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Radcliffe Chambers recommended as "chancery elite" in 2010 edition of Chambers UK

12-11-2009

The 2010 edition of Chambers UK, which was published yesterday, comments:

"Radcliffe Chambers, the product of the merger of two sets, only came into being in its present incarnation in 2006. As such it is a relatively new addition to the market, but one nonetheless that has established itself among the chancery elite. The excellence and expertise of the individuals on offer is duly acknowledged, as is the high-quality clerking on offer. The set houses a whole host of chancery talent..."

In addition to numerous set recommendations, Radcliffe Chambers barristers have secured 39 rankings as Leaders at the Bar across ten core chancery and commercial sections in the new edition of Chambers, with eight new rankings in fields including traditional and commercial chancery, charity law, consumer credit and real estate litigation.

Full details of the individual rankings are as follows:

Traditional Chancery

Peter Crampin QC, a seasoned campaigner, his practice covers a broad range of traditional chancery work, and showcases his skills as an adviser, advocate and mediator. Robert Pearce QC is similarly highly regarded, and maintains an equally wide practice that takes in a wealth of contentious and non-contentious private client work. Sources highly recommend him for his specific expertise in complex trust and trust taxation issues. He is known for the fact that "he hits the nail on the head with his advice time after time." Much the same could be said of Keith Rowley QC, who is probably the set's most recognisable and celebrated tenant. Rowley's genius lies in the fact that "he picks things up quickly, gives clear directions to both solicitor and client and sets about his business with great purpose and strength of mind." Hedley Marten's litigation prowess continues to catch the eye of solicitors, who deem him “a strong and effective advocate.” Another busy year has seen him acting for the trustees of an historic estate in relation to arrangements for a forthcoming application to court to rewrite its trust. He is one of the set's best juniors as is Grant Crawford, who "turns around his papers very quickly and offers nothing but considered advice." Also recommended, Thomas Dumont continues to enthral both clients and opponents with his “strong courtroom presence” and “highly skilled, hugely effective cross-examining technique.” Elizabeth Ovey has a broad chancery practice, and is recommended by sources for her core specialisms of banking, property law, pensions and professional negligence. Solicitors favour her as she is "super-bright and is excellent at giving immediate answers that are always to the point." Equally user-friendly, Francesca Quint is known for her "timely responses and impressive speed of thought." Her main focus is on charities work, where she displays “outstanding skill and experience.” Mark West impresses sources with his resolute approach to advocacy and complete determination: “He never gives up a point while there is still some fight in it.” According to peers, “he provides a genuinely first-class, efficient service for his clients and for instructing solicitors.” Piers Feltham's broad practice encompasses insolvency, partnership and charities cases, and he is also recommended for his expertise in property litigation and general trusts work. Roger Mullis also covers a broad range of traditional chancery elements, although sources note that he is particularly good on wills, trusts and property disputes. Others recommended include Gordon Nurse, whose wide commercial and traditional chancery practice has a notable charities work focus. Finally, Kate Selway maintains a strong presence in both commercial and traditional chancery work. Known for her speed of response and "friendly, pragmatic approach," she recently appeared in a seven-day will forgery case.

Banking and Finance

Malcolm Waters QC of Radcliffe Chambers has been acting on the OFT bank charges matter, and advising a number of building societies on their merger plans. Market commentators laud his "seemingly limitless reserves of knowledge and his keen eye for precision."

Charities

This set is pre-eminent in charities law as a result of two factors: firstly, it has a greater depth of resources than any other chambers and, secondly, it is home to arguably the biggest name in the sector, Francesca Quint. Quint spends the lion's share of her time handling charities matters and is the barrister of choice for a number of big-name solicitors. As one source pointed out: "Everybody knows and loves her." Her experience working for the Charity Commission has gained her enormous insight and guarantees that she is the first port of call on issues involving the Commission. The set has a strong bench beyond Quint, and a number of barristers who cannot be overlooked. These include Thomas Dumont, whose insurmountable expertise in Inheritance Act claims has won him an army of followers. Described as "a charming gentleman," Dumont "wins over any courtroom that he enters with his calm and poised demeanour." He also wins full marks for his writing, with sources acknowledging that "his opinions are crisp and to the point." Peter Crampin QC is also admired, winning praise for his "dogged determination in the face of even the most challenging of cases." Former Standing Counsel to the Charity Commission Robert Pearce QC continues to handle an impressive caseload for the Commission, undertaking both litigation in front of the Charity Tribunal and offering advice on points of law. The set has a strong contingent of up-and-coming young barristers, two of whom make their debuts in the table this year. Joshua Winfield's practice has flourished under the tutelage of Quint and he is now establishing himself as an expert in his own right. "Amazingly academic," he is applauded for his sensible and considered approach. Mark Mullen handles his fair share of charities matters and his workload is steadily increasing following his appointment to the Attorney General's C-Panel. Viewed as a rising star, he "has the makings of a fine charities lawyer."

