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‘a set that fields incredibly committed individuals'

 

 

 

 

 

 Chambers & Partners 2009

Chambers & Partners 2009

Chambers & Partners ranked Wilberforce Chambers as a leading set for:

Individually ranked for:

Set Overview

A "pre-eminent commercial chancery and insolvency set," Wilberforce Chambers is also endowed with a multiple of skilled IP, professional negligence, real estate litigation and civil fraud practitioners.  Interviewees were more than forthcoming with praise for the individuals here, remarking that "talented, cerebral barristers" abound at a set that continues to be instructed by first-rate firms in complex matters. "A cut above the rest" as far as pensions law is concerned, Wilberforce Chambers is home to a "vast number of specialists with oodles of experience and the highest level of technical knowledge." Both the silks and the juniors are "fully immersed in the pensions culture," and continue to be instructed in the lion's share of the top cases in this sector.  Amongst the horde of highly esteemed silks, here Christopher Nugee QC stands out as particularly worthy of recognition, triumphing in the areas of traditional and commercial chancery.  The recent arrival of Lawrence Cohen QC, an authority on civil fraud, represents a further boost to a set that fields "incredibly committed individuals who never fall short of our expectations."

Leading Set: Chancery Commercial

Strong individuals reside at this pre-eminent set, whose undoubted excellence at traditional chancery work should not overshadow its efforts in the commercial sphere.  Clients say that the set has "a distinct focus and depth in commercial chancery matters and is "a joy to work with -  it really delivers."

Leading Silks:  Ian Croxford QC, Terence Mowschenson QC< Christopher Nugee QC, Jules Sher QC, Lawrence Cohen QC, John Wardell QC,

New Silks: James Ayliffe QC, Thomas Lowe QC

"Heavyweight performer" Ian Croxford QC is "well able to fight difficult cases, " as he is a "superbly effective  and cross-examiner."  He has been busy acting as counsel for the Ritz Hotel in Paris in the Diana, Princess of Wales inquest in the past year. 

The "formidable" Terence Mowschenson QC has "a great breadth of knowledge on financial services, property, equity, banking issues, and commercial matters."   According to one interviewee, "he has a combination of skills which are rarely housed in one individual." 

The spectacularly good Christopher Nugee QC "always goes that extra mile" and impresses all those who encounter him due to his "burning intelligence."  One source said:  "He read all the papers in a complex case in one afternoon, and was able to opine on them beautifully afterwards."  Nugee married a "top-flight pensions practice" with a broader commercial litigation practice, and is "one of the most cerebral and versatile advocates at the Bar." 

Jules Sher QC "has a fine legal brain and takes a commercial approach to his work."  Peers rate him as he is "industrious, persistent and imaginative." 

Clients, meanwhile, commend Lawrence Cohen QC for being "fantastically able, attentive to detail and a real team player." The architect of a successful cross-border litigation practice, he recently appeared in a trusts case in Gibraltar and a fraud case in the BVI.  Competitors concede that "his professionalism is such that you really need to do your preparation beforehand if you are against him."

"Client-friendly" John Wardell QC is highly thought of.  Rated for "doing a superb job when handling difficult situations," he is particularly impressive on paper and recently successfully appeared in Bottin (International) Investments v Venson Group, a complex fraud cause.

New silk James Ayliffe QC is an "intellectual lawyer" who excels at company, banking, property, commercial trusts and professional negligence cases.  Clients enjoy working with him because he is "exceedingly thorough and given to coming up with fresh ideas."

Joining him in silk this year is Thomas Lowe QC:  peers predict that he "will make quite an impression as he has an imposing presence in court and is very clever."  In addition, he is "popular with clients and has a good courtroom style."

Leading Set:  Chancery Traditional

This "very well-run set" distinguishes itself from the majority of its rivals by dint of its long standing in the market and the fact that it furnishes "a greater depth of quality than the competition."  Much of its success derives from its "modern and technologically up-to-date approach," with commentators noting that it is "proactive in offering extremely helpful training seminars."  Fees here are at the top end of the scale, but clients are unanimous in their belief that this is merely a consequence of the fact that "you are paying for quality." 

