Wilberforce Chambers | Chambers & Partners 2012

Chambers & Partners 2012

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

Chancery : Commercial
Chancery : Traditional
Charities
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Company
Fraud: Civil
Intellectual Property
Pensions
Professional Negligence
Real Estate Litigation

Individually ranked for:

International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance
Sport
Construction
Mediators
IP
Travel

Leading Set

Housing "exceptional talent at silk level," and with a clutch of impressive juniors coming through the ranks, Wilberforce Chambers is a set where "you will never come across a bad advocate." It is, and has long been on the top of everyone's list for traditional chancery and pensions work, and also boasts considerable expertise in general commercial litigation. Professional negligence claims, real estate cases, fraud matters and company disputes all fall within its remit. It also has a niche charities practice. These far-reaching capabilities mean that the set's members have been instructed on various big-ticket matters over the last year. Lawrence Cohen QC, a "knowledgeable and highly creative" silk, has been involved in an USD85 million recovery exercise for Trinidad & Tobago Unit Trust Corporation. The "outstanding" Christopher Nugee QC recently appeared in the first pensions case to be heard before the Supreme Court, Houldsworth v Bridge Trustees and the Department for Work and Pensions. That cases of this standing continue to pour into chambers is a tribute not only to the barristers but also to the clerks. "Proactive, helpful and on the ball," they "always identify the right counsel for the job" and demonstrate excellent commercial nous.

Client Service at the Bar

This leading chancery set applies itself to providing a level of client care that matches the excellence of its legal expertise. The clerking team is heading by the "terrific" Declan Redmond, who manages to run one of the "best-organised sets" around and yet remain an "absolute pleasure to deal with." His team is regularly praised by solicitors who note that the "smiling and helpful clerks" are "extremely easy to deal with, knowledgeable about their set and excellent at finding a way through any problem." Wilberforce has long recognised the importance of taking the long term view of developing client relationships, and received a good deal of positive feedback about its proactivity in this regard. Whilst clients may bemoan the lack of contact with juniors at other sets, Wilberforce makes sure that clients get to meet junior barristers in a relaxed and informal setting. It also puts together informative seminars and newsletters.

Real Estate Litigation (Band 2)

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

THE SET This chancery set has great muscle when it comes to property matters, and is particularly sought out for cases with a more commercial edge. The barristers here are praised for their "willingness to be responsive and helpful." Solicitors confirm that "across the board you will never come across a bad advocate." Practitioners are ably supported by a team of clerks who are "a little more formal than at other sets, but nevertheless "friendly, professional and always happy to squeeze you in, however late in the day."

SILKS Star individual Jonathan Seitler QC is a man at the peak of his profession. "A persuasive, heavyweight advocate," he is "perfect with clients, and perfect at negotiation." This "great all-rounder" is renowned for being "good-humoured," and for dispensing "very commercial and practical advice in a lighthearted way." His recent caseload includes the much-reported Imerman v Tchenguiz 'man from Del Monte' case, and WHSmith v Network Rail, which concerned rent reviews at mainline railway stations. He is a firm favourite with solicitors, who say he is "incredibly responsive and not afraid to tell it like it is." Another top silk is Michael Barnes QC, who is "great on the planning aspects" of property. His recent work includes acting for Exemplar Properties in a dispute with UBS Triton Property Fund. "Heavily involved in a number of tasty cases," Jonathan Karas QC is "plainly very brilliant and genuinely interested in what he does." He was instructed by Heaney in a rights of light case that sent shockwaves through the market. "Extremely forensic in his approach, he makes sure every loose end is tied up," accordingly to solicitors. Also recommended, Christopher Nugee QC has "brainpower to rival anybody." He practises a very persuasive, unaggressive form of advocacy, and is someone who "plainly has the ear of the judge." His broad practice encompasses juicy property work such as the recent Court of Appeal break clause case Aviva v Linpac Mouldings.