Commercial Chancery

Keith Rowley QC of Radcliffe Chambers is a highly respected chancery practitioner. He is viewed as "a dedicated barrister who is a staunch advocate for his clients." Kate Selway also of Radcliffe Chambers has a wide chancery practice, which extends to cover both the traditional and commercial aspects. She shares a set with Ulick Staunton whose varied practice takes in property, insolvency, company and general commercial cases to name but a few.

Commercial Dispute Resolution

Keith Rowley QC of Radcliffe Chambers commands enormous respect from sources for his "perceptive and lucid advocacy,"

Consumer Law

Combining a "thoroughly in-depth knowledge of his subject" with "an extremely approachable, very amenable and entirely reliable" personality, Malcolm Waters QC of Radcliffe Chambers is a leader in terms of advising building societies, banks and other financial institutions on consumer law matters. He has been acting for, amongst others, RBS which he has advised on unarranged overdraft charges. Another member of Radcliffe Chambers' stable, Mark Fell "has a profound understanding of consumer-related issues and the regulation of products." "Very user-friendly in terms of complying with tight timescales," he has advised on some of the year's most important mergers in the financial sector… Joining him in the tables is Elizabeth Ovey, who has a similarly active practice advising building societies and banks. She is commended for "flavouring her legal advice with pragmatism and commerciality."

Pensions
Keith Rowley QC is “incisive and a brilliant tactician” who impresses with his "ability to address complex legal issues with intellectual rigour and provide advice that is clear and unambiguous.” Solicitors find that he is "prepared to work late and make himself available.”…Elizabeth Ovey comes highly recommended by clients. She is described as “a very accomplished practitioner who doesn't miss a trick.” Her thorough approach to each and every case makes her “a genuine alternative to using a silk if you have a complex pensions case.”

Planning
At Radcliffe Chambers, Robert Lewis has built up a solid practice focusing on statutory nuisance and contamination cases, as well as compulsory acquisition, highways and local authority governance matters.

Professional Negligence
Keith Rowley QC of Radcliffe Chambers, who [wins market approval] and [features in] the table this year after resoundingly positive feedback. His broad practice involves him acting on claims involving accountants, acutaries, auditors, insurance brokers and barristers, amongst others. Also at Radcliffe [Chambers], Thomas Dumont is another new entrant to the table.

Real Estate Litigation

The contentious real estate barristers at this commercial and chancery set continue to attract favourable attention from market sources. Keith Rowley QC acted on Naker v Shah, a dispute concerning ownership of a property. Sources "have high regard for his well-honed advocacy and consistent, accurate advice." Peter Crampin QC enjoys increasing market recognition for this practice area. He acted in Staden v Jones, which raised questions over the division of a matrimonial home. "Calm, methodical and practical" are the words sources use to describe him. Although perhaps more well known for his work in the charity sector, Robert Pearce QC has also built a respected practice in the area of contentious real estate. Solicitors point to his "astute attention to detail and astonishing memory for facts" as reasons to instruct him. Highlights for the year include the Dorrington Belgravia v McGlashan case, concerning the right to develop the roof and air space above a top-floor maisonette. Mark West is currently advising a high-street bank on disputes arising from a number of fraudulent mortgages. Observers point to his "detailed and deep analysis: he exhibits complete mastery of the documents at trial." Kate Selway is described as "approachable and easy to work with," and has acted for some major government departments, including the Highways Agency and HMRC. Finally here, the "deserving and highly proficient" Simon Williams acted in the House of Lords on Ofulue v Bossert, a case concerning adverse possession.

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