Chancery: Traditional | UK Bar

5 Stone Buildings is one of the pre-eminent traditional chancery sets in London and is notable for its strength and depth. A source says that the set boasts "a large number of specialist, quality counsel, all of whom have an excellent grasp of the law." Its barristers are highly sought after in the higher courts and continue to be instructed in high-profile and complex disputes, such as Guest v Guest, a Supreme Court case which provided crucial guidance on the approach to relief in proprietary estoppel. "5 Stone Buildings is without doubt one of the leading sets for traditional chancery work," concludes a source, who continues: "It is particularly good on probate matters and claims for family provision. Its members get on top of the detail immediately, always respond efficiently and clearly, and are excellent with clients."

Serle Court has an impressive reputation in the market for its handling of high-value chancery work. Multiple barristers at the chambers have been involved in the largest ever Bermudian trust dispute, Wong v Grand View PTC & Ors, which relates to five Bermudian purpose trusts containing assets worth over USD15 billion dollars. "Serle Court is a first choice of chambers for complex and sophisticated matters," remarks an interviewee, adding: "Those I have worked with have had a remarkably deep understanding of a great variety of areas of law." Another source appreciates the approach taken by barristers throughout the set: "I am always impressed by them, both in terms of their speed of response and the level of care and attention they give to matters."

Ten Old Square remains a premier set for handling trusts, probate and estates matters. The bench strength at the set is highlighted as a particular asset, with one interviewee commenting: "The chambers offers a wide range of experience at all levels of call. I get the sense of a collegiate atmosphere in which the juniors are able to benefit from more senior colleagues' wisdom and apply it to their own cases." An impressed source echoes this, adding: "The barristers I have briefed at Ten Old Square have always done a quality job. They have all amply demonstrated their knowledge, expertise and skill in legally and factually complex cases." Barristers at the set have been involved in several high-profile matters recently, including the Hinduja dispute which raises complex issues regarding trusts.

Wilberforce Chambers has an impressive group of barristers who handle complex disputes surrounding trusts and estates, and demonstrate multi-jurisdictional knowledge of the law. "The team here is tried, tested, battle-hardened and excellent," comments a source. Recently, members of the set have appeared in a number of significant matters including Halabi v Equity Trust, which looked at fundamental principles of trusts and insolvency and their interrelationship. As one interviewee said: "Wilberforce is the go-to set for tricky cases that sit at the interface between different areas of law. They are the set to go to when you need someone really skilled and you're seeking out the best advice."

XXIV Old Buildings is an established and highly respected traditional chancery chambers. It is "an excellent, very experienced set with barristers who always provide quick, commercial and high quality advice," comments one source. Another states: "The barristers here are all of a high calibre and are extremely capable. They are able to get to grips with new matters very quickly and provide considered and practical advice." The set is noted for its depth of expertise in offshore matters and its ability to tackle complex commercial cases.

The strong team of silks and juniors at New Square Chambers regularly handles a wide array of traditional chancery matters, including trusts, wills, estates and probate matters. Members often appear in the Court of Appeal, and recently acted in Da Silva v Heselton, a case which provided authority on when trustees are entitled to be paid for their time. "New Square is a very strong set for contentious trust and probate work," comments one market insider, who continues: "The chambers has diverse and able practitioners, who can assist on all matters"

Radcliffe Chambers has a large group of respected traditional chancery practitioners. "The barristers at Radcliffe Chambers are exceptionally well placed to handle complex matters. They are incredibly smart and pick up matters very quickly," says an interviewee. They are particularly notable for their work on wills and probate matters, and recently acted in Clitheroe v Bond, a defining case on how to determine testamentary capacity following the Mental Capacity Act 2005.