Thu, 10 Oct 2013
The Legal 500 has again ranked No5 Chambers as the leading regional set and noted that its success lies in not only “real strength in depth” but also its “professional, helpful, and courteous clerking”. It has also awarded No5 the accolade of Regional Chambers of the Year 2013.
Tony McDaid, Practice Director, (pictured accepting award, right) comments: “We are clearly delighted to have won the title of Regional Chambers 2013 and maintain our standing as the leading regional set, with our offices in Birmingham, East Midlands, London, and Bristol. It is particularly pleasing that the Legal 500 has identified 6 QCs from No5 Chambers as 'leading silks' nationally, while 10 of our junior counsel are included in the nationwide 'leading juniors' lists.”
Key silks in No5 Chambers’ Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Group include Paul Bleasdale QC, head of Chambers, recommended for his “ability to deliver devastating cross-examination”, “first-class attention to detail” and “encyclopaedic knowledge”. Other members of this standout list are the “personable” and “well-prepared” Chris Bright QC, noted for his “ability to handle the most complex matters” and “considerable expertise”. Joining the ranks of standout silks is Jonathan Jones QC who was awarded Silk earlier in 2013. Those recommended within the Western Circuit are Dr Simon Fox who is 'undoubtedly one of the country's leading clinical negligence juniors', Malcolm Duthie who is 'a formidable junior in the personal injury field', David Tyack and Stephen Campbell.
Henry Pitchers is “switched on” and recommended for his “excellent written work” and “approachable, friendly but straight-talking manner”. Attracting praise for his “detailed preparation” and “excellent client care” is the “diligent” and “thorough” Simon Michael, while “particularly good on difficult legal and procedural points” thanks to his “excellent analytical skills” is David Tyack. Noted for his “intelligent advice” and “ability to inspire confidence in clients” is John Coughlan. The “exceptional” Emma Brown, and the “thorough, determined and incredibly bright” Robert Smallwood, who is “excellent on his feet and in conference” are also recommended.
David Lock QC, Head of No5’s Public and Administrative Law Group, “makes very complicated areas of law appear quite simple” and is “impressive on his feet” Other members of his group singled out by Legal 500 include “exceptional advocate” Abid Mahmood and the “hugely knowledgeable” Nageena Khalique who is “very thoughtful on her feet”.
According to the independent directory, No5 Chambers displays “real strength in depth” in Crime. Among the recommended silks are the “excellent” Michael Duck QC, who has a “well-deserved reputation” and Rex Tedd QC, whom Legal 500 praises for his “unrivalled experience” and “ability to summarise arguments and lead all involved through the decision-making process”. Recognised juniors number the “exceptionally intelligent and hard working”, Brian Dean, Phil Bradley who is “conscientious and tenacious” and Alexander Stein who “will tenaciously fight his defendant’s corner”.
No5 Chambers’ Employment Group is headed by the “personable” and “extremely knowledgeable” Richard Hignett, known for excelling “where the issues are of a sensitive and high-risk nature”. Helen Barney, a “focused and tenacious advocate” is noted for her “excellent relationship with clients” and being “extremely intelligent”, while “excellent advocate” Andrew McGrath is an “employment law guru”. Kevin O’Donovan and Charles Crow are also recommended.
Abid Mahmood, who heads No5’s Immigration group, is 'a persuasive advocate whose paperwork is immaculate'. Also in this group and recommended in the London Circuit are Manjit Gill QC and Ramby De Mello who are highly regarded, as is the 'impressive' Joanne Rothwell.
Turning to the Family Group, Lorna Meyer QC, Michele Friel and Stefano Nuvoloni stand out for their expertise in cases involving children; Stephanie Brown and Robin Rowland also stand out for their family work. Ashley Wynne is “extremely pragmatic”, exceptional even under the most pressurised circumstances” and “an expert negotiator”, while Christopher James has a “straightforward and direct manner, which clients find reassuring” and is “highly effective”. Helen Arthur "clearly, succinctly and effectively puts her clients instructions across to all those involved” and is “highly professional and very approachable”.
No5’s Planning Group fares well in the report. The “knowledgeable” and “personable” Ian Dove QC is “an effective advocate and strategic adviser”. Martin Kingston QC is 'a firm favourite' who 'provides clear strategy, succinct advice and a focus on the client' and Jeremy Cahill QC, head of the group, is recommended for his planning expertise. The “excellent” Jenny Wigley is recommended for planning matters and “thorough and insightful” junior, Satnam Choongh is “good at complex areas of planning law”. In the London circuit, Celina Colquhoun is 'a robust and well-prepared advocate' who is 'good on her feet and charming in the inquiry arena'. Also recommended in this area within the Western Circuit are Richard Kimblin, who is 'always available and gives sound practical advice', Paul Cairnes who is 'an excellent advocate, and superb in cross-examination', Gordon Wignall, and Christopher Young.
Richard Jones QC is highly recommended for his “excellent advocacy skills” within Chancery, commercial, insolvency and banking. “Excellent trial lawyer” Mark Anderson QC is “hugely intelligent and tactically astute” while the “very bright” and “quick witted” David Mitchell is noted for “clear advice on tricky points”. Omar Ensaff is “tremendously knowledgeable” and “analytical” and inspires confidence”. The “thorough” and “extremely approachable” Olivia Chaffin-Laird is an “exceptional advocate”, while the “articulate, confident advocate” Paul Joseph is praised for “meticulous attention to detail, and his ability to adopt a clear, reasoned and logical approach to cases” and in the Western Circuit David Taylor 'oozes confidence and authority'.
The Regional Bar Treasury Panel Lists feature Richard Adkinson, Olivia Chaffin-Laird, Adam Farrer, Suella Fernandes, Paul Joseph, Nageena Khalique, Claire van Overdijk and Yasmin Yasseri.
Tony McDaid concludes: “No5’s commitment to focusing on attracting barristers on merit and potential has proven to be a road map for success if one looks at the accolades heaped upon our tenants in Birmingham, East Midlands, London and Bristol by this year’s Legal 500.
“The No5 Chambers’ business model, supported by first class practice managers and clerks, ensures that tenants and associates achieve their career objectives and, looking to the future, I believe that No5 Chambers will not only consolidate and build upon its stature as a national practice, but also enhance its reputation as an international set.
“I should just like to congratulate all the tenants, practice managers, clerks and associates who work so hard to enhance not only their reputations but also that of No5 Chambers and make their mark in respected publications such as the Legal 500.”