Leading Silks: Brian Green QC, Robert Ham QC, Christopher Nugee QC, Michael Furness QC, Jules Sher QC, John Martin QC

Leading Juniors: Judith Bryant, Emily Campbell, John Child, Daniel Hochberg, Mark Studer

Up-and-coming individuals:  Jonathan Hilliard, Andrew Mold.

"Practical and confidence-inspiring," Brian Green QC is "a chancery barrister nonpareil." As ever, he has had an exceptionally busy year advising on all aspects of commercial and private trusts.  Without a doubt a major force in the private client world, Green is a "true fixer and trouble-shooter."  "Intellectually flexible," he is "able to effortlessly guide you to where you want to be when you yourself are all at sea about how to get there." 

In additional to being a first-class lawyer, Robert Ham QC is "extremely approachable and responsive in urgent situations."  "Calm when all about him are losing their heads," he is "wholly unflappable and always gives his cases the utmost attention."

The similarly assured Christopher Nugee QC  is seen as "smooth, effortless and at the top of his game."  In court he has a "relaxed and measured manner," something he recently demonstrated in the Charman case.

As an advocate, Michael Furness QC "knows what he is doing - he is robust, analytical and extremely well prepared."  An "incredibly clever man,  " he is firmly rooted in traditional chancery work, having litigated in this area and advised on pensions for a number of years.  According to clients, he is "assiduous, gets on with the cases with the minimum amount of fuss and doesn't suffer fools gladly."

"Golden-tongued advocate" Jules Sher QC is "one of those superb barristers who can turn his hand to almost anything," while

John Martin QC is a "clever, clever man" whose practice encompasses work in trusts, land and charities.

Interviewees think highly of Judith Bryant because she is "marvellous on the non-contentious side of chancery work."  She has particular expertise in dealing with trusts, the taxation of trusts and occupational pension schemes.

Emily Campbell impresses peers as "bright and confident in all she does."  She focuses on trusts and tax law, but is no mean performer at pensions work too. 

Interviewees agree that John Child is a "standout paperwork expert with an extremely good practice."   He covers all aspects of trusts and property advice, proving a good litigator as well as a good draftsman, and acts for several of the leading large family trusts and landed estates.

Clients feel secure in Daniel Hochberg's hands as he is an "extremely intelligent and sophisticated practitioner."  He specialises in property litigation, onshore and offshore trusts litigation and professional negligence.

Commentators respect Mark Studer for his intelligence. Studer handles a broad range of traditional chancery matters, including trusts, professional negligence, probate and succession, charities and property.

Busy junior Jonathan Hilliard's practice has a particular emphasis on trusts and estate and pensions.  He is "very much one to watch in the future,"  as is

Andrew Mold, "an extremely hard-working barrister who thinks beyond the questions put to him by instructing solicitors."  Mold was a junior in the Charman Case.

Leading Set:  Charities

Leading Silks: Edward Nugee QC and Michael Furness QC

In the course of a long and illustrious career at the Chancery Bar, Edward Nugee QC has built up "a phenomenal wealth of knowledge on trust law."  This he applies to the charity sector, winning applause as an "amazingly talented" practitioner who is " one of the bastions of the chancery scene."

Lauded for his masterful handling of pensions and tax law, Michael Furness QC is a talented charities barrister who offers "robust advice" on the establishment of charitable schemes.

Commercial Dispute Resolution

Leading Silks Ian Croxford QC, Terence Mowschenson QC, John Wardell QC, Lawrence Cohen QC

At Wilberforce Chambers, Ian Croxford QC receives commendations for his "thorough preparation and punchy performances."  "A muscular advocate known for his booming delivery," he is "one of the finest cross-examiners around."

"Committed to the end result," John Wardell QC gets "straight to the point and follows it logically to the end," whilst

"impressive team player" Terence Mowschenson QC is acknowledged for his "assured judgement." 

The "incredibly observant" Lawrence Cohen QC recently joined Wilberforce, and is "attentive to the finer points of a case."  He has been acting for the Turkish banking regulator in the Court of Appeal, seeking to obtain enforcement of a judgment against directors of a collapsed bank. 

