St Philips Chambers boasts a reputation for offering ‘strength in depth’ when it comes to employment law barristers, fielding a sizeable team that regularly acts for large private employers, public sectors clients such as NHS trusts and local authorities, and individuals. Edmund Beever, head of the employment group at chambers and part-time employment judge, offers broad expertise covering dismissal, discrimination, and whistleblowing cases. Sophie Garner was recently instructed by the claimant, a part-time senior manager allegedly denied a pay rise on the grounds that her husband earned sufficiently enough to provide for the household, in high-profile discrimination case Jiang v James Durrans Sheffield Ltd. Francis Mortin represents both claimants and respondents in worker status, discrimination, and whistleblowing claims. He is noted by clients for his advocacy and client care skills. Alexander Rozycki recently represented the claimant in D’Arcy v Rugby School and Govorusa – the housemistress bringing numerous claims against the school, including for whistleblowing detriment, disability discrimination, and victimisation, after she was suspended after allegations she acted inappropriately with students.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Oliver Edwards is very responsive, helpful and proactive.'
- 'Janita Patel is a go-to clerk. She is always friendly, cheerful, happy to help and responsive.'
- 'Oliver Edwards and Janita Patel are amazing - they are on it and provide a seamless and 5-star service.'
- 'The clerks at St Phillips provide timely responses and ensure an effective level of communication.'
- 'St Philips Chambers have a number of excellent barristers with a range of skill sets.'
- 'A very good set with high quality advocates that are easy to approach.'
- 'St Philips is an outstanding chambers. They have a huge breadth of skill, knowledge and experience. The clerks have a great ability to ensure appropriate counsel is available, even at short notice. The training sessions are also really useful.'
Lawyers
2025 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.
Edmund Beever
'Ed is a first port of call: his technical ability and knowledge of the law is impressive, he is a real team-player, and from a client perspective it is a real bonus that Ed is so approachable and explains the law clearly in a way clients can understand. He is also able to provide practical advice and help clients make good commercial decisions.'
Sophie Garner
‘Sophie is a very experienced barrister who is fantastic with clients. She is one of the leading experts on discrimination law and as a result of her experience and expertise you always have confidence in the legal and tactical advice that she provides. She is a battle-hardened advocate who is articulate, quick thinking and very effective in a tribunal.'
Elizabeth Hodgetts
‘Elizabeth is number one choice in all matters. She is incredibly detailed, is always fully immersed in the case, and her advocacy skills are second-to-none.’
Mirza Ahmad
'Mirza has a good grasp of complex issues and his advocacy is clear and concise.'
Julie Duane
Julie is responsive, pragmatic and proactive in case management. She gets to the heart of cases quickly and is always ready with advice and recommendations on strategy. She is also not afraid to roll up her sleeves in court.’
Patrick Keith
‘Patrick is a formidable advocate. He is analytical, sharp and very strong in cross-examination. His ability to convey complex legal points with clarity and conviction is truly remarkable. His persuasive delivery underscores his mastery of legal advocacy and his commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.'
Alexander Rozycki
‘Alexander is an effective advocate and regularly achieves great results. His advice is practical for clients and he is responsive and helpful when working together.'
Anthony Johnston
‘Anthony is an excellent advocate and superb in cross-examination. In addition to his advocacy skills his legal knowledge, depth of experience and gravitas inspire confidence in clients and he is highly organised in managing cases at trial.’
Petar Starcevic
‘Petar has a very calm, measured manner and style, which puts clients and witnesses at ease. He brings this approach to his advocacy, whilst still being able to firmly articulate the points he needs to make in cross-examination.’
Paul Wilson
Paul is able to get to grips with the facts and issues of matters very quickly. He is well organised and takes a very calm and sensible approach to his advocacy and is very persuasive in his arguments. Clients find him personable and approachable.'
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.
