Chambers & Partners 2011

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

Individually ranked for:

International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance
Sport
Financial Services
Travel

Set Overview

Wilberforce Chambers is a set of outstanding pedigree that represents the very best that Lincoln's inn has to offer. It has for some time been at the very pinnacle of the traditional chancery law world, offering excellent advice to an extensive range of private clients. Pensions law and charities work have been particularly fruitful areas for it (the set recently had a major role in the massive Pilots Pension Scheme litigation), alongside the usual diet of trusts and probate work. Of late, it has moved with success into more commercial areas of the law. Commentators note that it is now as likely to go toe to toe with the magic circle commercial sets in the Commercial Court as it is to appear in the Chancery Division.

Whatever the arena, Wilberforce has "dependable, proactive and well-clerked" members who can more than hold their own. Running at a ratio of almost one silk to every junior, it has "individuals who explore all the avenues" and "offer tremendous value for money despite their relatively high price tags." They include the "utterly outstanding" Christopher Nugee QC, whose name often crops up in connection with the more high-profile cases in the marketing. "A man with a brain like a Swiss watch, he oozes knowledge" and is key draw for instructions to the set. The same is also true of Brian Green QC, a chancery luminary who wows solicitors and clients with his "meticulous attention to details and great fighting spirit".

Chancery: Commercial (Band 2)

Ranked:
Andrew Mold (Band U)
Christopher Nugee QC (Band 1)
Clare Stanley (Band 3)
Edward Sawyer (Band 3)
Ian Croxford QC (Band 2)
John Wardell QC (Band 2)
Lawrence Cohen QC (Band 2)
Terence Mowschenson QC (Band 1)
Thomas Lowe QC (Band 3)

THE SET Many solicitors are powerfully drawn to Wilberforce Chambers as a result of its all too evident commercial chancery expertise. A set that gives "plenty of bang for your buck," it is a "proactive, well-managed" chambers that billets barristers with some of the finest minds at the Bar. It is also extremely well clerked.

SILKS The "inspiring and tremendously industrious" Terence Mowschenson QC is valued by solicitors as he is "a real outside-the-box thinker." As one interviewee explained, "if I wanted to bounce some unusual ideas around I would definitely see him as my first port of call." Stablemate Christopher Nugee QC, meanwhile, wins over that not insignificant base of clients who wish to avoid aloof or grandstanding barristers. "He is tremendously grounded and ordinary," sources enthuse, "and has an uncanny knack of exceeding expectations at every turn." His "amazing powers of focus" and "exemplary knowledge of his subject" were much commented upon. His recent work highlights include acting for Persimmon Homes in a contractual dispute involving a development agreement. Lawrence Cohen QC is well acquainted with legal issues affecting financial institutions and hedge funds. Ever helpful, he "provides definitive answers to difficult questions" and has "a gift for coming up with particularly innovative and creative solutions."

Peers were quick to extol the advocacy skills of all-round commercial chancery expert Ian Croxford QC. "An enjoyably vivacious court perfomer," he is "a fantastically charismatic man who really lights up the room." His specialism lies in those cases with a strong accountancy element, and he recently handled a dispute over a joint venture concession in the energy sector. Thomas Lowe QC is "an astute professional who gets to the kernel of a matter quickly." Insolvency, professional negligence and trusts litigation are all grist to his mill, and he is "noted for really putting the hours in to ensure the client remains happy." Of late he has been making a name for himself in hedge fund litigation and partnership disputes in this area. Newcomer to the rankings John Wardell QC is fully at home before the judiciary and has the knack of pulling in high-profile case after high-profile case. Recently, he has handled commercial disputes over Greenland mining licences and an attempt by two banks to recover monies from confectioner Ferrero. Commentators lost no time in identifying his "natural cross-examination skills" and "old-school advocacy" as central to his success.

Edward Sawyer moves up the tables on the back of his successful, wide-ranging chancery practice. He is a big hit among solicitors both for his offshore expertise and for the fact that he "manages his time tremendously well." They further commend his "innate ability to flesh out all the details in a case." "Punchy" Clare Stanley "is not afraid to go all out in even the very biggest of cases," sources state. "One of those barristers that come out fighting, she is resolute and gets results in court." Her accomplishments in fraud and asset tracing lend great weight to her reputation. She is recommended along with Andrew Mold, whom solicitors use for cases involving partnership disputes, trusts and breaches of fiduciary duties. In addition to being clever, Mold is "deeply attentive to the needs of all his clients" and "incredibly easy to deal with."

