What the directories say
The expertise of 4 New Square’s barristers is recognised by the leading two independent legal directories, Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, across a number of practice areas.
We set out below, in alphabetical order by practice area, how we feature in these directories’ most recent editions.
Chambers and Partners 2012
COMMERCIAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Justin Fenwick QC and Anneliese Day are recommended.
CONSTRUCTION
'barristers within 4 New Square have attracted a significant following amongst solicitors seeking a blend of construction and professional indemnity expertise and are ably backed by a strong support team'
- Chambers and Partners 2012
David Sears QC impresses sources with his ability to formulate effective strategies and the ease with which he gets to grips with often obscure technical matters. He recently acted in the dispute between Tube Lines and London Underground relating to the upgrade of the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly Lines. According to commentators, Roger Stewart QC is "devastating in cross-examination." His "tough, practical and commercial" manner has placed Stewart amongst the first choice for instructions in the area, as exemplified by his work on the Wembley Stadium litigation. Succinct and quick in his advice, Michael Soole QC is a strong favourite among clients as well as solicitors when it comes to insurance or professional negligence-oriented construction cases.
Justin Fenwick QC is a heavyweight when it comes to professional negligence instructions. Fenwick's strong standing within the domestic sphere is rapidly attracting instructions from solicitors with instructions relating to overseas projects, and he has been particularly active in Russia. Ben Patten QC has made a smooth transition into the role of silk. Instructing solicitors applaud the fact that he remains a hands-on and engaged member of any team, bringing his obviously strong legal mind to bear in a collaborative manner. He recently acted on behalf of a firm of contractors in a dispute concerning variations, extensions of time and loss and expense claims concerning a large residential development in Kensington. Another of the set's key silks active in this area is Mark Cannon QC. His recent work has included Siemens Building Technologies Ltd v Supershield Ltd, a claim regarding flood damage to a City office block allegedly due to defective workmanship.
According to solicitors, Fiona Sinclair provides "superb advocacy based on strong analysis." She has recently been taking a lead role for Chapman Bathurst Partnership in a six-party dispute relating to payment claims of £6 million regarding a £65 million house built in South Kensington. Stablemate Paul Sutherland splits his time between the UK and Canada, but nonetheless maintains a strong practice. He wins praise for his work in the field from sources across the board. Through her reputation for responsiveness and attention to details Annabel Shaw remains a key junior for construction instructions at the chambers, and is often seen in some of the leading matters in the sector. She is recommended along with Graham Chapman, who is emerging as a strong name amongst juniors at the set for professional negligence-related construction mandates.
CONSUMER LAW
Eva Lomnicka and Jon Hough are recommended.
COSTS
The "enormously likeable" Nicholas Bacon QC continues to consolidate his practice after last year's elevation to silk. "A deservedly popular choice of counsel," he is "a vigorous defender of his clients' interests." Highlights for him include involvement in the costs aspects of the massive multi-party Trafigura litigation. Roger Mallalieu wins considerable market acclaim due to his "broad knowledge base and restrained yet steely manner when trying to convince decision makers." He recently acted on Sibthorpe & Morris v Southwark concerning costs orders indemnities.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
John Powell QC and Eva Lomnicka are recommended.
INSURANCE
Justin Fenwick QC is an "exceptional tactician and a persuasive advocate." Adept at whatever he turns his hand to, his recent insurance work has seen him advising a bank in a high-profile negligence claim against brokers. The "thoroughly pleasant and impressively articulate" Jeremy Stuart-Smith QC tackles a range of insurance coverage and personal injury matters. Head of chambers, he is also recognised for his muscle in product liability and professional negligence cases. His recent matters have included advising a group of commercial property insurers in their claims against Total arising out of the Buncefield explosion. Graham Eklund QC is "an extremely approachable barrister and a diligent team player" who is admired for his "listening skills and his great focus when it comes to the detail of a case." Formerly a solicitor within Herbert Smith’s insurance litigation team, he is a key choice for complex insurance fraud cases and has particular expertise in insurance claims arising from fires.
INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION
Roger Stewart QC is recommended.
PENSIONS
Nigel Burroughs is recommended.
PRODUCT LIABILITY
'Considered a "serious player" for product liability litigation, 4 New Square groups together a strong bench of silks who have extensive experience in this field...Clients also remark on the excellent service from the clerks and receptionists alike which is described as "second to none."'
