Selborne Chambers is delighted to announce that 19 members have been listed in The Legal 500 UK Bar Guide 2020. We are also very pleased to announce the following three new listings for Edward Bennion-Pedley in professional negligence and James Sandham and Alice Hawker in property litigation. We have also had two promotions with Gary Blaker QC being promoted to tier 4 of leading silks in property litigation and Henry Webb being promoted to tier 4 of leading juniors in property litigation.
The ‘unsung heroes’ of the property Bar, Selborne Chambers ‘punches well above its weight’ in property disputes thanks to ‘good strength in depth and quality across the board from the very junior to QC level’. In the words of one source: ‘They don’t cost the earth and their quality represents superb value for money.’ In recent news, Edward Bennion-Pedley joined chambers from 42 Bedford Row. The ‘superb’ clerks’ room ‘truly sets chambers apart from any other’ and ‘couldn’t be rated higher’ by solicitors. The ‘slick, professional, top-notch’ clerks have ‘a sensible, pragmatic approach to fees’ and ‘do not over promise in the way some chambers do.’ Senior clerk Paul Bunting ‘provides an unparalleled, impeccable service’, ‘often going the extra mile for instructing solicitors’. Co-senior clerk Darren Madle is ‘first class’; ‘he will move mountains to assist at the eleventh hour – shifting diaries to accommodate urgent instructions, his help is often invaluable in securing appropriate counsel for a given instruction’. First junior Oliver Ventura is ‘incredibly helpful and always tries to accommodate, even in difficult circumstances. ‘Friendly’ receptionist Laurie Davies is also highlighted by clients as she ‘can always be counted on to assist if needed’.
Property Litigation – Leading Set
Selborne Chambers provides ‘a fantastic service from beginning to end’ and is always able to ‘find a barrister at the appropriate level’. The set is adept on a number of fronts, with a particular focus directed towards commercial landlord and tenant work. Chambers head Mark Warwick QC recently acted in Ong v Ping in which the Court of Appeal ruled there can be an express declaration of trust in an instance where there has been conduct but no declaration. Gary Blaker QC also appeared in the Court of Appeal, acting for the claimants in P & P Property Ltd v Owen White and Catlin and Crownvent Ltd which related to property identity fraud.
Property Litigation – Leading Silks
Mark Warwick QC – ‘‘He is able to turn around work within a time frame that sets him apart from other silks.’
Romie Tager QC – ‘An incredible work ethic that is evidenced by his attention to detail in analysing all aspects of the dispute.’
Gary Blaker QC – ‘His strengths lie in his excellent knowledge of the law and his clear and direct advice to clients.’
Ian Clarke QC – ‘A high-quality advocate with a personal user-friendly approach.’
Property Litigation – Leading Juniors
Nicholas Trompeter – ‘A forceful advocate, with a delicate touch and a precise style.’
Philip Kremen – ‘He never lets the client down.’
Jonathan McNae – ‘He is excellent, a barrister of note.’
Justin Kitson – ‘‘He is extremely bright, prepared to get into the detail, and a great team player.”
Neil Mendoza – “Very astute in the court and highly skilful at cross-examination.”
Richard Clegg – ‘Very thorough with an attention to detail; excellent with clients.’
Stuart Hornett – ‘A real team player and exceptional in cross-examination.’
Paul de la Piquerie – ‘Extremely client- and judge-friendly and is able to put both at ease.
Henry Webb – ‘‘A strong advocate both orally and in writing.’
Alice Hawker – “Thorough in her preparation and an excellent delivery in court. “
Robert Brown – ‘Very sharp, thorough and always on top of his brief.’
Simon McLoughlin – Extremely technically able, prepared to roll-up his sleeves to get the work done.
James Sandham – ‘ He has an ability to think outside the box and approach problems with a fresh eye. ’
Professional Negligence – Leading Set
Selborne Chambers is an ‘excellent set for professional negligence’ instructions with its members delivering a ‘quality service’. They are often engaged on cases involving solicitors, valuers, accountants and financial services professionals. Nicholas Trompeter is defending the Chief Land Registrar in Dhillon v Barclays Bank & Chief Land Registrar, a claim to rectify the register following a series of mistaken or negligent property transfers. P & P Property Ltd v Owen White and Catlin and Crownvent, an appeal concerning property identity fraud, was a notable case for Gary Blaker QC.
Professional Negligence – Leading Silks
Gary Blaker QC – ‘He is clear and definitive in providing advice and has a commercial understanding of the client’s needs”
Professional Negligence – Leading Juniors
Hugh Jackson – ‘He is extremely knowledgeable and a very good advocate.’
Justin Kitson – ‘He is prepared to get into the detail of a matter and is a great team player.’
Nicholas Trompeter – “He is tactically astute.”
Stuart Hornett – ‘He is eloquent and in court and he can be flexible to think on his feet.’
Edward Bennion-Pedley – “He is diligent, hardworking, mindful of applicable time limits and has an excellent manner with clients.”
Commercial Litigation – Leading Silks
Romie Tager QC – ‘A fantastic cross-examiner and ferocious presence.’
Commercial Litigation – Leading Juniors
Stuart Hornett – ‘A sound advocate and commercially astute barrister.’
Private Client: Trusts and Probate – Leading Silks
Ian Clarke QC – ‘A very experienced silk.’
Media and Entertainment (Including Art and Cultural Property)
Justin Kitson – ‘A ‘ He is an absolutely fantastic junior with a solid deserved reputation for music-related litigation.
Social Housing – Leading Juniors
Robert Brown – ‘ He is a brainbox. ’
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients who have assisted The Legal 500 throughout this process and for the feedback they have provided.