Chancery: Traditional (Band 1)

Ranked:
Andrew Mold (Band U)
Brian Green QC (Band *)
Christopher Nugee QC (Band 1)
Daniel Hochberg (Band 2)
Emily Campbell (Band 3)
John Child (Band 2)
John Martin QC (Band 3)
Judith Bryant (Band 2)
Mark Studer (Band 3)
Michael Furness QC (Band 3)
Robert Ham QC (Band 1)

THE SET Wilberforce Chambers leads the chancery market due to its superior breadth, depth and experience. The set can be proud of its efforts in fostering talent at all levels, and is noted by solicitors for having experts who can handle aspects of traditional chancery work. Pensions work remains its blue riband discipline but it is as happy handling trusts, property and probate work, either at home or abroad. Outstanding commitment to providing only the very best is the watchword here, and this ethos permeates down to its clerks who are known for their efficiency.

SILKS The "truly brilliant" Brian Green QC is "the man to go to when faced with the toughest cases that would flummox persons of lesser ability." A "delightful advocate," he "pieces arguments together brilliantly and is a master strategist." Tax and trust issues form the bulk of his practice, but his knowledge extends across the traditional chancery board to further take in pensions and professional negligence claims. Robert Ham QC stands out for his powers of analysis and ability to deliver his opinions in a "thoughtful, concise and articulate" manner, especially when it comes to trusts questions. Peers admire his "encyclopaedic mind" and "ability to work amicably with opponents even in the most emotive or heated of cases." Christopher Nugee QC is highly favoured among those seeking an advocate who can "fight his clients' corner until the very end." Excellent at contentious trust litigation, he is popular as he "remains calm and shows great judgement in tight situations." Michael Furness QC has applied his "phenomenal chancery brain" to a variety of trust-oriented work of late. He is also widely acknowledged by commentators as a true expert on pensions. Like Furness, John Martin QC "has bags and bags of experience." He oversees a broad practice that takes in trusts, land and breach of trust disputes.

JUNIORS Wilberforce's celebrated contingent of juniors includes Judith Bryant, who handles a number of high-value trust-related issues. Satisfied clients attest to her "first-class mind and mature consideration of all the issues." They also favour John Child as he "understands all the client's concerns" and "take actions to deal with the live issues in a case at the first opportunity." He is valued for his sage counsel on trusts and revenue cases. Daniel Hochberg pulls away from the crowd due to his "superbly well-written opinions," clients say. He handles all manner of concerns relating to trusts and is a safe pair of hands for property litigation and all types of offshore work.

Equipped with "top-notch credentials," Emily Campbell is instructed on a wide selection of chancery issues, including trust and probate cases. Peers concede that she "is clever and has an enviable ability to cut to the chase." Mark Studer has been tackling a portfolio of both non-contentious and litigious work with a heavy focus on questions of trusts and tax. "He is excellent at reassuring difficult or anxious clients," claim interviewees. With a growing profile and increasing visibility in the market, Andrew Mold is beginning to make a name for himself. A lawyer with a thorough understanding of trust disputes and the treatment of trust assets in divorce cases, he is "rapidly maturing as an advocate," according to observers.

Charities (Band 3)

Ranked:
Edward Nugee QC (Band 3)
Mark Studer (Band 3)
Michael Furness QC (Band 3)

THE SET Wilberforce members' "real-world understanding of trust and charity law" is as significant to its charity clients as the "brilliant, friendly and flexible clerks, who will always get back to you on the barristers' availability." Contentious probate is a particular forte for the set, with its tenants being particularly active for religious and educational clients. Praise falls on the set due to its willingness to negotiate on fees and its comprehension of the fact that charities all too often have to operate on limited budgets.

SILKS Despite having been at the Bar for over half a century now, Edward Nugee QC continues to chip away at the coalface and recently advised on the duties of the Church Commissioners for England on the management of their investments. Unsurprisingly for one so experienced, it is said of him that "there is nothing he has not seen professionally" in his long and varied career. Although not quite as long-serving as Nugee, Michael Furness QC is a more than seasoned performer, having notched up nearly 40 years at the Bar himself. "Incredibly frank, principled and approachable," he has a full portfolio of work and recently advised a grant-making charity on its investment powers. Solicitors like him as he "understands both charity and commercial law, discusses things frankly and is not one to lecture."