Solicitors state that Joanne Wicks QC "is one of the team and provides robust, commercial and straight-to-the-point advice." Her recent matters include Davis v Tinsley & Others, where she acted for the owners and operators of a wind farm in a case concerning alleged noise nuisance. James Ayliffe QC recently appeared in Tulip v Eimskip (UK) & Others, representing the claimant at mediation of its claim for specific performance of a contract for sale of factory premises in Norfolk. He also acted for the landlord of the Manchester office of Halliwells in the failed law firm's dispute with its administrators. "A nice opponent who is quick at turning things around," John Furber QC is "excellent at giving rocket science advice." He practises across all aspects of real property law, but has a particular emphasis on development-related matters. New silk Martin Hutchings QC has a "constructive manner" that makes him "someone clients insist on going back to time and again." His recent workload has been dominated by terminal dilapidations cases such as PGF II v Royal Sun Alliance and London & Edinburgh Insurance.

JUNIORS Ascending in this year's rankings, Julian Greenhill is a "rising star" who is "brilliant at finding and articulating strong arguments." He appeared as junior counsel in Clarence House v NatWest, acting for the successful appellant in this case regarding the effect of a 'virtual assignment'. Tiffany Scott is a "bright, diligent advocate who knows how to give the other side a good kicking." Scott has had a busy year that included being instructed as junior counsel on Imerman v Tchenguiz, and acting for Persimmon Homes in proceedings to enforce a £20 million development agreement.

Jonathan Evans is "brilliant with clients, very down to earth and a man with no ego." His recent cases include Claygreen v Durkan Estates, a dispute as to the value of land under a pre-emption agreement. His set houses Rupert Reed, who is "very user-friendly and gives sensible, practical advice." Reed acted as the junior for defendant solicitors Lawrence Stephens, when they were sued for alleged negligence by Regional Developments (Guildford).

Chancery: Commercial (Band 2)

Andrew Mold (Band 4)
Christopher Nugee QC (Band 1)
Clare Stanley (Band 2)
Edward Sawyer (Band 3)
Ian Croxford QC (Band 2)
James Ayliffe QC (Band 4)
John Wardell QC (Band 2)
Lawrence Cohen QC (Band 2)
Nikki Singla (Band 4)
Rupert Reed (Band 4)
Terence Mowschenson QC (Band 1)
Thomas Lowe QC (Band 3)

THE SET Wilberforce Chambers has long been a byword for quality commercial chancery work. It is a favoured destination for solicitors looking for advice or advocacy in high-stakes matters where only the best silks and most energetic juniors will do. Unsurprisingly, therefore, it is a set which has the joint highest number of ranked queen's counsels in the chancery table. Although famed for trusts litigation and pensions work, it is a broad church with expertise in every relevant area of chancery law.

SILKS The "phenomenal" Terence Mowschenson QC impresses both as "an absolute pleasure to work with and an incredibly astute leader." Expert on all manner of company law problems, he is "a tremendous resource" owing to his "encyclopaedic knowledge of the law." He relates well to, and draws praise from, solicitors and clients alike. Spoken of in similarly glowing terms, Christopher Nugee QC excels in property and pensions work in the main, but is "incredibly knowledgeable in all areas of the law." Top of the list for difficult cases, he is widely considered "one of the brightest stars of the Bar," and is valued, in particular, for his clear and analytical presentation. Described as "very knowledgeable and highly creative," Lawrence Cohen QC leans towards cases with a financial services backdrop. Much of his work involves breaches of fiduciary duty, contractual disputes and share reorganisations. He has a truly international practice, which has seen him act for financial institutions in the Caribbean and the USA. Ian Croxford QC is praised both for his "very impressive brain" and for his "affable and collegiate manner." "A very effective advocate with a punchy style," he is "a dogged performer who puts his case forcefully but reasonably." A recent highlight for him was his leadership in the celebrated fraud trial, Attorney General of Zambia v Meer Care & Desai. Civil fraud expert John Wardell QC is "a terrific trial lawyer" who has distinguished himself in what seems an endless litany of the largest claims before the Chancery and commercial courts over the years. Recently, he led with distinction in the substantial fraud action Jenington International v Assaubayev. Thomas Lowe QC has a door tenancy at Wilberforce, and spends much of his time litigating high-profile cases arising from the collapse of hedge funds in the Cayman Islands. He has a long-standing and well-deserved reputation for his "very effective" work in insolvency, breach of duty, partnership and trusts disputes. James Ayliffe QC has wasted no time, since taking silk three years ago, in developing his broad-based and dynamic commercial litigation practice. He is popular with clients and solicitors enjoy working with him. This "fantastic" advocate has a practice that is international in scope.