- Chambers and Partners 2012
Justin Fenwick QC is “an incredibly intelligent and commercially astute counsel, who is able to look at a massive amount of information, both legal and technical in nature, and still grasp the point of a case quickly." He is presently acting for the claimant manufacturer in a case concerning defective resin used to manufacture oil storage tanks. Peers regard him as a "ferocious cross-examiner," while clients aver that “he has the knack of always being a step ahead of the judge." They further comment that "he knows when it's the right time to say less, and is an all-round fabulous tactician." Head of chambers Jeremy Stuart-Smith QC concentrates on contentious pharmaceutical and commercial product liability, acting for both claimants and defendants. He has strong experience of asbestos litigation and is currently instructed on the settlement of claims concerning the exposure of employees of various airlines to organophosphates. Clients place high value on his knowledge and experience of product liability issues as well as his work ethic. One interviewee said of him: “He is technically brilliant; his ability to work his way through the detail and construct an argument is phenomenal. He knows his way around the courts as few others do, and can carefully handle the judges and get you the right result, right up to the highest court in the land.”
Graham Eklund QC is well thought of by market sources due to his "clear and pragmatic advice and frank assessments relating to exposure and risk.” He is frequently instructed to represent insurers and corporates in property damage claims following fires caused by defective products. Sources also admire his clear understanding of client needs. Stablemate Leigh-Ann Mulcahy QC also focuses much of her time on pharmaceutical litigation and is regarded as "quite outstanding” by solicitors concentrating on this area. She recently worked on the fetal anticonvulsant litigation, acting for the Legal Services Commission Special Cases Unit. Peers praise her "skill in addressing evidential issues that crop up," as well as her "detailed and analytical" approach to cases. She has great rapport with the client as does David Turner QC, a sought-out advocate for highly contentious matters. Sources comment that Turner “is always thinking how to do things differently. He's a great negotiator with a very very quick brain, who has a phenomenal memory for case law and a great grasp of technical and financial issues." His "ability to get straight to the heart of a case” was also highlighted.
Peter Feldschreiber employs his specialist knowledge as a qualified physician when handling healthcare and pharmaceutical product liability cases and associated clinical negligence litigation. "It's a dream combination," say clients, who add: "He has a long background in pharmaceuticals and is fantastically knowledgeable."
PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE
'highly esteemed for its work in disciplinary and regulatory matters affecting solicitors, barristers, tax specialists, accountants and actuaries. The set also has an interesting niche in misconduct proceedings within the world of equestrianism and horse racing, and has strong ties with the British Horseracing Authority.'
- Chambers and Partners 2012
Ben Hubble QC is appreciated for being "practical and approachable" and for having "an excellent manner with clients." He regularly appears before the Accountancy and Actuarial Discipline Board (AADB), the SDT and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Graeme McPherson QC is "extremely well respected in horse racing circles," not just for the strength of his advocacy, but also because he is himself intimately involved with that world, being a noted trainer. McPherson is also a leading light in disciplinary matters concerning the legal profession.
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
'4 New Square remains "undoubtedly right at the top" of the professional negligence tree. It has an unrivalled range of "reliable barristers at every call," who impress solicitors as they "become part of the team and stand alongside us in a dispute."...and are "all absolutely steeped in professional liability law."'
It is not only the barristers that impress, since clients find "the overall service excellent." The "down-to-earth" clerking team is praised as being "responsive and very good at looking after clients."'
- Chambers and Partners 2012
The "ferociously bright" Ben Hubble QC continues to win high praise from both peers and clients. He is "user-friendly and delightful to work with," and "knows when to fight and when to seek a settlement." Justin Fenwick QC "remains at the top of the professional liability tree." He is a "top-class courtroom advocate" but is also "exceptionally loyal and diligent." He is often involved in leading cases, such as Levicom v Linklaters. The "outstanding" Graeme McPherson QC is widely praised as a "fearless advocate" with a real instinct for running cases, and is valued by solicitors as he is "very unstuffy and willing to pitch in." Sue Carr QC is another fantastic silk who is seen as "a big gun to have on the larger cases." Her skills are myriad; she is an "excellent advocate with powerful analytical skills" and is also an "enthusiastic and hard-working team player." As one impressed barrister stated: "She is the one that you would want to represent you." Nicholas Davidson QC is a silk with a "breathtaking intellect" who is "reserved for the biggest and highest profile cases," in part because he is a "master cross-examiner." Yet another superlative silk is Patrick Lawrence QC. He is an "entertaining and sharp" barrister who "retains a sense of humour even in the heat of battle." He is a particularly good bet if you have a novel legal problem since he has exceptionally good powers of analysis and comes up with "creative ideas on how to approach difficult cases."