JUNIORS The "keen and thorough" Mark Studer wins praise for a practice which includes private client, trust and charity work. "He is both charming and brilliant in equal measure," point out trustees, many of whom have sought his advice on charity governance issues.

Commercial Dispute Resolution (Band 3)

Ranked:
Ian Croxford QC (Band 3)
James Ayliffe QC (Band 5)
John Wardell QC (Band 4)
Lawrence Cohen QC (Band 5)
Terence Mowschenson QC (Band 4)

THE SET Thanks to its strong background in commercial chancery disputes, Wilberforce Chambers has developed an impressive niche in big-ticket commercial litigation. The set is particularly strong at silk level, where its trusts and fraud expertise is increasingly sought after by commercial clients. On the client service front, the "first-class clerks" are praised for their "proactive, efficient and financially realistic approach."

SILKS Ian Croxford QC is a "superb cross-examiner who has a forceful presence in court." He has a broad commercial practice and is widely recognised as one of the go-to silks for cases involving complex accounting issues. Banking and financial services expert Terence Mowschenson QC is a highly sought-after silk thanks to his "careful analysis of complex legal issues and his ability to get to the heart of the matter." The master of a busy practice, he recently appeared in a case concerning £130 million worth of loans made to a state-owned company which contended that the loans were made ultra vires. Equally in demand, John Wardell QC is a "first-rate cross-examiner who is fearless in his approach." His recent practice has focused on three major commercial fraud cases. Stablemate Lawrence Cohen QC is "technically sound and great in court." He has handled a number of large-scale business disputes, as has James Ayliffe QC, who is hailed for his "excellent analysis of complex legal cases and calming manner in court." His practice is exceptionally broad, covering insolvency, banking, financial services and professional negligence disputes. Ayliffe recently acted in a large-scale dispute concerning the ownership of the £2 billion residual inherited estate of Norwich Union and Commercial Union.

Company (Band 4)

Ranked:
Lawrence Cohen QC (Band 3)
Terence Mowschenson QC (Band 2)

THE SET Observers continue to praise Wilberforce Chambers for the strides it has made in company law. The set itself is a chancery fortress large enough to accommodate individuals who have an interest in the company arena.

SILKS The impressive roster of silks includes Terence Mowschenson QC. According to sources, "few at the Bar have such extensive knowledge." He is a "polymath" whose transactional expertise is "perfectly suited to company law disputes with a City angle that require an understanding of the regulatory environment." Fellow silk Lawrence Cohen QC is praised by clients for his "extremely creative, timely and thorough advice" on UK and Commonwealth matters.

Dispute Resolution: Mediators

Ranked: UK-wide
Jonathan Seitler QC (Band 4)

Seitler is praised for his ability to "see through a mass of details and focus on the core issues that are obstructing a resolution." His recognised areas of expertise include professional negligence, property and commercial disputes. Sources commend his "ability to think laterally and find creative solutions."

Fraud: Civil (Band 3)

Ranked:
Edward Sawyer (Band 4)
Ian Croxford QC (Band 2)
John Wardell QC (Band 2)
Lawrence Cohen QC (Band 2)

THE SET "Businesslike, alert and hands-on clerks" assist some of the finest chancery barristers in the market at a set that is more than capable of handling the most taxing fraud cases.

SILKS Hailed as "a great team player who clients just adore," Lawrence Cohen QC is highly regarded for his work in relation to fraud arising from insolvencies. "Highly pragmatic, and focused on achieving the client's objectives," he recently represented the provisional liquidator in a Jersey and BVI-based matter concerning a fraudulent loan securitisation trust structure. Similarly impressive, Ian Croxford QC is lauded for his admirable advocacy skills. "Excellent in court and a real bruiser," Croxford is regularly seen in difficult and demanding cases. Of late, he has recently acted for three defendants in a £70 million conspiracy claim brought by five major UK brewers in a case revolving around the alleged theft and conversion of beer kegs. Another recommended silk, John Wardell QC "has the capacity to take on mammoth trials and immerse himself completely in every detail." "Bright and quick," he was involved in the Langbar matter, and also represented two banks in relation to the recovery of EUR40 million from a number of hazelnut exporters.

JUNIORS Having appeared as a junior in a number of landmark cases, including Langbar and the enormous Jahre, Wahr-Hansen matter, Edward Sawyer has become preferred counsel for complex, long-running fraud claims. Described as "fantastically intelligent with an amazing forensic brain," Sawyer is a regular in the Chancery Division, and is currently appearing on behalf of the defendants in the Taplin v Taplin case concerning the fraudulent transfer of a residential property.