JUNIORS Edward Sawyer is a junior that solicitors "can't speak too highly of." His work covers a welter of core chancery issues, such as contentious trusts, asset tracing and breaches of fiduciary duty, to name but a few. Like many of his stablemates, his is an international practice which has recently taken him to the Cayman Islands, Monaco and Norway. Clare Stanley has shown her mettle as a powerful advocate in large-scale and often bitter disputes ranging from commercial fraud claims to partnership and shareholder issues. She is well thought of by her peers at the Bar, instructing solicitors and lay clients. "Outstanding young junior" Andrew Mold advises on and acts in cases centred on trust-based and fiduciary principles relating to companies and complex family and commercial trust structures. It therefore follows that much of his work has a multi-jurisdictional element. He takes a keen interest in offshore tax regimes and the pressure they are currently facing from governments and global institutions. The "bright and approachable" Nikki Singla is doing remarkably well for his ten or so years call, and now leads on the majority of his cases, many of which involve company and partnership law. Sources state he is "thoughtful, incisive and gets to the heart of the matter." Property and company law expert Rupert Reed enters the rankings this year on the strength of a broad and thriving chancery practice, which focuses on the construction and enforcement of contracts and commercial agreements. Admirers say he has a "good style about him in court" and that he "tames difficult solicitors."

Chancery: Traditional (Band 1)

Andrew Mold (Band 4)
Brian Green QC (Band *)
Christopher Nugee QC (Band 1)
Daniel Hochberg (Band 2)
Emily Campbell (Band 2)
John Child (Band 2)
John Martin QC (Band 2)
Jonathan Hilliard (Band 4)
Judith Bryant (Band 2)
Mark Studer (Band 2)
Michael Furness QC (Band 2)
Robert Ham QC (Band 1)

THE SET This "exceptionally strong" chancery set impresses market sources with the breadth and depth of its members' knowledge and experience. It bristles with talented silks and is particularly well regarded for its members' flagship work in pensions-related litigation. This only tells part of the story, however, as solicitors and rivals alike acknowledge that the set has excellent pedigree in a wide variety of chancery work: trusts, tax, probate and property matters. The diversity of expertise on hand here is a point of pride, as is the smooth administrative service performed by the clerks.

SILKS Brian Green QC, "the Rolls-Royce of chancery barristers," is "fantastically impressive" on difficult questions of trusts and pensions law. "Highly approachable," he is "a brilliant advocate, measured in his delivery" whom top-flight solicitors turn to time and again. Robert Ham QC is appreciated particularly for his "calm, authoritative manner and the workable solutions which he invariably finds to complex issues." Solicitors commend him for the quality of his judgement, his "excellent" drafting skills and his expert knowledge of offshore trusts and domicile issues. He enjoys the full confidence of the market, as does Christopher Nugee QC, who is "one of the brightest lawyers at the Chancery Bar." Nugee enjoys a fine reputation for contentious trusts and pensions-related litigation and is applauded for his straightforward, unambiguous approach to cases. Clients and solicitors unite in the belief that "he doesn't sit on the fence, choosing instead to give solid answers to direct questions." In this respect he is much like Michael Furness QC, who is credited for being "very astute, concise and direct in the advice he gives - he sees the wood for the trees." He, too, has extensive experience of difficult pensions and trusts-related litigation. Head of chambers John Martin QC is regarded as "one of the most proficient trial lawyers around." A man who "dispenses wise advice efficiently," he is expert at property, breach of trust and trusts litigation, to name but a few areas. Clients and solicitors reserve particular praise for his commercial sensibility.

JUNIORS Judith Bryant is "especially gifted at complex trust drafting," work to which she brings "great technical skill," as well as "a thorough and practical approach to problem-solving." Respondents speak highly of her pragmatic outlook and reassuring, approachable manner with clients. As well as being "superb on detail and technically very impressive," John Child is also remarked upon for the "crystal clarity" of his advice and his ability to explain abstruse points of law to clients. Market observers say that he is "incredibly thorough" and has "a superb understanding of trusts, tax and property law." Daniel Hochberg's chancery practice focuses mainly on property, professional negligence and trusts litigation, both onshore and offshore. He is "extremely well thought of" by market sources and is considered a good choice for weighty offshore disputes.

