially in cases surrounding the telecoms and technology industries. Douglas Campbell KC is another notable silk, and he practices in patent, trade mark, and confidential information cases. Thomas Hinchliffe KC also specialises in patent-related work, specifically in cases involving the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and computing sectors. Tom Mitcheson KC is another active team member who has been instructed on a large volume of leading and high-profile cases. Turning to the juniors, Denise McFarland has a thriving trade marks practice, and Tim Austen regularly appears before a range of courts for his clients, including the Patents Court, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Commercial Court, as well as the EPO.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The chambers is an IP powerhouse with an excellent clerking team. Nick Hill is first rate, junior clerk Georgia Onyett is learning the ropes well and Zena Robbins on reception is a warm and welcoming presence for all clients.'
- 'The clerks are generally just a pleasure to deal with. We get fantastic service from all of the clerks but I have been very impressed with Owen Beedle this year. He has handled a complex matter for me with great professionalism and skill and always with good humour. Nick Hill is always fantastic to deal with and I appreciate his input and guidance on advocate options and listings.'
- 'The clerks are fantastic, in particular Nick Hill, who is the best clerk in town. He is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and available. He will go out of his way to ensure that you are looked after, will push for the best position in listing and other court matters whilst always being extremely professional and friendly. I cannot think of a better clerks’ room in IP specialist chambers.'
- 'Nick Hill was always very easy to interact with and friendly. Interactions with Nick were always friendlier and smoother than other interactions with the clerks.'
- 'Very good service from the clerks, especially Nick Hill, who is a very experienced clerk and ensures his barristers have sufficient time in their diaries for patent dispute work.'
- 'Nick Hill is a standout clerk.'
- 'Nick Hill and Tim Fairburn are both great to work with.'
- 'Very responsive clerks who are polite and professional. We were dealing with Tim Fairburn for the majority of the big trademark opposition, and he was always helpful and gave accurate fee estimates.'
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.
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.
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.