Intellectual Property

Ranked: London
Alan Bryson (Band 2)
Michael Bloch QC (Band 2)

Michael Bloch QC of Wilberforce Chambers is a "formidable advocate with an ingenious mind," bringing "a level of authority to proceedings which enables him to win the ear of the court." "Charming, approachable and pleasant to work with," he is "able to come up with innovative ideas that change the dynamics of a case." He handles a wide range of commercial disputes, and attracts high-profile IP cases such as the Lucasfilm v Ainsworth 'Star Wars' litigation and Specsavers v Asda.

At the same chambers, former Clifford Chance solicitor Alan Bryson is "very good at explaining complicated matters to clients in a succinct way" and is "excellent at managing the litigation process." A "team player who stays calm under pressure," he is sought out by clients such as Mars and Lego for his specialist knowledge of unconventional trade marks and 3D copyright and design protection.

International Arbitration: General commercial & Insurance

Ranked:
Michael Bloch QC (Band 4)
Terence Mowschenson QC (Band 4)

Wilberforce Chambers is home to Michael Bloch QC, who has a broad arbitration practice covering banking, IP and contractual disputes. Sources say he "is absolutely brilliant and has particularly strong connections to the thriving Russian market." Banking and finance expert Terence Mowschenson QC is another of the set's big names in this area. He is praised for his "understated but extremely effective advocacy."

Mediators

(All circuits) Ranked:
Jonathan Seitler QC (Band 4)

Pensions (Band 1)

Ranked:
Andrew Mold (Band U)
Brian Green QC (Band *)
Christopher Nugee QC (Band *)
Edward Sawyer (Band 3)
Emily Campbell (Band 2)
Jonathan Evans (Band 1)
Jonathan Hilliard (Band 2)
Michael Furness QC (Band 1)
Michael Tennet QC (Band 1)
Paul Newman QC (Band 2)
Robert Ham QC (Band 2)

THE SET Wilberforce Chambers stands as the dominant set in the pensions field. Its success lies in the fact that "it offers terrific expertise at both silk and junior level, and has individuals who always work effectively as a team with solicitors." Clients most appreciate the fact that this is "not a chambers that will rest on its laurels." As one put it, "what I like about Wilberforce barristers is that they are clearly interested in maintaining their position and, as a consequence, ensure they are always well informed on the latest trends in the law. They have created a fertile environment for pensions litigation."

SILKS The "enormously powerful" Brian Green QC is one of the strongest silks at the Pensions Bar and someone "who enjoys universal respect whether it be from clients, solicitors, rival barristers or judges." His performances in courts are particularly well received and he is viewed as "very much a bruiser who will stand up and fight for his clients." Something that commentators find particularly refreshing is Green's willingness to talk through all the points and angles of a case. One solicitor stated: "He is not disconnected, but is, rather, really keen to understand the issues of a case and fulfil the client's commercial objective." He is always busy, as is Christopher Nugee QC, who ranks right alongside Green as one of the standout leaders at the Pensions Bar. Sources comment on his intellect, stating that "he has a mind like a Swiss watch." In court he has one of the most effective advocacy styles around - "rather than trying to harangue the court he comes across as wanting to help the judge. The consequence is that the Bench really listens to him."

Another name that underlines the set as a centre for excellence in pensions is Michael Furness QC, whose "fine mind cuts through all the dross in a case." Furness impresses not only with his considerable intellect but also by virtue of his ability as an advocate, leading commentators to state that "he ticks more boxes than most." They are adamant that "you would always rather have him on your side than against you." The same applies to Michael Tennet QC, who has firmly established himself amongst the top ranks of pensions barristers. He is often sought out for the most complex matters and was instrumental in the co-ordination and smooth running of the widely reported Pilots' National Pension Fund litigation. Sources praise his sharp mind and his "ability to digest vast amounts of information quickly." He is considered to be "at his best when presenting technically complicated cases."

Robert Ham QC "is somebody who is very robust and gives strong and clear advice." Sources credit him as being amongst the very best when it comes to detailed understanding of the law and commercial outlook. "One of the most experienced lawyers around," he aims to work as closely as possible with both solicitors and clients, a trait which is much appreciated. Settling well into his status as a new silk, Paul Newman QC is "a very determined, fighting advocate who is extremely knowledgeable on the law." Commentators appreciate his willingness to take bold decisions stating that "if you want a clear view you go to him." His pragmatism was also much commented upon by observers.

