Stars at the Bar 2023

The Stars at the Bar have proved their excellence across a rang of practice areas as researched and ranked by Chambers UK Bar team during their research for the Chambers UK Bar Guide 2023.

Below are these top legal practitioners and the Chambers editorial for each, providing a true reflection of their work and services offered.

Jonathan Crow KC (4 Stone Buildings)
Ranked sections: Administrative & Public Law, Banking & Finance,  Chancery: Commercial, Company, Financial Services, Fraud: Civil, Offshore, Restructuring/Insolvency, Chambers Rankings, Telecommunications

“He is a master in this field. He is such a brilliant advocate; so smooth and persuasive.”

“He is the best advocate in the country, the master of the witty understatement. He has the judges eating of his hands.”

“Nobody beats Jonathan when it comes to a Privy Council appeal. He has so much experience and such good judgement and expertise.”

“Jonathan is a super silk – there is no better person for appellate matters.”

“Jonathan stands out for his ability to distil and present a lucid, subtle, elegant and measured argument from a mass of extremely complex and difficult case law.”

“He is a silk of the highest quality, who is hugely respected in the Caribbean.”

View Jonathan Crow’s profile here.

Mark Howard KC (Brick Court Chambers)
Ranked sections: Banking & Finance, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Competition Law, Energy & Natural Resources, Fraud: Civil,Insurance, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance, Offshore, Professional Negligence

“Mark is a stellar advocate who has the ability to assimilate vast quantities of information and distil it to the key arguments.”

“He’s one of the top commercial silks and has such a laser-sharp intellect and good courtroom presence.”

“Mark is a devasting cross-examiner with excellent strategic oversight.”

“Mark is a standout in the insurance market, with a lot of experience, and he is also hard-working.”

“He’s a masterful cross-examiner; he’s able to do the equivalent of open heart surgery.”

“He has star quality which you can’t learn – he’s a very commanding and engaging presence.”

“Mark Howard is arguably the best commercial litigation KC in London. He is worth every penny and more.”

View Mark Howard’s profile here.

Clare Montgomery KC (Matrix Chambers)
Ranked sections: Administrative & Public Law, Civil Liberties & Human Rights, Crime, Extradition, Financial Crime, Financial Crime: Corporates, Fraud: Civil, POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture

“She is an excellent lawyer and advocate; someone to be relied on in the most serious and sensitive cases.”

“She has superb client care skills; she has the ability to communicate clearly with clients and to provide legal advice combined with acute commercial understanding.”

“The doyenne of extradition law; she is truly inspiring.”

“A stellar individual, whose drafting and advocacy are brilliant. She has a real way of marshalling arguments and is an incredibly hard-working individual.”

“She is superb in her financial and international work. She is a star barrister.”

“The best of the best and a supremo when it comes to both criminal and civil law. If you’re lucky enough to get her on your team, she provides an extra dimension the opposition can only dream of.”

View Clare Montgomery’s profile here.

Paul Chaisty KC (Kings Chambers)
Ranked sections: Banking & Finance, Chancery, Commercial Dispute Resolution,   Company, Partnership, Professional Negligence, Real Estate Litigation, Northern (Bar), Restructuring/Insolvency

“Paul is superb; a top-level opponent.”

“Paul is an absolute master tactician. He has made an art form of brevity. He knows exactly what to say with devasting effect.”

“He is one of the best trial advocates I have worked with.”

“Paul is a very impressive barrister who is immensely prepared.”

“Paul is a very impressive barrister. He’s immensely prepared, nothing can ever faze Paul. Even if it does, he’s calm under pressure. He deals with it in his stride and gets the right result for the client.”

“Paul is one of the most formidable advocates that I’ve ever seen. Once he gets his teeth into something, he never lets go. He’s incredibly pragmatic and approachable, and clients love him.”

“Paul Chaisty KC is absolutely brilliant advising in conference and as an advocate. He is able to adapt to court procedures all over the world.”

“Paul is a demon cross-examiner and a thorough barrister.”

