Chambers UK 2010 Confirms Chambers Position
In the newly released Chambers UK 2010 guide members of Deans Court Chambers get no fewer than 23 recommendations in the publication; this reaffirms our position as one of the leading barristers' chambers nationally:-
Deans Court Chambers also boasts a handful of extremely highly regarded clinical negligence tenants. Stephen Grime QC is “excellent at bringing his own considered view on the issues to the table.” Senior junior David Eccles boasts a strong following of local solicitors and is commended for being "extremely bright and ever-reliable." Michael Smith has established a strong reputation amongst the defence solicitors in the region. He is regarded as "extremely thoughtful and a safe pair of hands."
Crime:-"A smashing barrister with bucket loads of personality," David Fish QC of Deans Court Chambers is respected for his broad practice. Stuart Denney QC at the same set has a defence-based practice and is lauded as "a fearless barrister and one of the cleverest people at the Bar." Mark Savill, a junior here, is also "a very smooth performer" and a fixture on the defence side.
Family:-Deans Court Chambers provides a high-quality service across a range of practice areas. When it comes to family law, and children law in particular, Susan Grocott QC is its leading light. She is a formidable advocate with extensive knowledge of medical issues. Louise Bancroft is "always a good choice for ancillary relief matters." She has a firm grasp of financial matters and is strong on cross-examination. Karen Brody is "extremely thorough and popular with clients," while Jane Cross is "charming, persuasive and blessed with a great sense of humour." Frances Heaton is an expert on children matters, with sources noting her "constructive and sensitive" approach.
Health & Safety:-Timothy Horlock QC ... enjoys a “fearsome reputation” in the North West. He is equally adept acting for the defence and the prosecution, and this dual experience and versatility is one of many reasons why he is considered to be at the “forefront of the field.” Head of Deans Court Chambers in Manchester, Mark Turner QC is widely revered by solicitors in the region: “There’s no need to go to London when you have Turner on your doorstep.” With a strong grounding in criminal advocacy, it is little wonder that he inspires in the courtroom with his “tremendous cross-examination skills” and “monumental ability to convey complicated facts to a jury.” In Stuart Denney QC, this same set has one of the most experienced and admired health and safety practitioners in the Northern Circuit. This “wily fox" is complimented on his strong analytical skills, and has impressed commentators with his knowledge of the subject matter, accrued over 20 years. Criminal and regulatory law expert Lisa Judge is also at the set and moves up a band this year, having “continued to show herself to be an outstanding performer in this, as well as the criminal arena.” She is admired for “commanding the respect of the court.” Her colleague Michael Hayton also adds to Deans Court Chambers’ deep bench of health and safety specialists. He is mooted as a “clear-thinking and articulate advocate,” and is acclaimed for his defence work and lectures on HSE prosecutions.
Personal Injury:-Deans Court continues to reign supreme on the Northern Circuit, as it has great depth of resources at all levels. Its well-established personal injury practice is staffed by barristers who act in all manner of high-value cases including industrial disease, fatal accident, brain injury and spinal injury matters. The silks here include Stephen Grime QC, who "always goes straight to the heart of the evidence and the issues in a case." A lawyer who "provides clear and concise guidance to the client,” he demonstrates such an aptitude for high-value claims that his caseload includes a substantial proportion of claims that are valued at over £5 million. Fellow silk David Stockdale QC has a well-established reputation for quality personal injury advice. He handles work on behalf of both claimants and defendants and is highly regarded on both sides of the divide. Solicitors appreciate his "tremendous attention to detail," and his "ability to handle the most difficult of policyholders in a sympathetic and constructive manner." According to some solicitors, Mark Turner QC "stands miles above the crowd in the North of England and is the match of many better-known barristers in London." He "particularly relishes - and indeed shines - in cases which have tricky issues of liability." Stable mate, Patrick Field QC receives acclaim for being “articulate, client-friendly and an impressive advocate,” while similar claims are also made for juniors Peter Burns and Jonathan Grace. According to interviewees, "Burns' technical ability matches that of a leader," while Grace is "tactically very astute." Interviewees agree that Timothy Horlock QC is “a first-class leader.” He is “a real team player who connects with the clients,” and "is more than happy to fight his corner with spirit”.’