Hardwicke scores highly in Chambers UK 2010
Hardwicke continues to shine in the Chambers UK legal directory. The 2010 edition includes 21 of our barristers, ranked in variety of legal practice areas including Education, Clinical Negligence, Family, Information Technology, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Personal Injury, Real Estate Litigation, Shipping and Social Housing.
Maggie Bloom enters the Clinical Negligence tables for the first time and is recognised for her “down-to-earth and sensible approach.”
In Construction Paul Reed remains highly ranked. He is described as “brainy and diligent” and commended for his work in the Buncefield dispute. David Pliener debuted in the rankings due to his “flourishing construction practice”. He is recognised for his work in the Manchester airport runaway dispute along with Paul Reed.
The Education team is praised for having expanded its practice beyond purely claimant work. Six members of the team are included. Deborah Hay has moved up the tables and is applauded for her “technical proficiency and practical, down-to-earth manner [which] prove to be exactly what the client needs.” Fiona Scolding is appreciated for “her ability to put clients at ease with her tactical acumen” while John Friel is “a powerful advocate for parents and children.” Denis Edwards is recognised for the breadth of his public law practice. John McKendrick “practises with real fervour” while Clive Rawlings “commands respect from judges for the manner in which he argues difficult points with confidence and a clear mind.”
Sheena Cassidy is a new addition to the Family/Matrimonial table and is recognised for her ancillary relief work as well as her practice handling criminal restraint and confiscation proceedings.
In Information Technology Graham Cunningham “proves great at drafting pleadings and dealing with the details and technicalities of a case.”
Paul Reed stands amongst the best in the Insurance field. He “has had an extremely successful year in raising the profile of his insurance and reinsurance practice, particularly with regard to its buildings and projects focus. He recently handled a USD150 million international arbitration concerning damage caused by Hurricane Ivan in the Cayman Islands. Commentators note that he also impressed in Buncefield-related disputes.”
In Intellectual Property Mark Engleman has “ability to grapple with very complex IP issues” and “his insightful and practical approach to disputes.” Madeleine Heal “puts boundless energy into acting for a client.” She is “tenacious in court and always has a commercial slant to her advice.”
Charlie Bagot moves up a tier in Personal Injury work: he is “always thorough and well up on the case” and “invariably produces clear and compelling arguments in court.” Similarly, Emily Formby continues to impress.
Our strength in Real Estate Litigation is recognised through the continued inclusion of Michelle Stevens-Hoare. She is endorsed as “tough and professional.” Nicola Muir is admired for her “pleasant and efficient manner, and ability to get results.”
Hardwicke’s Shipping practice remains prominent with James Watthey ranked as a leading junior. He is “impressively commercial.”
Once again, the Social Housing team is ranked as one of the leading sets at The Bar: “this ‘efficiently run and well-organised’ set is increasingly recognised as one of the leading sets in the country as it increases its turnover and involves itself in more and more cases.” Kerry Bretherton “comes up with new points and runs them well.” Andrew Lane is recognised for his work in anti-social behaviour cases.