View Paul Chaisty’s profile here.

Bankim Thanki KC (Fountain Court Chambers)
Ranked sections: Aviation, Banking & Finance, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Financial Services, Fraud: Civil, Insurance, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance, Travel: Regulatory & Commercial

“Bankim is an outstanding advocate. It’s obvious the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal respect what he has to say and listen carefully.”

“He has a first-rate intellect, is breathtakingly hardworking and is always superbly well prepared. Bankim is an excellent cross-examiner in an unshowy but highly effective way.”

“Bankim Thanki is one of the biggest names at the commercial Bar. He has the respect of judges at the highest level, is a very persuasive advocate and is a trustworthy and straightforward opponent.”

“Bankim is a superb advocate and analyst with a brain the size of a planet.” “He has a lot of gravitas. His submissions and cross-examination skills are fantastic.”

View Bankim Thanki’s profile here.

Joe Smouha KC (Essex Court Chambers)
Ranked sections: Art and Cultural Property Law , Banking & Finance, Chancery: Commercial, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Fraud: Civil, International Arbitration: Arbitrators, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance, Offshore

“A powerhouse silk, who is absolutely first-class. He is phenomenally intelligent and a brilliant strategist. He takes complicated issues and presents them as the simplest issues in the world.”

“A very effective advocate, who is excellent at getting the ear of the judge.”

“Joe is technically and tactically superb, with a great feel for how points will play out before the court.”

“He is brilliant at getting on top of detail. He is an affable, safe pair of hands with amazing judgement.”

“An exceptional arbitrator.”

“Lots of advocates have one style, but I really admire him because he’s the opposite. He’s extremely hard-working and versatile.”

“He’s a superb arbitration advocate; he carries the tribunal with him.” “He has a good reputation in the offshore jurisdictions.”

View Joe Smouha’s profile here.

Hugh Sims KC (Guildhall Chambers)
Ranked sections: Banking & Finance, Chancery, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Company, Partnership, Professional Negligence, Restructuring/Insolvency

“He is a really clever and deeply cerebral lawyer, but still down to earth and excellent with clients. He is also a fantastic advocate.”

“Hugh has the ability to second-guess the opponent.”

“He is very impressive – a brilliant brain, good with clients and good on his feet.”

“Hugh provides impressive advice, can understand very complex matters in a very short space of time and has an ability to distil issues.”

“He is a regional star and a ‘go-to’ barrister for big firms.”

“Clients think he is fantastic.”

“Hugh gives clear guidance and advice whilst also being very approachable.”

“Hugh has an extraordinarily prodigious work ethic. He is fantastic.”

View Hugh Sims’ profile here.

David Perry KC (6KBW College Hill)
Ranked sections: Administrative & Public Law, Crime, Extradition, Financial Crime, Financial Crime: Corporates, POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture

“He is a leading light.”

“He is easy to work with and his advice is very sensible and pragmatic.”

“An absolutely charming, outstanding individual who is brilliant at everything he takes on.”

“One of the outstanding silks of his era.”

“The Government’s number one guy.”

“David is really one of the best KCs at the Criminal Bar. He is a consummate advocate. He commands a courtroom and is so precise.”

“David is a phenomenal lawyer.”

“He is so calm and reassuring. His presentation is very good.”

“Adored by the highest courts in the land, he’s a beautiful advocate who has just got the best judgement. His arguments are always on-point and succinct.”

View David Perry’s profile here.

John Randall KC (St Philips Chambers)
Ranked sections: Chancery, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Company, Partnership, Professional Negligence, Real Estate Litigation

“He marries technical brilliance with a keen commercial focus and is likeable and fun to work with.”

“He is just really excellent. I have seen him in court and he is very good on his feet.”

“He has the rare skill of telling the judges what they want to hear and clients what they need to hear while keeping everyone happy.”

“He has a phenomenal brain and really understands the issues. He can advise not just on what the law is, but also he really gets the client’s business.”

