‘Very strong’ set Blackstone Chambers houses a ‘superb’ team, which has an excellent reputation for handling a broad range of high-profile employment litigation. Recent activity for practice head Tom Croxford KC includes successfully representing the defendant in Christie v Canaccord Genuity Ltd, a dispute involving a high-value bonus claim and retention award. Robert Howe KC regularly appears in the High Court concerning restrictive covenant claims. Diya Sen Gupta KC is ‘an incredibly skilled advocate’ with noted strength in business protection, discrimination and whistleblowing cases. Turning to the juniors, George Molyneaux, unled, acted for the respondent in El Fath v Secretary of State for Justice, an Employment Tribunal case involving allegations of whistleblowing detriment, discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal. In a boost to chambers, Tom Richards KC took silk in March 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
1'Paul is the acknowledged master in employee competition and restrictive covenant disputes - his knowledge of the law is unparalleled and he is a tactical wizard. He is a forensic and persuasive advocate and has the respect of the court.'
1'She is a methodical and balanced silk, who is also commercially and legally astute.'
'The equivalent of a full-stack developer. She is the complete package as a barrister.'
2
2'A silk with an imperturbable demeanor and great client-handling skills.'
2‘Diya is intellectually fierce and a quietly forensic and cutting advocate. She is particularly strong on her feet, with a measured but robust style. Absolutely unflappable – nothing fazes her.’
'Kate is truly outstanding. She is a tremendous lawyer and advocate, and has a gift for dealing well with the most pressured and stressful matters.'
3
4‘Ivan is charmingly ruthless, startlingly bright and a huge pleasure to work with.’
2023 Silks
2024 Silks
‘Craig is a consummate professional. He really is the full package, combining a razor-sharp intellect with a very personable manner and a hardworking nature. His advocacy is superb.’
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
3'He is clearly a master of his area. He can analyse an issue succinctly and provides focussed advice. A junior who is years ahead of his call.'
'Insightful, analytical, commercial, and a highly effective advocate - measured but extremely powerful when required. She picks up esoteric points with ease.'
4
5'An eloquent speaker with real gravitas. A bright, persuasive and authoritative advocate.'
5'He is highly intelligent and strategic, and has a good manner with clients.'
5'He is meticulous in preparation, and his advice is razor-sharp. He doesn't miss a thing.'
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
3'He is clearly a master of his area. He can analyse an issue succinctly and provides focussed advice. A junior who is years ahead of his call.'
'Insightful, analytical, commercial, and a highly effective advocate - measured but extremely powerful when required. She picks up esoteric points with ease.'
45'An eloquent speaker with real gravitas. A bright, persuasive and authoritative advocate.'
5'He is highly intelligent and strategic, and has a good manner with clients.'
5'He is meticulous in preparation, and his advice is razor-sharp. He doesn't miss a thing.'