Emily Campbell receives plaudits for her extensive traditional chancery practice. Much of her work involves advice on tax planning and trust structures, but she is also involved in significant litigation regarding claims of breach of trust and contentious probates. She is "erudite, approachable, very hard-working and thoughtful." The "absolutely superb" Mark Studer litigates trust, inheritance and other such private client disputes. Instructing solicitors are always impressed with his drafting of documents relating to trusts and conveyancing, as well as his knowledge of tax planning matters. His set also includes Andrew Mold, who is rapidly becoming a well-established fixture in chancery courts noted for his work on high-profile cases involving the disputed division of trust assets in divorce proceedings and questions of fiduciary duty. He is recommended along with Jonathan Hilliard, who continues to fashion a strong reputation for his work handling thorny trusts litigation, often involving enormous sums of money and household names. Solicitors admire his "strong academic pedigree and his easy manner. " They further heap praise on him as "a highly useful tactician to have on board."

Charities (Band 3)

Mark Studer (Band 2)
Michael Furness QC (Band 3)

THE SET This leading commercial and business law set has several charities barristers who are at the pinnacle of their legal careers. Particularly recommended for their experience in offshore and international charitable trusts matters, the barristers from the set are in demand not just for their advice but also because they give excellent presentations and seminars to professional audiences on charities law topics.

SILKS Michael Furness QC is "a barrister who is really coming through the ranks." "Clear in his advice in a way that clients can really understand and appreciate," he is a market favourite who acts for charities and trusts on tax issues.

JUNIORS The "highly pleasant and very bright" Mark Studer has a broad private client and trusts practice. Over his career, he has gained substantial experience drafting trusts and conveyancing documentation and has handled a number of disputes for charities. As an expert on the subject, he is often invited to give seminars on charities law.

Commercial Dispute Resolution (Band 3)

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

THE SET Although a chancery set, Wilberforce Chambers houses a number of "fantastic silks" who can easily turn their hand to the most taxing commercial court cases. Its barristers are efficiently clerked by Declan Redmond and his team, who "always identify the best counsel for the job."

SILKS A "superb cross-examiner who is fantastic on his feet," Ian Croxford QC is a lawyer with a "wonderful court presence." Clients and solicitors particularly commend his strong teamwork ethic. He has proved himself particularly adept at commercial litigation centred on complex accounting issues. The "authoritative, pragmatic and commercial" Terence Mowschenson QC "is matter-of-fact and first-rate at cutting through to the essence of the case." He is vastly experienced in financial matters, including banking litigation, company law disputes and insolvency. Another of the set's standout silks, John Wardell QC has a "formidable intellect" and is "totally client-focused." Sources note his "ability to see the wood for the trees" and appreciate the fact that he "calls a case as he sees it." He has advised on several major commercial fraud cases of late, and acted for two banks seeking to recover EUR40 million from confectionery manufacturer Ferrero and others.

Clients seeking a "level-headed and focused" barrister who is "easy to deal with" should turn to James Ayliffe QC. He is very popular, as is Lawrence Cohen QC, who has a strong track record for providing creative solutions to complex disputes. He primarily acts for financial institutions and has also developed an impressive practice in telecoms-related work. As an example, he has been representing SamKnows in its dispute with Ofcom concerning monitoring of broadband performance contracts. The "frighteningly bright" Michael Bloch QC is a "formidable advocate" and "a silk you would not want to see on the other side," note market observers. He is further commended for building "a good rapport with clients, as well as having a good strategic approach." His wide-ranging expertise spans commercial disputes in the banking, energy and pharmaceutical industries, among others.

Company (Band 4)

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

THE SET Wilberforce Chambers continues to provide assistance on a range of corporate law matters, including shareholder disputes, directors' duties, derivatives actions and section 994 petitions. The set's reach is such that it is involved in company law in a number of offshore jurisdictions, from Jersey and Gibraltar to Barbados and the BVI.

SILKS Terence Mowschenson QC is "a superb tactician and a very experienced advocate," who is particularly recommended for bigger and more complex matters. He has spent much time recently advising on company issues arising out of the Madoff collapse. Mowschenson has many supporters as does Lawrence Cohen QC, who wins praise for providing "creative advice of the highest quality." Cohen has wide experience of UK and non-UK legal systems and structures.

