Following on from Michael Ford QC’s win as Employment Silk of the Year at this year’s Chambers & Partners Bar Awards, Old Square Chambers is delighted with its performance in the 2016 Chambers & Partners UK Bar Directory.
In Employment Law OSC is described as “known for its selection of really fine practitioners in its ranks. It features a very strong discrimination team and has one of the leading experts on commercial agents in Oliver Segal QC. It has long been recognised for its work in industrial relations disputes due to the presence of towering figures such as John Hendy QC. Commentators further praise the set for its efforts in TUPE and equal pay cases and say it has "impressive expertise in medical workforce matters." "It regularly involves itself in important matters of the day such as Wood v Hertel, the EAT holiday pay appeals case”. It is noted as “a leading set for crossover work such as professional discipline and regulatory cases, as well as matters concerning industrial action, human rights and other issues which have brought drastic alterations to employment law”. New entrant Robert Moretto joins a group of 23 juniors and 7 silks rated as leading practitioners in Employment Law.
In Personal Injury Law, OSC is “widely praised by solicitors for its convivial yet commercial atmosphere where there are "no airs and graces." It provides expert advice across the complete spectrum of personal injury work, from NIHL and vibration white finger cases to claims for severe psychiatric and physical injury.” Silks Nigel Cooksley QC, Jane McNeill QC, Paul Rose QC and Stephen Grime QC are recognised as leading individuals along with juniors Toby Kempster, Charles Woodhouse, David Rivers, Christopher Walker and Andrea Risoli. In Travel: International Personal Injury Law, Philip Mead and Katherine Howells retain their status as leading individuals.
In Professional Discipline Law, OSC is described as “A set that can utilise its impressive standing in the employment and personal injury fields to flourish in professional discipline." According to instructing solicitors, "the barristers are reliable specialists in their field who provide high quality legal advice and representation. They also understand their clients' commercial issues." "Its members are well versed in representing individual professionals as well regulatory bodies”. “A leader in the field” Mary O’Rourke QC, is joined by John Hendy QC, Mark Sutton QC, Giles Powell and new entrants Nadia Motraghi and Nicola Newbegin, as recognised practitioners in this field.
In Clinical Negligence Law, Mary O’Rourke QC is described as “A barrister with a formidable reputation built up over almost 30 years in the field. She is often sought out to represent healthcare professionals before regulatory tribunals.” Clients regard her as "a formidable practitioner who will bludgeon the tribunal into submission." Stephen Grime QC is described as an “influential silk with a commanding presence” and “An outstanding performer”. David Wilby QC is noted for his “particular expertise in complex cerebral palsy cases, as well as brain and spinal injury claims” and for his “thoroughness, intellect and tenacity. He doesn't give up, even on the most difficult of cases".
In Environment Law, OSC is noted as “A set that is proficient at toxic tort litigation, environmental prosecutions and multi-claimant nuisance claims. Members commonly handle cases involving contaminated land, water, flooding and conservation.” John Bates and Malcolm Galloway feature as leading practitioners in this field, with Malcolm Galloway also featuring as a leading Health and Safety Law practitioner, described by commentators as “a really fantastic criminal lawyer”.
In Sports Law, “tenacious and personable” Paul Gilroy QC is described as a “noted employment specialist who is frequently instructed in employment disputes in the sports sector. He is a favourite for high-profile footballers and managers who are facing difficulties with their clubs.”
In terms of Client Service, OSC’s clerks are described by clients as “fantastic, some of the best clerks around. Their client care is excellent. They bend over backwards to help” with others noting that “nothing is too much trouble for the clerks at Old Square".
OSC would like to thank its clients for their ongoing support over the years and in particular those who contributed to the Chambers & Partners process this year.
Chambers and Partners 2016, ranking, professional discipline, barrister