Company

Leading Silks:  Terence Mowschenson QC

Terence Mowschenson QC of Wilberforce Chambers is "a tough practitioner" whose work receives a great deal of praise from across the market.  His reputation stands on rock-solid foundations.

Leading Set:  Fraud: Civil

Leading Silks: Lawrence Cohen QC, Ian Croxford QC

Up-and-coming individuals: Edward Sawyer

The widely respected Lawrence Cohen QC joined Wilberforce Chambers from XXIV Old Buildings earlier in 2008.  This move is seen as something of a coup for Wilberforce as Cohen is a man of "great depth of knowledge and experience," who is particularly skilled at dealing with large multi-jurisdictional matters.  Often involved in large cases, he has recently been acting for a Turkish Bank Regulator suing the directors and shareholders responsible for a bank collapse.

The foremost thing to note about Ian Croxford QC is "his huge courtroom presence," explain sources.  This, coupled with the fact that the is a "superb cross-examiner who is never afraid to get his hands dirty," makes him a popular choice amongst solicitors.   The range of work he undertakes is wide and varied, but he is noted for having a strong focus on white-collar crime.

Edward Sawyer has had a role in the noteworthy Langbar case.  He regularly takes on matters involving breach of trust and breach of duty by company directors, and is known for being "prodigious, bright and hard-working."

Leading Set: Intellectual Property

Known for handling the commercial end of IP, Wilberforce Chambers is seen to be "growing and doing well" in the area.  Its highlights over the past year have included Anheuser Busch v Budejovicky Budvar Narodni Podnik, United Biscuits v Asda Stores, Mars v Nestle and Oxford Gene Technology v Affymetrix. 

Leading Silks: Michael Bloch QC

Leading Juniors: Alan Bryson,  Anna Carboni

It is home to Michael Bloch QC, a "polished advocate who works extremely hard." Clients appreciate that "he is available and works to a tight timetable," and also praise his understanding of the commercial objectives of a case.

Previously at Clifford Chance, Alan Bryson "has all the skills of a former solicitor in knowing how to deal with the client and how to think commercially from the outset."  He is "bright in any area" but most impressive on the trade mark side.

Anna Carboni is a "great addition" and "brings skills which complement the set."  Her time as a solicitor at Linklaters means she is "great at seeing the commercial angle," and is also highly user-friendly.  She is particularly strong on trade marks and parallel imports.

Leading Set: Pensions

A set "immersed in the pensions culture" and possessing "unrivalled experience of pensions issues," Wilberforce Chambers remains intrinsic to the sector.  Boasting considerable strength and depth, the set is well populated by pension specialists who are "universally of the highest quality."  As an illustration of the set's vitality, sources asserted that throughout the past year, at least one member could be found on almost every momentous pensions case taking place.

Leading Silks: Brian Green QC, Michael Furness QC, Christopher Nugee QC, Michael Tennet QC, Robert Ham QC

Leading Juniors: Paul Newman, Jonathan Evans, Emily Campbell

Up-and-coming individuals:  Jonathan Hilliard

Brian Green QC is "the top man for pensions here and anywhere else."  Peers cannot praise his work highly enough, lauding him as "a free-thinking and innovative counsel who always has at least one unusual idea to develop."  Observers are stunned by his interpersonal skills, describing him as "one of those people who has the intelligence but is also exceptionally good with clients."  Green acted for the trustees of the Sea Containers 1983 Pension Scheme during the parent company's insolvency, successfully obtaining the first financial support direction ever made by the Pensions Regulator. He has also been providing consistent advice to denationalised schemes, including the Railways Pensions Scheme and the Electricity Pensions Scheme. 

Known for being "an extremely practical and focused" pensions specialist with "an excellent grasp of technical issues," Michael Furness QC remains in the vanguard of the sector.  As an example of the "excellent work" he has undertaken Furness went before the Pensions Regulator, acting for the independent trustees of the GEC Pension Scheme during the Telent takeover by a subsidiary of the Pensions Corporation.  He has also been involved in a significant rectification case for an extremely high-value scheme.