“John is the go-to silk for real property matters.”

View John Randall’s profile here.

Lesley Anderson KC (Kings Chambers)
Ranked sections: Chancery, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Company, Partnership, Professional Negligence, Real Estate Litigation, Restructuring/Insolvency

“An astonishing advocate.” “Her advocacy skills and client skills are really strong.” “Lesley’s opinions are so clear and confident.” “She’s superb. Lesley Anderson is seen as the top silk in Manchester.”

View Lesley Anderson’s profile here.

Anneliese Day KC (Fountain Court Chambers)
Ranked sections: Commercial Dispute Resolution, Construction, Energy & Natural Resources,  Insurance, International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering, Professional Negligence: Technology & Construction,

“She has an impressive way of forming strategy to address new and changing developments in a case.”

“Anneliese is a fantastic advocate and has a very good way of presenting a complicated case in an accessible manner.”

“The skill and judgement with which she demolished each of the other side’s witness was excellent.”

“Anneliese has a Midas touch in the way she communicates with clients and solicitors. She’s a total class act and an outstanding talent.”

“She’s a very sophisticated cross-examiner – firm, but she doesn’t rant and rave; she’s more subtle.”

“She’s untouchable on her feet, when presenting the case and when assimilating a large amount of information in a short amount of time.”

View Anneliese Day’s profile here.

Dinah Rose KC (Blackstone Chambers)
Ranked sections: Administrative & Public Law, Civil Liberties & Human Rights, Competition Law, Employment, Telecommunications

“A super public lawyer with an extraordinary mind.”

“The most naturally gifted advocate one has ever seen.”

“Dinah is just outstanding. She is the most formidable advocate of her generation.”

“Dinah is an absolute star. A stellar performer in employment law.”

“One of the finest advocates of her generation.”

“Dinah Rose KC is a great communicator.”

View Dinah Rose’s profile here.

Richard Lissack KC (Fountain Court Chambers)
Ranked sections: Banking & Finance, Chancery: Commercial, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Financial Crime, Financial Crime: Corporates, Financial Crime: Private Prosecutions, Financial Services, Health & Safety

“He is an impressive advocate in court and is able to articulate himself very clearly.”

“Richard is extraordinary. He has incredible output and his productivity is endless.”

“Richard is a first-rate advocate. He is simply wonderful when it comes to reading the room and dealing with difficult questions on his feet.”

“He’s very detailed and understands how his work fits in with the regulator and what they think. He is commercial, gives time to a case and is really nice to work with.”

“He is very experienced and straddles criminal and civil work in a way that not many barristers can do at this level.”

“He is a great advocate who inspires the confidence of the client.”

View Richard Lissack’s profile here.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC (Doughty Street Chambers)
Ranked sections: Administrative & Public Law, Civil Liberties & Human Rights, International Human Rights Law, Community Care, Defamation/Privacy, Inquests & Public Inquiries, Police Law: Mainly Claimant

“Caoilfhionn is extremely knowledgeable, highly intelligent and totally committed to her cases – a real powerhouse. She is among the best of the best.”

“Caoilfhionn is always on top of her points and great at developing new legal arguments. She is a capable advocate and a very good cross-examiner.”

“Grieving families can have trust not just in her ability to cut through complex evidence and present it in a very digestible, compelling manner which juries and Coroners can easily follow, but also her prolific commitment to passionately and articulately fight their corner and ensure that their voice is front and centre of proceedings.”

View Caoilfhionn Gallagher’s profile here.

Jonathan Gaisman KC (7 King’s Bench Walk)
Ranked sections: Commercial Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources, Fraud: Civil, Insurance, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance, Professional Negligence, Shipping & Commodities

“Jonathan stands out; he is authoritative and very clear. He has an enormous grasp of detail and is very respected by clients.”

“Jonathan is probably the most formidable advocate at the Bar; he is just brilliant. He doesn’t over-trade so he is properly prepared on each case.”

“Jonathan is very intelligent, practical and able to isolate the key issues that need to be focused on.”

