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St Philips Chambers

Chancery

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Midlands (Bar)

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St Philips Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Chancery - Midlands (Bar)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

St Philips Chambers regularly handles traditional chancery matters, and has noted strengths in commercial cases concerning insolvency, professional negligence and shareholder disputes. The set is also developing strong capabilities in real estate matters, highlighting its ability to assist on a range of areas. An instructing solicitor comments on the "good strength in depth from juniors to silk." Another notes "the barristers are also all extremely knowledgeable and approachable which makes working with them a pleasure." Its members have recently accepted instruction in several high-profile cases, including Parker v Parker-Bowyer.

Justin Luckman is the set's senior clerk.

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Strengths

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  • The clerks are able to direct papers to an appropriate barrister to advise. The clerks generally respond within five to ten minutes of any email enquiry or to acknowledge receipt of instructions.

    Chancery respondentUK Bar

  • Clerking is very, very good. They're always very good, very helpful and engaged.

    Chancery respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks that we tend to use are all really friendly. We've never had issues with fees. I can't think of occasions where I've had to call and ask them for recommendations.

    Chancery respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are always very helpful and quick to respond to matters.

    Chancery respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are extremely helpful, easy to contact and will respond promptly to any queries.

    Chancery respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

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  • John Brennan
    John Brennan

    John Brennan

    John Brennan has a broad chancery practice, including real property, professional liability, contentious probate and insolvency. His wills, trusts and probate work also includes Inheritance Act claims, breaches of trust and fiduciary duty, and non-contentious trust matters. Brennan is well recognised for his court conduct.

    • John Brennan is very multitalented.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • John is intelligent. He's realistic and he's a great advocate.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • John is very bright, intelligent, very good on his feet and good with judges. He has a good way of persuading judges.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar
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  • Michelle Caney
    Michelle Caney

    Michelle Caney

    Michelle Caney is currently the head of real estate. Caney is well versed in property matters, including real estate litigation, commercial property, estoppel and tenant disputes, and she has experience acting in landmark appeals.

    • Michelle Caney is a safe pair of hands. Her experience shines through in any case. Judges are always happy with her advocacy too.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Michelle is the jewel in the crown at this set. She's utterly reliable and goes the extra mile for clients. She has a real passion and flair, which makes a real positive difference.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Michelle's advocacy is first-class. Her dedication and preparation is her main strength and her research is always very thorough.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Michelle is excellent. She is always well prepared and the clients are always impressed by her ability to break down complex issues and her approachability.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar
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  • Christopher Buckingham
    Christopher Buckingham

    Christopher Buckingham

    Christopher Buckingham handles a wide range of complex matters, including commercial, partnership and real estate disputes. He also represents clients in traditional chancery cases, including Inheritance Act 1975 claims.

    • Christopher is very knowledgeable and helpful. He also has an excellent client manner and can help to put the client at ease in what are often very emotive circumstances.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Christopher Buckingham is an excellent junior who is very strong on the technical cases.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Christopher Buckingham does excellent work.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Christopher Buckingham is very good. He combines legal expertise with commercial acumen. I would recommend him.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar
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  • Gavin McLeod
    Gavin McLeod

    Gavin McLeod

    Gavin McLeod advises clients on a broad range of matters, including property claims, contentious probate and inheritance matters, professional negligence claims and trusts disputes including indemnity questions. He is noted for his excellent attention to detail and knowledge.

    • Gavin McLeod has an eye for detail and technical expertise.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Gavin is a real detail man. He's very good in writing. He is very particular and careful.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Gavin McLeod is a real man of detail. His written arguments are pretty meticulous; he leaves no stone unturned.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Gavin is knowledgeable in our area of law, and can tailor how he gives his advice depending on the client.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Gavin is impressive on his feet and his level of preparation and knowledge of each case is unequalled.

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  • John Aldis
    John Aldis

    John Aldis

    John Aldis' chancery practice specialises in property, wills, trusts and probate. He frequently acts in claims where wills are challenged on the grounds of incapacity or undue influence.

    • John is an excellent counsel. He has a high level of attention to detail and understanding, and can advise on complex issues in language which is easy to understand.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • John is responsive and is making a name for himself in contentious trusts and probate. He is practical and turns things around quickly. I rate him highly.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • John Aldis is very detail-oriented. He knows what he's talking about and is incredibly likeable.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • John has provided excellent and detailed advice on some very complex property issues. Despite the complexity, he has helped us find a practical solution for the client.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • John Aldis is user-friendly and very intelligent. He will research things if you need him to. He's a very likeable individual and easy to get on with.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar
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  • Mark Grant
    Mark Grant

    Mark Grant

    Mark Grant of St Philips Chambers acts in a wide range of chancery matters, including shareholder disputes and allegations of fraud. He has appeared in various divisions of the High Court, and the Court of Appeal.

    • I find him very engaging. Mark is very good in his field of expertise and is very experienced.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • He is very user-friendly. Mark is very good on his feet. He is very well organised; he has a good understanding of the market. He can do most things.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • He's phenomenal. Mark's drafting is superb and very tactical. He's great on his feet. He gets the judge to trust him.

      Chancery respondentUK Bar

    • Mark is a pleasure to work with. He is responsive and attuned to the commercial requirements of our clients.

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Ranked Barristers at St Philips Chambers (6)

Midlands (Bar)

Members

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