Christopher Nugee QC is commended for being "an excellent leader by any measure." A man constantly in demand and with a consequently heavy workload, he applied himself to everything with "a remarkably clear mind, ensuring his advice is always highly reliable."  Commentators notes that he is "absolutely brilliant if you have a complicated problem," pointing out that his "fantastic confidence and excellent client skills" prove a boon in any case he handles.  His many supporters assert that Nugee is one of the best as he has an "ability to remain completely unfazed even when dealing with the most difficult situations." 

Michael Tennet QC has made the leap from revered junior to respected silk with ease.  "Clever, exceptional on his feet and very persuasive," he displays competence on actuarial cases and regularly applied his "excellent mathematical brain" to work for the Pensions Protection Fund and the Pensions Regulator.  He wins the confidence of many as he is "technically rigorous" and also "fantastically approachable" at all times. 

A silk who "almost defines the concept of being a safe pair of hands," Robert Ham QC is "incredibly charming, extremely receptive, relaxed and easy to work with." He combines this amiability with a skill for providing "clear, concise advice" that brings him instruction after instruction.  "Able to refine issues in a commercial way," Ham creates "a very reassuring atmosphere for the client and gets to the heart of the matter in a non-technical way."

Paul Newman is secure in his status as "the absolute star" of the pensions juniors.  "Willing to stick his neck out and get involved," he is beloved by solicitors as he is "exceptionally hard-working, extraordinarily confident  and extremely clever."  He has been notably involved in cases regarding employer contribution provisions and corrections to scheme documentation of late and, although he is a junior, he is felt to bring to these and other cases "all the strength of a silk."

Jonathan Evans brings "an exceptionally high level of eloquence" to his cases.  Commentators very much admire his ability to handle difficult negotiations and remain "calm under pressure."  "Very impressive on his feet," he is "able to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear when defending."  

A junior with "an amazing intellect," Emily Campbell impresses all with her "superb work ethic and ability to focus not only on the relevant factors in favour of her clients but also on any potential weaknesses in the case she has to present."  Recently,  Campbell has undertaken highly significant cases covering a variety of pension scheme funding issues and professional negligence claims. 

Peers agree that Jonathan Hilliard is "fiendishly intelligent" and has a "complete mastery of his subject."  He has acted for both the Pensions Regulator and the Pension Protection Fund, and has advised the trustees in the recent Sea Containers case.  Exceeding all expectations of someone of his call, Hilliard is "a man with a glittering career in front of him."

Leading Set: Professional Negligence

This leading Chancery set has "real specialist knowledge" when it comes to professional negligence and offers "strong barristers who deliver a high-quality service."

Leading Silks: Jonathan Seitler QC, Ian Croxford QC, Christopher Nugee QC, John Wardell QC

New Silks:  Thomas Lowe QC

Leading Juniors:  Paul Newman

Jonathan Seitler QC comes highly recommended, particularly for property-related work.  His "single minded determination" makes him a favourite for tough cases, and he has a notable track record of handling cases involving complex commercial transactions.

Ian Croxford QC enjoys a broad caseload but continues to emphasise the professional liability side of his practice.  A "fantastic trial advocate," he is noted for his strength in accountants' and solicitors' negligence cases.

Christopher Nugee QC also has "enormous depth of experience." His appearances in court have covered a diverse array of issues, including the date of knowledge for limitation purposes in a negligence claim.

John Wardell QC is "as intellectual and commercial as he is client-friendly and versatile,"  solicitors state.  Many clients' "first choice for a complex case," he maintains a particular interest in property valuation cases, although he also acts for and against solicitors and accountants.

Thomas Lowe QC tackles claims with an offshore component, especially those relating to the collapse of investment funds.  He acts for accountants, auditors, valuers, solicitors and financial advisers. 

Paul Newman has "real depth of knowledge" and is a favourite for pensions negligence cases.

Leading Set: Real Estate Litigation

Wilberforce Chambers is a set that, according to interviewees, "makes you feel like a valued client." Its barristers are exposed to a variety of real estate matters, and have of late been handling an increased number of challenges to rent review.  However, they are au fait with all aspects of the sector.

