Legal Business Awards 2010

Blackstone Chambers is noted for acting on a succession of highprofile cases, such as the Northern Rock judicial review, the Princess Diana inquest, and Sheffield United v West Ham United. The set boasts an impressive bench of silks, including Lord Pannick QC and the new Treasury Counsel, James Eadie QC, as well as fantastic juniors.

In addition, the set’s clear and coherent strategy has seen it win impressive instructions in its core fields of commercial litigation, employment, and public law, whilst developing its regulatory and competition law practices.

Blackstone is also a role model for chambers management, having invested in administration and facilities, whilst introducing a new management structure. The experienced Julia Horner now acts as chambers director and, on the clerking side, new deputy senior clerk, Mike Couser, supplements senior clerk Gary Oliver’s work. Heads of chambers Thomas Beazley QC and Ian Mill QC, both recognised practitioners, ably lead the way.

Finally, alongside a long tradition of legal innovation in bringing the knowledge accrued across a broad range of practice areas to bear on solving complex legal problems, the set’s commitment to corporate social responsibility stands out. It is committed to equality of opportunity, and supports flexible working. The set’s pro bono work is equally laudable, handling over 80 new pro bono cases in an 18-month period.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

BRICK COURT CHAMBERS

Jonathan Hirst QC; Jonathan Sumption QC

With a real concentration of talent at all levels, the set is as adept at handling trials with a financial value in the billions, as it is with significant public law cases. Joint senior clerks Julian Hawes and Ian Moyler are recognised as being at the top of their game. The set’s acumen in appellate cases includes an impressive track record before the House of Lords in 2008.

FOUNTAIN COURT CHAMBERS

Timothy Dutton QC

Renowned for expertise in banking and finance litigation, the set’s presence in OFT v Abbey National – the ‘bank charges’ litigation to which it provided many counsel – commands attention. New joint senior clerk Alex Taylor has enhanced the set’s administration. The depth of talent in chambers has a powerful leader in Timothy Dutton QC, the immediate past chairman of the Bar Council.

LANDMARK CHAMBERS

Christopher Katkowski QC

Landmark Chambers is a market leader in public law, property law and planning law. Its dedicated Centre for Environmental Law is evidence of the set’s commitment to this field, while changes in administration, led by chief executive Joanna Poulton, have enabled a growing stable of members to flourish in practice. The set’s impressive bench of Queen’s Counsel complements the great potential of its junior barristers.

OUTER TEMPLE CHAMBERS

Philip Mott QC

Innovation, expansion and transformation mark out this set. With growth in its financial services regulatory practice, and a focus on attracting Middle East work, the set boasts a number of recognised advocates, including Richard Lissack QC. Industry defining work in the area of pensions is one example of its members’ technical acumen; the set also has an established focus on pro bono work, at all levels of call.

SERLE COURT

Alan Boyle QC

Changes to Serle Court’s branding, approach and administration are redefining the way clients perceive the set, which demonstrates legal excellence in commercial, offshore, and pure Chancery matters. Mediation and arbitration are also growing areas for the set’s domestic and international clients. Serle Court’s industry awareness and improved administration have enhanced its continuing commitment to client service. One notable feature is the commercially oriented advice delivered by its barristers, at all points of seniority.

Award sponsored by Dorsey & Whitney