Fraud: Civil (Band 3)

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

THE SET Wilberforce Chambers is a chancery/commercial set with very few peers. As such, it is easily able to leverage its skills into the fraud sector and involve itself in matters of great weight. Its members' strong offshore expertise is particularly handy, as is the fact that the individuals here are well attuned to the commercial needs of their clients.

SILKS Lawrence Cohen QC is a regular sight both in England and abroad when it comes to high-stakes chancery and fraud disputes, such as the multibillion-dollar Algosaibi litigation. "He is deservedly recognised for this type of work," agree sources. Ian Croxford QC also impresses sources due to his "fantastic brainpower and judgement, and his astute grasp of the law." He is "a man for the big cases," as is John Wardell QC, who was instructed on the widely reported Jenington v Assaubayev Kazakh gold mine ownership dispute. "A substantially able professional with a pleasing commercial ethos," Wardell is a commanding presence in court.

JUNIORS Highlights of the year for Edward Sawyer include acting on the Taplin v Taplin case of alleged fraudulent residential property transfer. "Bright and not afraid of hard work," he is tipped to go far.

Offshore (Band 2)

Brian Green QC (Band 1)
Lawrence Cohen QC (Band 2)
Terence Mowschenson QC (Band 3)
Thomas Lowe QC (Band 3)

THE SET A member of the International Chamber of Commerce, Wilberforce Chambers is a set that appears in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the Bahamas, and it also regularly acts in the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, the BVI and the Isle of Man. The set receives overwhelming feedback concerning its success in building "an impressive niche in offshore trusts."

SILKS Trust expert Brian Green QC provides counsel on all elements of commercial and private trusts with great flair. Instructed by Conyers, amongst others, he is a barrister with a great presence in major jurisdictions such as Bermuda and the Bahamas. Observers pay homage to his skills, praising his "phenomenal expertise and superb client handling." One solicitor comments that "he is the top trusts lawyer at the Bar." Lawrence Cohen QC is commended for the clarity of his counsel: "He gives concise trusts law advice and is wonderfully easy to work with." Cohen is instructed by Ogier and his reach extends to the Cayman Islands and the BVI, amongst other offshore locales.

Terence Mowschenson QC has handled Madoff feeder fund matters in the Cayman Islands, and has represented parties in disputes in Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Isle of Man and the BVI. Mowschenson is also admitted to the Gibraltar Bar, where he has appeared before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in trust disputes and company and commercial matters. Also recommended is Thomas Lowe QC, who has established a vast offshore practice that takes in commercial fraud, trust litigation, insolvency and banking-related disputes.

Pensions (Band 1)

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

THE SET Boasting a host of outstanding individuals at both silk and junior level, Wilberforce Chambers never fails to impress. It remains "the pre-eminent pensions set in the country" and its instructing solicitors testify that they are "safe in the knowledge that someone good is always on hand." Testament to its standing in the field, no less than 12 of the set's members have been involved in the high-profile Pilots litigation, acting for seven different parties in total. The clerks, under the leadership of Declan Redmond, are also marked out for being "responsive, helpful and a pleasure to deal with."

SILKS Renowned pensions silk Brian Green QC "remains head and shoulders above his peers due to his intellect, range of ability and desire to succeed." Instructing solicitors note that "when you want someone robust, he is the one to go to," adding "he knows what the courts are thinking" and "has an excellent presence with clients." His reputation in the field is matched only by the "clever and incisive" Christopher Nugee QC. An "absolute star," Nugee earns plaudits for his elegant advocacy style, with one interviewee enthusing: "He is brilliant at simplifying a case and persuading a judge." In just one of many recent work highlights, he successfully represented Canadian group companies in the highly publicised Nortel case.

Michael Furness QC impresses clients and solicitors alike with his "swift response times" and "excellent technical advice presented in an easy to digest manner." Not only does he have a "sound intellectual grasp of the detail," he also adopts "a practical approach," meaning that "when he starts talking, people really listen." Interviewees were equally effusive in their praise for Michael Tennet QC. Tennet is singled out as "a wonderful compere for cumbersome litigation," as he "tempers a rigorous approach to complex points with a degree of pragmatism." In Independent Trustee Services Limited v Hope, he successfully acted for the Pensions Regulator in a dispute as to the trustee's duties to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).

Robert Ham QC is yet another "leading light" within the set. "Sensible, pragmatic and helpful," he "doesn't sit on the fence but will give you an honest answer," say sources. He has been involved in some of the most significant pensions disputes to appear before the courts in recent times, including the Pilots, Nortel and Bonas cases. He is very popular, as is Paul Newman QC, whom clients seek out for his "innovative thinking, strong commercial outlook" and "clear and unambiguous advice." He is "always to the point" and, therefore, "exceptional in arguing the complexities of the case, leaving those around him to wonder how the clarity of the matter could have been missed."

JUNIORS "Clear thinker" Jonathan Evans has a "wonderfully economical and efficient style as an advocate," which makes him "very persuasive in argument." He remains one of the most sought-out juniors at the Pensions Bar and has been present on almost all of the leading cases in the last year. The "phenomenally bright" Jonathan Hilliard attracts high praise from market sources, with one interviewee stating: "If there is someone who will make it to silk early and act in every pensions case going, he's the man." "Extremely diligent" and a "brilliant team player," he is often the first choice for silks seeking an "efficient and responsive" junior to support on complex cases.

The set's impressive roster of juniors continues with Emily Campbell, who has a "clear and incisive intellect" and is "very easy to work with." She recently appeared as junior counsel for the trustees in Cemex v MNOPF, a case concerning Employer Debt Regulations. Instructing solicitors agree that Andrew Mold is a "star of the future" and "one to watch." Led by Brian Green QC, he recently represented the employers of the EMI pensions scheme at a hearing before the Pensions Regulator Determinations Panel. Another junior worth keeping an eye on is Edward Sawyer, who attracts praise as an "excellent technical lawyer and draftsman." His recent efforts include acting for the trustee in two sets of High Court actions relating to rectification issues and matters arising from the potential closure of the IBM Pension Plan scheme.

Finally at the set, there are some notable junior juniors to highlight. Emily McKechnie appeared in many of the leading pensions cases from the last year, acting, for example, as junior counsel in the Lehman proceedings brought by the Pensions Regulator for financial support directions. James Walmsley is also up and coming in the field. He is developing an impressive portfolio of cases, having acted in the Pilots litigation and appeared for the Pensions Regulator in the EMI case.

Professional Negligence (Band 2)

Christopher Nugee QC (Band 4)
Edward Sawyer (Band U)
Ian Croxford QC (Band 2)
James Ayliffe QC (Band 3)
Joanna Smith QC (Band 4)
John Wardell QC (Band 3)
Jonathan Seitler QC (Band 3)
Paul Newman QC (Band 4)
Thomas Lowe QC (Band 4)

THE SET This heavyweight set has an excellent team of talented professional negligence barristers. Being one of the big beasts of the chancery world, it is unsurprisingly strongest on property-related matters. Furthermore, its undoubted expertise in pensions law means that it remains many solicitors' first choice for any professional negligence claims arising in this context. The set is also very well run and impresses with its "very good, professional and helpful clerking."

SILKS Ian Croxford QC is an impressive silk with a range of talents. He is "magnificent at client handling" and has a "wonderful court presence" arising from the fact that he is "fluent on his fleet" and has exemplary cross-examination skills. Christopher Nugee QC is another highly rated silk. He is "absolute dynamite" on pensions cases and can make the most complicated problems seem easy to resolve. Joanna Smith QC heads the professional negligence team at Wilberforce. She is "highly effective and user-friendly," and has a wide-ranging professional negligence practice. She is also able to cut through the issues and "sort the wheat from the chaff." James Ayliffe QC is "always on top of his cases" and has a "splendid understated style." He is known for his high-quality defence work. Jonathan Seitler QC is a real expert on cases with a property element. He is "easy to deal with and has a great reputation." Much the same could be said of John Wardell QC, "a fiercely clever lawyer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law." Others at the set to impress include Thomas Lowe QC, a highly regarded silk with a wide-ranging client base that encompasses accountants, financial advisers and legal professionals. Also recommended, Paul Newman QC focuses on professional negligence in the pensions and financial services sphere.

JUNIORS Edward Sawyer is building on his substantial chancery experience to develop an impressive professional negligence practice. He is a "very good advocate who is tough, fiery and tenacious."