News

Chambers UK Bar Guide 2018 Rankings Released

Number of Rankings:

  • Ranked in 19 practice areas - top of the table for the fourth year running.
  • Sets with the most barrister rankings - position 3 in the table: number of rankings 180. Number of barristers ranked: 131
39 Essex Chambers

One of the most expansive sets at the Bar, 39 Essex Chambers houses a huge number of senior and junior barristers with a diverse range of specialisms. A key area of focus for the set is public law, with barristers advising on a broad spectrum of matters relating to education, human rights, immigration and community care.

In particular the set's Court of Protection team is considered "a force to be reckoned with." Housing not one but two leading experts in Victoria Butler-Cole and Alexander Ruck Keene, the group frequently handles matters of huge significance to the law surrounding mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and the right to refuse medical treatment. This emphasis on health and welfare matters is also reflected in the presence of leading personal injury and clinical negligence silk Neil Block QC, who is regarded by one market commentator as "the number-one choice for high-value, complex cases on behalf of defendants." No less impressive is the set's experience in professional discipline, exemplified by the profile of outstanding senior junior David Bradly, who is described as a "model of regulatory prosecutorial elegance and ability." 39 Essex also has high-level expertise in planning, environment and construction law, and benefits from the presence of two huge names in these areas: "the guru of environmental law and practice" Stephen Tromans QC, and "brilliant advocate" and construction specialist Stuart Catchpole QC, both of whom also handle weighty disputes in the energy and natural resources sector.

Areas ranked: