Garden Court Chambers is delighted to have been ranked as a first tier set in the prestigious 2011 Edition of the Legal 500. The Legal 500 publishes rankings of the leading barristers and sets of chambers in the UK, based on extensive research and from taking up references with solicitors and clients.
Garden Court has been recommended in seven areas of law, including a ranking for the first time for our Planning Team. 11 of our barristers have entered the rankings for the first time, and 11 more have gone up in the rankings.
Immigration (including business immigration) (Tier 1)
"The 'first class' Garden Court Chambers houses barristers with 'a fantastic range of depth and experience'. In particular, Laurie Fransman QC remains 'a god of nationality law, with unmatched knowledge of the area', and he and Ian Macdonald QC are highly admired by peers and clients alike. Among the juniors, Stephanie Harrison is 'very knowledgeable' and competent in all areas of EU law; Nadine Finch is 'a reliable and unflustered collaborator'; Peter Jorro has 'intellectual vigour and is quick to get to the important issues'; Duran Seddon is 'very knowledgeable and offers practical solutions'; and David Jones' has a 'highly technical mind and encyclopaedic knowledge of asylum law'. Clients also benefit from Kathryn Cronin's 'useful combination of childcare and immigration expertise'; Navtej Singh Ahluwalia's 'strong communication skills'; and Sadat Sayeed's 'determined attitude'."
Children law (including public and private law) (Tier 2)
"Garden Court Chambers is the 'chambers of choice for care work', and 'the barristers are always dedicated and committed to the cases and clients'. Individuals of note include Ian Peddie QC, who is 'very thorough in his cross-examination, and is excellent at pulling the evidence together', and 'experienced and tenacious advocate' Maggie Jones, who 'is enthusiastic and dedicated to children law'."
Civil liberties and human rights (including public inquiry law and actions against the police) (Tier 2)
Garden Court Chambers is noted for its 'strength and depth in actions against the police and inquest work', where it is described as a 'leader in the field'. It provides a 'fantastic service', and the clerks are rated for their quick responses. Owen Davies QC and Courtenay Griffiths QC are recommended among the leading silks. The 'fearless and formidable' Leslie Thomas has a superb reputation for police actions, and inquest and prison work, and is rated for his 'excellent cross-examination skills'. Stephen Simblet is an 'excellent jury advocate' whose 'presence at court shows incredible attention to detail'. The set also receives high praise for its up-and-coming junior juniors.
Crime (Tier 3)
"Garden Court Chambers' counsel are 'innovative, friendly and willing to take up any challenges'. Newly appointed silk James Scobie QC is 'extremely professional and completely dedicated to his clients', and David Spens QC 'uses the intelligent strategy and tactical analysis of a military general'. Richard Harvey is 'inspirational', and Tom Wainwright 'never gives up on a case'."
Administrative and public law (including local government law) (Tier 4)
"Garden Court Chambers is the 'pre-eminent chambers for public law work relating to social housing'. Jan Luba QC has a 'compelling courtroom presence', Stephanie Harrison provides 'succinct and well-ordered arguments', and Stephen Simblet is 'thorough and committed'."
Planning (Tier 5)
"Garden Court Chambers' planning set specialises in representing travellers in seeking planning permission and challenging enforcement actions. Marc Willers 'displays immense planning knowledge as well as practical input. He has the skill to defuse areas of conflict and point the way forward for settlement'. David Watkinson is 'an outstanding barrister with an excellent understanding of the law, and provides quality advice'."
Property litigation (including agriculture and housing) (Tier 5)
"Garden Court Chambers is 'exceptional in housing law', where the barristers are 'dedicated and go the extra mile for clients'. Jan Luba QC is 'incredibly professional and committed'; and Stephen Knafler QC 'combines erudite legal analysis with a clear style of presentation'. Of the juniors, Liz Davies is 'everyone's first for homeless issues'; and Beatrice Prevatt 'leaves no stone unturned'."
To read all the entries for Garden Court Chambers, please visit The Legal 500.
Garden Court would like to thank all of our clients and peers for recognising the quality of the legal services we provide and for recommending us. Similarly we would like to thank the editors and researchers at The Legal 500 for the hundreds of hours of work that went into the new edition.