“He is utterly focused with a brain the size of a planet.”

“He is a heavy-hitting, well-regarded insurance silk.”

“He’s an outstanding advocate.”

“Magisterial; hugely respected for his tough advocacy.”

“Jonathan is phenomenally intelligent.”

View Jonathan Gaisman’s profile here.

Roger Stewart KC (4 New Square)
Ranked sections: Construction, Insurance, International Arbitration: Arbitrators, International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance, Professional Negligence, Professional Negligence: Technology & Construction

“Roger is all over the papers and asked incisive questions.”

“I have seen his advocacy firsthand; he is tenacious and his cross examination is incredibly good.”

“Roger is tremendously impressive and can always drill down to the points of the matter extremely quickly.”

“He is an extremely capable arbitrator and also very easy to work with – very collegiate.”

“He is a true gentleman who is extremely knowledgeable and very quick on the uptake.”

“Roger is a brilliant advocate, extremely courteous and calm even in very difficult situations.”

“He’s clear and easy to work with.”

“Very calm, measured and knows what he’s doing in all stages. He is always looking at the commercially sensible approach.”

View Roger Stewart’s profile here.

Edward Fitzgerald KC (Doughty Street Chambers)
Ranked sections: Administrative & Public Law, Civil Liberties & Human Rights, International Human Rights Law, Crime, Extradition

“He is a top performer in the most difficult of cases. His courtroom advocacy is stellar and his commitment to his clients is unchallenged.”

“His ability to present arguments in court is unmatched and his advocacy is outstanding.”

“An outstanding and highly respected advocate whose knowledge of the subject matter in criminal law, procedure and evidence in the English-speaking Caribbean makes him the first choice when it comes to appeals against convictions in criminal cases.”

“His intellectual passion is matched only by his deep empathy for the individuals that he deals with.”

View Edward Fitzgerald’s profile here.

Laurence Rabinowitz KC (One Essex Court)
Ranked sections: Banking & Finance, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources, Fraud: Civil, International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance

“What sets him apart is his dealing with the team. He is polite and supportive and very good with juniors, very encouraging.”

“Laurence is an extremely bright and user-friendly silk, who presents the most complex commercial advice with good humour.”

“He has a very strong reputation across numerous areas.”

“Laurence is a legend in the field. His communications are clear and he gets to the heart of the matter, providing concise, thoughtful analysis.”

“He is a superb strategist. He has amazing judgement and a searing intellect.”

“He has a spectacularly good manner when dealing with a court and is a really impressive advocate.”

View Laurence Rabinowitz’s profile here.

Philip Jones KC (Serle Court)
Ranked sections: Chancery: Commercial, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Company, Fraud: Civil, Offshore, Partnership, Professional Negligence, Restructuring/Insolvency, Tax

“Hugely insightful, very helpful and responsive, and excellent in conference with clients. He is exactly what you want from an experienced chancery silk: he gives a lot of direction and is also very down to earth and easy to work with.”

“A very elegant advocate.”

“He has a supreme intellect.”

“Philip is a very strategic and imaginative advocate.”

“Philip comes up with imaginative and tactical solutions. He is very strategic.”

View Philip Jones’ profile here.

Patrick Gibbs KC (3 Raymond Buildings)
Ranked sections: Crime, Financial Crime,  Financial Crime: Corporates,  Inquests & Public Inquiries, Police Law: Mainly Defendant,  Professional Discipline

“He is a beautiful jury advocate who gets on very well with clients.”

“He acts for individuals empathetically. He is deeply involved and reassuring for clients.”

“Patrick is very good for individuals and gives strategic advice to corporations.”

“Very articulate on his feet and strong on the written word. He inspires the confidence of clients.”

“Patrick was very impressive in his approach, delivery and advice in all aspects of the case.”

“His skills as an advocate are breathtaking.”

“Patrick is utterly outstanding – an excellent court performer who can be jaw-dropping in his delivery.”

View Patrick Gibbs’ profile here.