Garden Court Chambers (Chambers of Owen Davies QC and Courtenay Griffiths QC )
ranked as first tier set within leading claimant sets.
Immigration and nationality
Garden Court Chambers 'has a good choice of experienced immigration and human rights specialists' that provide 'sound advice', including Laurie Fransman QC (the 'number one choice for nationality law'). Clients consider the team 'real stars'. Ian MacDonald QC is applauded for his experience in race relations cases; both the 'knowledgeable' Richard Scannell and the 'superior' Duran Seddon are singled out, as is 'excellent' Nadine Finch. The 'incredibly enthusiastic' Sadat Sayeed is seen as a junior of promise. Kathyrn Cronin is renowned for her expertise in family/immigration crossover cases; Nicola Rogers has 'excellent EU law expertise', acting on cases such as KG (Sri Lanka).
Administrative and public law
Garden Court Chambers' Jan Luba QC is 'always a delight', and the 'talented' Stephen Knafler maintains his reputation as 'a superb lawyer'.
Children law
Garden Court Chambers is highly recommended for top quality children law work and regularly handles novel and complex cases. Ian Peddie is a leading name in children cases with a particular expertise in cases involving child abuse, and is currently instructed to represent the mother in the Baby P case. Other high profile cases include Norfolk County Council v Webster. Jo Delahunty QC has expertise in complex care proceedings including the death of, or catastrophic injuries to children.
Crime
Garden Court Chambers is well known for determined criminal defence and particularly for appellate expertise. Henry Blaxland QC led Adrian Eissa in the R v Ahmet and others 'terror training' prosecution. Courtenay Griffiths QC is representing former Liberian President, Charles Taylor, before the Special Court for Sierra Leone in the Hague.
Human rights and civil liberties
Garden Court Chambers includes many barristers who are 'superb' for immigration-related cases and 'very good indeed' for civil liberties work. Joint head of chambers Owen Davies QC and Courtenay Griffiths QC feature heavily in high profile crime-related cases. Owen is an especially strong choice for extradition cases. Mark Muller QC has a good track record on international human rights test cases. Of the juniors, Terry Munyard and Leslie Thomas are strong choices for civil actions against the police. Stephanie Harrison majors on discrimination issues, and Richard Harvey has done standout work in international criminal tribunals. Claims against public bodies are Stephen Simblet's forte. Kathryn Cronin is 'absolutely superb' on cases involving family, children and immigration, where the human rights element is of central importance.
Property litigation (housing)
Garden Court Chambers' Jan Luba QC is a 'formidable' housing law silk, and Stephen Knafler noted for his 'consistently impressive' representation of individuals in housing cases.
London Bar Overview
Within Leading claimant sets, Garden Court Chambers (Chambers of Owen Davies QC and Courtenay Griffiths QC )
is a first tier firm. Garden Court Chambers remains recommended in immigration, and is also visible in crime, civil liberties and
administrative and public law, and for social housing. Dexter Dias QC took silk.
