18 St John Street is delighted to announce that several members of chambers have been ranked as leading barristers in the 2022 edition of the prestigious Chambers and Partners directory.
The 2022 rankings were published on Thursday. This latest edition sees several members of chambers retain or improve their rankings from previous years, along with new additions to the directory. This represents a 74% increase in new or elevated individual rankings with a gain of 3 new practice sector rankings, such that 18 St John Street is now ranked in 14 practice areas.
Chambers director James Parks commented “The latest Chambers UK rankings prove the strength in depth that 18 St John Street can offer clients. I am delighted that several of our members have consolidated or improved their rankings this year and it is very pleasing to see new additions to the directory, reflecting the hard work and commitment to providing a top-class advice, advocacy and client service.”
BUSINESS & PROPERTY
Head of Chambers, Richard Chapman QC, features in seven categories – Banking and Finance, Chancery, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Company, Professional Negligence, Restructuring/Insolvency and Tax.
Testimonials include: “Pragmatic and very commercial.” “He is fantastic: a very measured, diligent and thorough advocate who fairly fights his client’s corner.” “He is able to put very technical issues into language that real people will understand – that’s a real gift.”
Oliver Caplan remains recommended in the area of Social Housing: “Offers considerable expertise in the wide range of issues that can arise for tenants of social housing. He is well versed in acting for vulnerable clients, including those with mental health issues.”
CIVIL & PERSONAL INJURY
Christopher Limb ‘Gains plaudits for his claimant-side practice’ in Clinical Negligence. ‘He regularly acts in relation to delayed diagnosis of cancer and surgical or orthopaedic negligence cases. He possesses abundant experience in cerebral palsy claims.’
“Really good at getting down into the details of a case”
Gemma McGungle features in Chambers & Partners for the first time and acts predominantly for claimants and is regularly instructed in high-value and complex claims. She has notable experience handling matters involving allegations of failures to diagnose.
“Approachable and extremely thorough in her approach to cases. She has excellent client care and communication skills, putting clients at ease when in conference.” “She provides sensible and straightforward advice and is reassuring.”
Mark Laprell is recommended again for Personal Injury cases and is noted as “A well-regarded senior junior who represents clients in a broad range of cases arising out of serious injury and fatal accidents. Many of his cases are to do with transport.”
“A very senior junior – what he doesn’t know about brain injury is not worth knowing. He is clear, direct and utterly fantastic on his feet.”
CRIMINAL
Rachel Faux is described as ‘A noted junior who routinely acts in serious criminal cases, including sexual assaults and drugs matters. She has considerable experience of handling cases involving vulnerable or very young witnesses.’
“Meticulous in her preparation and great with clients”
Richard Vardon is ‘An experienced advocate, experienced in the prosecution and defence of serious criminal offences….regularly instructed in homicide, terrorism and sexual offences cases’ and ‘recognised for his expertise in drugs trafficking cases.’
“He is a powerful cross-examiner with a great court presence.”
FAMILY
Samantha Birtles is recommended in the Family (Children) category as an ‘Experienced child law expert who frequently acts for local authorities, parents and children. She is a strong choice of counsel for cases involving complex medical evidence and vulnerable clients.’
“She is an immaculately prepared and persuasive advocate who is popular with clients and the judiciary.”
Stephen Murray is once again recommended for Matrimonial Finance and is ‘noted for his expertise in cases involving businesses and substantial property portfolios. He frequently handles cross-jurisdictional matters, often involving non-disclosure issues. He is praised by sources for his robust representation of clients in court.’
“He will forcefully put a client’s position in the strongest possible form. He is able to understand and distil the most complex information.”
REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
Christopher McNall features this year as a recommended expert in the field of Real Estate Litigation. “His real estate practice includes litigation relating to high-value farms.”
“He is excellent with clients.” “He is a winner.” “He is very knowledgeable and experienced.”
TAX
Jennifer Newstead-Taylor is a new addition to the rankings this year in the area of Tax Law and is recommended as “a well-organised, competent and experienced barrister with a sound grasp of the area.”