Leading Silks: Michael Barnes QC, Jonathan Seitler QC,  Jonathan Karas QC, Christopher Nugee QC, John Furber QC

New Silks:  James Ayliffe QC

Leading Juniors:  Martin Hutchings, Joanne Wicks,  Jonathan Evans, Gabriel Fadipe, Tiffany Scott

The "exceptionally bright" Michael Barnes QC a lawyer of "enormous experience" who is particularly distinguished as a result of his flawless reputation in rent reviews and valuations.  "Best used on high-end cases where a lot is a stake," he recently appeared in Penny's Bay Investment Company v Government of Hong Kong, arguing the meaning of injurious affection. 

"Innovative in his thinking," Jonathan Seitler QC seems to constantly be involved in the biggest cases of the year: this was evidenced by his involvement in L&G v Metrovacesa, one of the first major pieces of litigation to emerge from the credit crunch.  This "engaging and inventive barrister" also acted in relation to the development of Cambridge City football stadium.  His direct style may not be to everyone's taste - "he calls a spade a spade and doesn't let you down gently" - but there is no debating his "fine brain and ability to turn complicated legal issues into simple propositions."

Continuing to act in high profile cases, the "dogged" Jonathan Karas QC has been involved in ongoing litigation over rights of way to a substantial development site in Manchester.  Sources comment that he is "delightful to work with" and "extremely effective in identifying the appropriate areas on which to take the fight to the opposition."

Clients also have "nothing but praise" for Christopher Nugee QC.  A general chancery barrister by trade, he can handle the company and insolvency aspects of real estate disputes.  "Incredibly persuasive, with a fearsome intellect to match," he was recently successful in the House of Lords, handling a complicated case about the proceeds of sale of a closed school. 

John Furber QC is described as "a real gentleman of the old school," and is appreciated by clients for his "sound, sensible advice." He frequently acts for National Parks Limited, Punch Taverns and Nevill Estate, and was involved in a three-day trial involving an attempt by residential leases to acquire the freehold of a mixed-use building in central London.  One of the newly appointed silks of 2008 James Ayliffe QC is "a tough opponent" whose broad practice encompasses pensions, professional negligence and trusts, as well as property work.  He is "about as clever as you can get."

Martin Hutchings has had another busy year, handling cases involving Party Wall etc Act appeals, repudiatory breaches and a multimillion pound property fraud.  He appeared in the Court of Appeal in December 2007 in the case of Ravensgate Properties v Horizon Housing Ltd, a matter concerning a terminal dilapidations.

Joanne Wicks "sees the whole picture" and "really fills clients with confidence."  A recent highlight for her was her involvement in Cannon Bridge Properties Ltd v Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd, a multimillion-pound claim over building works to be carried out on Cannon Street station. 

The practice of Jonathan Evans includes all aspects of both commercial residential landlord and tenant disputes; as well as general real property disputes and related areas of professional negligence.  His practice covers commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes; a recent case involved an adverse possession claim that raised key points concerning the relationship between private property rights and rights under ECHR. 

The "forthright and readily accessible" Garbriel Fadipe has a broad practice that includes sports law, IP disputes and fraud.  His property practice concentrates more specifically on mortgages and landlord and tenant disputes.

Tiffany Scott has impressed the market this year with her "extremely user-friendly and thorough" approach.  Her practice covers all aspects of commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes and real property matters and she has been particularly involved in right to light and nuisance cases of late. 

Sport

Leading Silks:  David Phillips QC

...very popular in the market, as is David Phillips QC of Wilberforce Chambers.  A very active silk, Phillips has represented a number of FA League clubs in disputes.

Tax

Leading Silks:  Michael Furness QC

Michael Furness QC is a member of Wilberforce Chambers with extensive experience of trusts and tax.  He is appreciated by tax litigation law firms for his "sensible, straightforward advice on difficult and sensitive issues."

Travel

Leading Silks: John Wardell QC

"Exceptional in jurisdictional cases," John Wardell QC of Wilberforce Chambers specialises in multiparty claims and fatal accidents abroad.  He is rated for his "straightforward and formidable approach."