Philip Rainey KC
The leading KC in this set is intellectually excellent and a very persuasive and impressive advocate.
Barristers at Tanfield Chambers frequently appear in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court, acting on the full range of property litigation. Philip Rainey KC was instructed in Spender v FIT Nominee, which provided a key decision on whether the costs of a long-term agreement entered into by a landlord are reasonably incurred for the purposes of s19(1)(a) of the 1985 Landlord and Tenant Act. Rainey also led Marc Glover in Mitchell v Al Jaber which went to the Supreme Court and explored issues of fiduciary duty and the denial of equitable compensation following the Sheikh’s transfer of valueless shares out of the ownership of a BVI company.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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.
Michael Buckpitt
I can highly recommend him. He is exceptionally bright, with a keen analytical mind and an impressive ability to get to the heart of even the most complex issues. Michael is meticulous in his preparation and leaves no stone unturned, ensuring that every angle is explored and every argument is fully developed. This thoroughness underpins his strength as an advocate. In court, he is both robust and highly persuasive, presenting his client’s case with clarity, confidence, and conviction. He combines intellectual rigor with a practical, strategic approach that makes him particularly effective in challenging and high-stakes matters. He is a barrister of real quality, and one you can rely on to deliver outstanding results.
Edward Denehan
Edward has been brilliant all along, grasping the issues very well and providing outstanding support and advice on the case.
Carl Fain
I have worked with Carl for over 20 years. He is highly knowledgeable and has a great deal of experience, which is reflected in his advice, which is always detailed, thorough, and practical. He is a tenacious but professional advocate who is able to think quickly on his feet.
Marc Glover
Marc is technically excellent, strategically astute, and outstanding with clients. He thrives on complex matters, quickly mastering the details while never losing sight of the commercial objectives. He works as a true member of the team and inspires confidence in clients from the outset.
Daniel Dovar
DD has superior knowledge of the CPR and property statutes compared to most. He has the ability to explain and deal with things in a simplistic way, even when discussing complex problems. He sees the wood from the trees. DD's advocacy is exceptional, delivering evidence, cross-examination, and submissions with politeness, firmness, and precision.
Piers Harrison
Piers has an in-depth understanding of property law, bringing both technical expertise and practical insight to matters. He is good with clients and provides commercial advice.
Nicola Muir
Nicola is a highly effective advocate, consistently delivering a strong standard of representation in leasehold enfranchisement cases.
Nicola performs particularly well in contested and technically complex proceedings before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). She presents cases with clarity and precision, has a firm grasp of difficult valuation and statutory issues, and deals confidently with judicial scrutiny. Her advocacy is well-judged and persuasive, providing reassurance to both instructing solicitors and clients in high-stakes matters.
Alongside her advocacy strengths, Nicola offers clear and strategic advice, ensuring cases are prepared and presented with a sound appreciation of likely tribunal approach and outcome. She is reliable, responsive, and constructive to work with, and her calm, professional manner is particularly valuable in contentious proceedings.
Sam Madge-Wyld
Sam uses few words where only a few are necessary in both oral and written delivery - this sets him apart as confident, clear, and direct, which impresses our clients.
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.