John Powell QC also has a stellar reputation since he is "spectacularly knowledgeable in the field" and "only ever makes good points." Roger Stewart QC also has an enviable range of qualities: he is "tough, practical, commercial and clever," with "first-class judgement" and an "incredible grasp of detail." He brings his talents to bear across the full range of professional negligence work. Jeremy Stuart-Smith QC is head of chambers and gives "honest, perceptive" advice on a broad range of professional negligence problems. His set also includes David Halpern QC, an "absolute guru when it comes to professional negligence." Commentators say that he is a top choice if there are "esoteric property or trust problems to unravel." Also recommended, Graham Eklund QC is a "totally unflappable" barrister with a broad practice. He has particular expertise in complex insurance disputes. Mark Cannon QC is another well-regarded barrister who gives advice to a wide range of professionals with liability issues. He always "gives his client a good service," as does Simon Monty QC, who has a broad practice which, although focusing on defence, also encompasses some claimant work. Monty has a particular focus on claims relating to property and fraud. David Turner QC is a "very helpful" barrister who focuses his attention on accountants, brokers and solicitors. He was commended along with Leigh-Ann Mulcahy QC, a "very impressive court performer" who has been particularly active in the area of legal professional negligence. Ben Patten QC is a "hard-working, talented advocate" with a broad practice, although he has recently been particularly active defending legal professionals. He impresses the market alongside the "incredibly hard-working" David Sears QC, a "clever and user-friendly" silk who provides "commercially minded advice" on complex buildings disputes. Finally among the silks, Michael Soole QC is known for thinking deeply about complex problems. "Once he finds the answer he single-mindedly pursues the claim to resolution," say those that use him.
A number of top solicitors describe Jamie Smith as a "silk in waiting." He "works like a Trojan," brings a "clear insight into complex legal matters" and prepares meticulously. Such is his standing that he is regularly involved in multimillion-pound cases. Anneliese Day is also fantastically well regarded in this field. She is "a star in the making" and when she runs cases it is "no disadvantage not having a silk on board." She is "sharp and incisive," she "instils confidence in clients" and she is an excellent advocate. Ben Elkington is a "very good and dangerous opponent," with a particular focus on claims against insurance brokers. He has a strong practice as does Amanda Savage, another well-regarded junior with a busy practice. Savage has a particular focus on the financial and legal spheres and is "very good at client management and at dealing with any emotional issues that arise." Graham Chapman has an "excellent all-round skill set;" he "gets through complex instructions at an impressive speed, provides robust and commercial advice and is an advocate of the highest quality." Charles Phipps is another "superb lawyer." He "can grasp a million things straight away," is a "courageous" advocate and is thought of by clients as "the bee's knees."
Fiona Sinclair is "down to earth, reasonable and tough when necessary." She has an "attractive style" in court and, despite being excellent at professional negligence generally, is perhaps best known for her efforts in construction claims. Hugh Evans is an "extremely bright" junior with a particular focus on claims involving solicitors and accountants, while Siân Mirchandani has experience of the full range of professional negligence matters. She impresses with her "excellent tactical advice" and prompt responses. Paul Sutherland has a "fantastic mathematical mind" and is consequently "awesome on the technical side of the law." The "academically extremely sound" Helen Evans primarily focuses on solicitors and barrister negligence, and wins over clients as she is "hard-working and responsive." Scott Allen is a "good all-rounder" who is "precise in his advice and good at accurately assessing the merits of the case," while Katie Powell is a good young junior who provides "punchy and clear written submissions." She has considerable experience of legal professional negligence and claims relating to after-the-event (ATE) insurance schemes. Carl Troman is another impressive young barrister who is "practical and easy to deal with." He has the "valuable knack of maintaining a bird's eye view of the case."
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: TECHNOLOGY & CONSTRUCTION
David Sears QC, Fiona Sinclair, Justin Fenwick QC, Michael Soole QC, Paul Sutherland and Roger Stewart QC are all recommended.
SPORT
'swiftly making its mark in the sports sector, particularly in the world of horse racing, where its members have established a strong relationship with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA)'
- Chambers and Partners 2012
Graeme McPherson QC has become one of the true go-to silks for horse racing. A former amateur jockey, McPherson manages to juggle a highly successful career at the Bar with racehorse training. As one peer acknowledges: "I don't think he could have any more knowledge of racing, quite frankly. He's an embarrassingly talented man." McPherson regularly acts for the BHA on high-profile cases, appearing against trainer Nicky Henderson in the Moonlit Path issue and against trainer Aidan O'Brien in relation to the Cape Blanco matter.
Rick Liddell is proving himself to be "a rising star at the Bar for horse racing cases." He is also regularly instructed by the BHA to both advise and appear at inquiries and disciplinary proceedings. He has also been instructed on a number of occasions by the International Rugby Board. Daniel Saoul is another notable up-and-comer on the sports side. Saoul distinguishes himself through a personal involvement in the sector. He is a former coxswain with honours at the Rowing World Cup, Commonwealth Rowing Championships and Henley Royal Regatta. He remains actively involved in the rowing cases, but also undertakes a range of other sports work, including representing a rugby league player in a doping challenge. He has also acted for a governing body in a Commonwealth Games selection dispute.
The Legal 500
ADMINISTRATIVE & PUBLIC LAW
Leigh-Ann Mulcahy QC and Jonathan Hough are recommended.
CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE & HEALTHCARE
Jeremy Stuart-Smith QC is recommended.
CONSTRUCTION
Roger Stewart QC has ‘a knack of getting to the crux of issues quickly’, and Ben Patten QC is ‘bright, hardworking and good with clients’. In 2010, it welcomed the arrival of the ‘very strong’ David Sears QC from Atkin Chambers.
Justin Fenwick QC, Michael Soole QC, Fiona Sinclair and Annabel Shaw are also recommended.
CONSUMER & PRODUCT LIABILITY
A ‘top-notch, professionally run set’ with standout experience in all areas of consumer and product liability.
- Legal 500, 2012
At silk level, Justin Fenwick QC and Jeremy Stuart-Smith QC have both recently advised on fire claims, including the Buncefield explosion, and David Turner QC specialises in commercial product liability cases. Graham Eklund QC is ‘practical yet very analytical of problems’, and Jalil Asif QC is ‘intelligent, cooperative, and knowledgeable about the discrete areas’. Dr Peter Feldschreiber’s ‘medical qualifications, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, give him a unique perspective on life sciences product liability cases’. Also recommended are Professor Eva Lomnicka and Paul Sutherland.
Leigh-Ann Mulcahy QC is also recommended.
COSTS
While Four New Square might not have the same number of costs specialists as other sets, in terms of quality, its barristers are ‘clearly premier division ’. Among them, Nicholas Bacon QC is considered ‘a guru on costs matters’. Roger Mallalieu’s ‘particular strengths lie in bringing clarity and depth to the case and integrating that into a team approach to get the best result’. Timothy Chelmick has ‘an extremely bright mind’ and is an ‘excellent advocate’, with ‘the potential to rise to the top of the profession’.
FRAUD: CIVIL
John Powell QC and Justin Fenwick QC are recommended.
INSURANCE & REINSURANCE
The ‘very much up-and-coming’ Four New Square houses names including Graham Eklund QC, who marries a ‘sound legal approach to a well-tuned commercial antenna’; Mark Cannon QC, who has a ‘cerebral, dry approach’ and whose ‘written work is as good as it gets’; Jeremy Stuart-Smith QC (‘an excellent and polished advocate’); and Nicholas Davidson QC (who ‘displays mastery of the law and practice of insurance’). Junior Jonathan Hough is ‘a first-rate legal brain’.
Justin Fenwick QC, Roger Stewart QC, David Sears QC and Neil Hext are also recommended.
INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION
Roger Stewart QC is recommended.
MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Graeme McPherson QC is an ‘invaluable and credible weapon in any sport case’; Richard Liddell is ‘sharp and extremely thorough’; and, ‘well on his way to becoming a leading junior in the field’, Daniel Saoul is one to watch for the future.
Graeme Mew is also recommended.
PENSIONS
Nigel Burroughs is recommended for his ‘commercial and pragmatic approach’.
PERSONAL INJURY
Graham Eklund QC is recommended.
PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE & REGULATORY LAW
Ben Hubble QC is recommended.
PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE
Four New Square is the ‘leading chambers in the professional negligence arena; it is well clerked and provides a consistently high-quality service’.
- Legal 500, 2012
Leading silks include Justin Fenwick QC, who has ‘excellent client skills’; Nicholas Davidson QC, who is described as ‘a master of cross-examination’; Sue Carr QC, who is ‘adaptable’ and gives ‘prompt, commercial advice’; Jeremy Stuart-Smith QC, who is ‘a true class act’; and Roger Stewart QC, who is ‘peerless’. Graeme McPherson QC is ‘outstanding’, and Ben Hubble QC is ‘absolutely at the top of his game’. The ‘first-rate’ Leigh-Ann Mulcahy QC and the ‘excellent’ David Turner QC are also singled out. The set fields ‘many standout juniors’, including the ‘helpful, bright and personable’ Fiona Sinclair. Jamie Smith is ‘intellectually very strong’, and Siân Mirchandani provides ‘sensible, commercial and practical advice’. Also recommended are the ‘impressive’ Clare Dixon; the ‘responsive’ Helen Evans; Anneliese Day, who ‘has excellent judgement’; the ‘very hardworking’ Scott Allen; Richard Liddell, who is ‘intelligent and meticulous’; and ‘budding star’ Carl Troman.
John Powell QC, Patrick Lawrence QC, Graham Eklund QC, David Halpern QC, Simon Monty QC, David Sears QC, Michael Soole QC, Ben Elkington, Hugh Evans, Andrew Nicol, Charles Phipps, Paul Parker, Graham Chapman, Clare Dixon, Miles Harris, Steve Innes and Alex Hall-Taylor are all also recommended.
PROPERTY LITIGATION
David Halpern QC is recommended.