JUNIORS Jonathan Evans is widely regarded as "the leading pensions junior at the set," and is well known to solicitors as someone who "brings elements of common sense and practicality to a case." His practical approach and obvious legal acumen mean he is regularly hired to appear in a host of leading cases in the industry. Also popular, the "enormously clever" Emily Campbell demonstrates a "brilliant grasp of pensions law." Her eye for detail is considered a great asset, as is her "determination to leave no stone unturned."

Jonathan Hilliard has been involved in some of the leading matters in the industry to date. One example was Foster Wheeler v Hanley, a case looking at the clarification of equalisation law. Hilliard's strength lies in the fact that he "has a very quick mind and an innate understanding of what the client requires." He is at a set that also includes Edward Sawyer, an "incredibly talented, reliable and hard-working lawyer." Sawyer impresses observers with his intellect and capacity for work, and is regularly selected for some of the benchmark cases in the sector. Sources hold Andrew Mold in high regard, due to the fact that "he makes a remarkable intellectual contribution to a case."

Professional Negligence (Band 2)

Ranked:
Christopher Nugee QC (Band 4)
Ian Croxford QC (Band 2)
James Ayliffe QC (Band 4)
John Wardell QC (Band 3)
Jonathan Seitler QC (Band 2)
Paul Newman QC (Band 4)
Thomas Lowe QC (Band 4)

THE SET Wilberforce Chambers is widely viewed as a set coming up on the inside as far as professional negligence is concerned. As a chancery set it tends to do best on property-related claims. However, its members cover a broad range of professions, and are known for their high degree of specialist expertise generally. Clients are delighted with the administration of cases, saying the clerking is "very efficient and organised, and very personable," and the overall quality of the set's work is very impressive.

SILKS Ian Croxford QC is known as "approachable, friendly, very bright and excellent in court." "An incredibly good advocate, he has a real presence in court, is able to put across arguments forcefully and always has the eye of the judge." Jonathan Seitler QC is similarly highly praised for his work in real estate-related negligence matters. He is singled out as a "very good lateral thinker, who sees angles a lot of other people don't see." John Wardell QC continues the trend, being described as "absolutely stunning," and "intellectually brilliant." Though his broad practice has left him less time to devote to professional negligence of late, he remains the first choice of many. Clients appreciate the fact that he has "real cleverness, but on a down-to-earth level." Paul Newman QC has a niche professional negligence practice, focusing on claims relating to pensions and financial services. He attract the praise of clients, who say he is "very robust, practical and bright." Thomas Lowe QC is also particularly skilled in matters involving the financial services, and he too is highly respected by clients. One commented: "We had him on a highly contentious case relating to sale of tax losses, my god he's good! Slow to get going, but get him going and you feel enormous confidence." Christopher Nugee QC has a strong professional negligence practice arising from his more general commercial work. He "has the ear of the court, is a very persuasive advocate and is extremely clever," according to sources. Finally, James Ayliffe QC is an excellent barrister whose professional negligence work is focused on claims involving lawyers and accountants. Commentators say: "His analysis is very powerful and he gives good, pragmatic advice to clients."

Real Estate Litigation (Band 2)

Ranked:
Charlotte Black (Band U)
Christopher Nugee QC (Band 1)
James Ayliffe QC (Band 5)
Joanne Wicks QC (Band N)
John Furber QC (Band 5)
Jonathan Evans (Band 5)
Jonathan Karas QC (Band 1)
Jonathan Seitler QC (Band *)
Julian Greenhill (Band 4)
Martin Hutchings (Band 3)
Michael Barnes QC (Band 1)
Rupert Reed (Band 5)
Tiffany Scott (Band 4)

THE SET A high-quality Chancery set with a discernible strength in property matters, Wilberforce Chambers is a byword for reliability in the market. Its barristers are uniformly good and are aided by some "proactive clerking." Individuals from the set are regularly to be seen in matters of importance and "unfailingly turn in a good performance." "If there is a property case with a slightly different, more commercial flavour to it, you'll go to Wilberforce," said one observer.

