Joanne Wicks KC
Calm, methodical analysis delivers a robust view on merits. She rolls up her sleeves and works closely with the solicitor team to deliver succinct advice and well-structured, persuasive advocacy.
Wilberforce Chambers is well-regarded for its extensive capabilities across property litigation. Members of the set routinely act in both commercial and residential landlord and tenant cases as well as development, rural economy and title matters. Recent highlights include London Trocadero v Picturehouse Cinemas and others, concerning landlords taking secret commissions on insurance payments – Jonathan Seitler KC is acting for the tenant and leading Benjamin Faulkner. Martin Hutchings KC is leading Harriet Holmes in Almacantar Centre Point Nominee No.1 Ltd & Anr v. 17 leaseholders of flats in Centre Point House, the first Court of Appeal case to provide guidance on the definition of ‘cladding remediation’ in the Building Safety Act.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Wilberforce Chambers is one of the country's leading sets. The quality of the clerking team is top-notch, with a special shout-out to Fraser Geddes, who really sets the standard that the rest of the team strives to meet. They are a pleasure to work with. The quality of the barristers speaks for itself, with market-leading KCs and juniors.
- Wilberforce is a highly regarded set in the property litigation sphere and is well known for the strength and depth of its chancery barristers. In my experience, Wilberforce comprises excellent depth of expertise and incredibly capable barristers, and they are always a pleasure to deal with.
- There is an excellent clerking team and strength in depth.
- Wilberforce is my go-to set. An incredible chambers that never lets me down.
- Andrew Barnes: exceptional
- Excellent. All members are excellent. They work as an exceptionally well-oiled machine - they have a simpatico rarely seen amongst barristers. There is a vast array of very decent practitioners, and you are always aware that the suggested counsel are selected for their experience, but also for their fit with the client. As deputy head of chambers, JSKC has been instrumental in making them a very human, accessible, and excellent business partner in litigation.
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.
John McGhee KC
He is a top KC - fantastic clarity of vision even when faced with a huge amount of information. He tells you the commercial risks and how to mitigate them. A truly premier league KC.
Jonathan Seitler KC
Jonathan is the go-to barrister for complex, high-stakes property litigation work. He is unflappable and always gives the sense that he is in control of the narrative. For a barrister with such a formidable track record, he is always approachable and a pleasure to work with.
Jonathan Davey KC
His cross-examination skills are second to none.
Tiffany Scott KC
Tiffany Scott KC is a class act. Her advice to clients is clear, technically focused, and pitched at the right level even on the most legally complex issues. She steers strategy with robust decisions and reassures with her command of the detail.
Julian Greenhill KC
Julian is so accessible, and it really feels like you are part of one team when you're working with him. He is so clear and concise in his advice (both written and oral) while also being totally commercial. This has been invaluable when working on complex legal issues - he can cut through the complexities with ease and get to the heart of the matter for the client.
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.
Jonathan Chew
Simply brilliant - always all over the detail and helps to put a great strategy together. Clients feel very comfortable with his reassuring presence and calm approach. Absolutely brilliant on his feet and very persuasive with his advocacy. He is always 100% invested in his clients and cases and thinks through all possible eventualities before giving very considered advice. Completely top drawer.
Alice Hawker
Alice is extremely client-friendly. She is emotionally intelligent and has a quick grasp of the situation. She is very approachable and understanding - she never makes you feel as though any question is too small and will always take the time (via phone and email) to address the same with thoroughness.
Her advocacy in the Supreme Court was fantastic. She was clear, concise, and thorough - her advocacy required no flamboyance as her advocacy alone was effective enough.
Tom Roscoe
Very commercial advice. Sensible, straightforward, and easy to utilize.
Joseph Steadman
Clear, comprehensive, commercial advice. Joseph's advice was given in a way that the client could easily understand, while also being thorough.
Simon Atkinson
Simon is an outstanding advocate who combines razor-sharp legal analysis with a calm, authoritative courtroom presence. His ability to distill complex issues into clear, persuasive submissions is exceptional. Judges visibly engage with his arguments, and he has a rare talent for anticipating and neutralizing opposing points before they gain traction.
His written advocacy is equally impressive. Skeleton arguments and position statements are meticulously structured and forensically researched. He has an instinctive feel for which points will resonate with the bench and is disciplined enough to jettison weaker arguments rather than diluting the strength of his case.
Daniel Petrides
Daniel is always a pleasure to work with, and he is hugely bright, engaging, and impressive. He knows his subject very well, has good ideas on tricky matters, and gives good and inspired answers to questions. Clients are clearly impressed by him. He is also very charismatic. His advocacy skills are excellent, and he is always willing to put up a good fight where it is needed. Definitely one of the future leaders of the property bar!
Mark Galtrey
First choice counsel for a broad spectrum of real estate disputes. Ability to create strong rapport with a diverse client base - professional, empathetic, and approachable. Gets to grips with complex issues swiftly and always provides a commercial, practical approach that aligns with the often technical aspects of our specialism. Always genuinely committed to achieving the client's objectives and thinks outside the box. Superb all-rounder: technically astute, strong client skills, sound judgment, and clear, practical advice that adds real value to the client.
Daniel Scott
Daniel is a very strong junior barrister and consistently delivers advice that is at a level above his call. Daniel has very prompt turnaround times and is always clear and unequivocal in his advice. Daniel is always willing to get "stuck in" on the case and to help out on ad-hoc queries, as well as on more substantial workstreams such as hearing preparation and preparing statements of case.
Francesca Mitchell
Francesca is a formidable and dependable advocate. She is quick-thinking and can deliver courtroom submissions with a clear and persuasive manner.