SILKS In terms of the Property Bar, the "megastar" here is Jonathan Seitler QC, who observers say is "charismatic, incredibly clever and a master tactician." A good driver of the set's profile, he acts in the most substantial of property cases, with recent examples including property fraud matter Imerman v Tchenguiz, and rent review dispute WHSmith v Network Rail. In the latter case Seitler crossed swords with regular opponent and fellow market leader Nicholas Dowding QC, whom he last year defeated at the Court of Appeal in the important case of Pierse v Liberty. "Seitler is a great man to be in the trenches with, as he is very reassuring and has always got another angle," report those who instruct him.

Michael Barnes QC is "a legend, who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, and a really forensic cross-examination technique." Recent highlights for him have included Union Railways (North) Ltd and London & Continental Railways Ltd v Kent County Council, a Court of Appeal case concerning a claim for compensation for the compulsory purchase of land. "A whirlwind, absolutely bubbling with ideas," Jonathan Karas QC has acted on Redrow (Scotland) Ltd v BAE Systems, a substantial claim arising from the termination of a development agreement at a former defence site in Scotland. Sources enthuse that "his knowledge is as good as anyone's," and further aver that "he is a punchy advocate who makes points clearly and well." He is regularly instructed on the larger matters, as is Christopher Nugee QC, "a very attractive advocate who is easy to listen to because he makes it all interesting; you have a feeling that things are happening when Nugee is talking, and judges lap it up." The scope and quality of his advocacy leaves commentators with the impression that "there is seemingly nothing that is beyond his capabilities."

James Ayliffe QC acted for car dealership Glyn Hopkins in its case against Coughlan, a claim for recovery of valuable leasehold land following the dissolution of a tenant company and a disclaimer of lease by the Treasury Solicitor. He proves catnip to solicitors, as does John Furber QC. Furber recently successfully appeared in Landlord Protect v St Anselm Development Company, an appeal concerning a claim for the return of a deposit paid on a contract for the sale of the lease of a block of flats in Central London. In this matter, as often, he proved to be "the rock upon which many an opponent founders." "Very impressive in his presentation and up for it when in court, he outshines the other side," say clients. Equally committed, Joanne Wicks QC is an "enthusiastic, understanding and efficient" practitioner who took silk this year. Recent highlights of her caseload include Crest Nicholson (Londinium) v Akaria Investments, a multimillion-pound claim for fees arising from a shopping centre development contract.

JUNIORS Of the set's top property juniors, Martin Hutchings is "somebody you can work easily with - he is bullish when you want him to be, and works towards tight deadlines." He recently acted on Alchemy Estates v Astor. Julian Greenhill is "riding high," having acted for the appellants in the seminal Chartbrook v Persimmon Homes case. Much of his success is attributable to the fact that "he has a really appealing style of gentle advocacy. He can schmooze the judge and make even outrageous things sound reasonable." He scores well amongst market commentators, along with Tiffany Scott. Scott was recently instructed along with Jonathan Seitler QC on the high-profile Imerman v Tchenguiz case, and impresses as being "very thorough and easy to work with."

The well-liked Jonathan Evans advised the Secretary of State for Justice in its case against Bent, over rights arising under a residential tenancy of government-owned land. His appeal lies in the fact that "not only is he very clever but he's modest with it." Joining him in the rankings is Charlotte Black, who wins plaudits for her "great advocacy and helpful approach," utilised this year on a multimillion-pound property dispute. Also joining this year's table, Rupert Reed impresses solicitors, who say he is "quite a star in terms of the quality of work and his responsiveness." He assists big-name QCs on cases such as Regional Investments (Guildford) v Lawrence Stephens, a matter relating to an error in the drafting of a contract for the sale of development land.

Restructuring/Insolvency

Ranked:
James Ayliffe QC (Band U)
Lawrence Cohen QC (Band U)

Ayliffe is praised for his technical excellence and strategic advice, and recently advised car dealership Glyn Hopkins in its dispute with insolvent landowner Coughlan. He is at a set that includes Lawrence Cohen QC, an "intellectual powerhouse" who always remains "calm and measured."

Sport

Ranked:
London David Phillips QC (Band 5)

He wins great market support along with David Phillips QC of Wilberforce Chambers. Phillips is active in football work and has represented Leeds United FC.

Travel

Ranked:
London John Wardell QC (Band 2)

John Wardell QC of Wilberforce Chambers is a good choice on heavyweight cases, as he's "quick, commercial and very tenacious." A strong team player who is absolutely meticulous in his work, he is so effective in court that "you can hear a pin drop when he's speaking," according to one commentator.