42BR Barristers is 'an excellent set' with 'a wide range of fantastic counsel'. Tina Cook KC is 'impeccably prepared and speaks with persuasive authority', with a strong track record in representing local authorities in private law proceedings. Gemma Taylor KC's 'cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses is way ahead of the pack', and Damian Woodward-Carlton KC has 'a tremendous ability to build positive rapport with professional and lay clients, treating all around him with the utmost respect'. Among the juniors, the 'remarkable' Katie Phillips 'brings calm to any situation with ease'.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerks are always helpful. James Tidnam is a star.'
  • 'Tim Dockrill is always prompt and friendly when dealing with enquiries.'
  • 'Luke Goodman is an excellent, kind and helpful clerk.'
  • 'James Tidnam and Luke Goodman are brilliant and come back quickly with responses. They always try their best to accommodate last-minute bookings.'
  • 'James Tidnam is excellent and invaluable.'
  • '42BR Barristers is a strong set of practitioners with a shared view of fairness and diligence.'
  • '42BR Barristers is an excellent set, strong in all areas.'
  • '42BR Barristers is an excellent set of chambers which provide a wide range of skilled advocates.'

Silks

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.
Tina Cook KC
2
Tina Cook KC
42BR Barristers
‘Tina's cross-examination skills are legendary. She is persuasive and frequently brings eminent experts around to her way of thinking.’
Damian Woodward-Carlton KC
3
Damian Woodward-Carlton KC
42BR Barristers
‘Damian is an excellent barrister. His analysis of the case is focused and realistic. He can explain difficult concepts to the client very effectively.’
Gemma Taylor KC
3
Gemma Taylor KC
42BR Barristers
‘Gemma is meticulous in her preparation, and an oasis of calm in court when under fire. She is skilled at setting vulnerable witnesses at ease.’

Juniors

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.
Katie Phillips
2
Katie Phillips
42BR Barristers
‘Katie is a superb advocate and invariably has the confidence of the court.'
Sharan Bhachu
3
Sharan Bhachu
42BR Barristers
‘Sharan is approachable, collaborative, well-prepared and pragmatic. She is a calming influence in a case.’
Rachel Chan
5
Rachel Chan
42BR Barristers
‘Rachel's advocacy is straightforward, powerful and user-friendly. She is very good with the most vulnerable clients.’
Marcia Hyde
5
Marcia Hyde
42BR Barristers
‘Marcia can take control of the case with total equanimity, which is reassuring for clients.'
Zoe McGrath
5
Zoe McGrath
42BR Barristers
 ‘An accomplished barrister who always goes above and beyond for her clients. She provides realistic and legible advice.’
Kate Kochnari
6
Kate Kochnari
42BR Barristers
‘Kate’s advocacy is always passionate. She combines forensic abilities with commitment and passion to her client’s case.’
Shelly Glaister-Young
6
Shelly Glaister-Young
42BR Barristers
'Shelly is a passionate, principled, fearless and talented advocate.'
Eléonore Berthelsen
6
Eléonore Berthelsen
42BR Barristers
 ‘Eléonore is an impressive advocate. She is very calm, focused, proactive and well prepared.'
Philippa Thomas
6
Philippa Thomas
42BR Barristers
‘Philippa is a very experienced junior with excellent communication skills.'
Kate Claxton
6
Kate Claxton
42BR Barristers
 ‘A diligent junior. She is good at explaining the process to lay clients who do not understand it in straightforward terms.'
Celeste Irvine
6
Celeste Irvine
42BR Barristers
 ‘Celeste is very professional, and communicates efficiently and promptly with clients.’
Amanda Jepson
6
Amanda Jepson
42BR Barristers
‘Amanda has in-depth legal knowledge. She can analyse complex legal issues, identify key points and formulate effective arguments.’
Richard Little
6
Richard Little
42BR Barristers
‘Richard is a cogent advocate with the ability to pursue a case tenaciously without losing his calm presentation. He is very able, well-prepared and approachable.’
Charlotte Mackenzie
6
Charlotte Mackenzie
42BR Barristers
‘Charlotte is forensic and focused, and is skilled at tailoring her advocacy to the audience.’
Philip McCormack
6
Philip McCormack
42BR Barristers
‘A resolute advocate with a great client manner.’
Ann Osborne
6
Ann Osborne
42BR Barristers
 ‘Ann is quick to grasp complex issues in a case, and is well-liked by all who come across her.'
Jo Porter
6
Jo Porter
42BR Barristers
‘Jo puts clients at ease. She deals with vulnerable clients sensitively yet fairly. Her cross-examination is calm and clever.’
Sian Smith
6
Sian Smith
42BR Barristers
‘Sian fights her clients' corner and makes them feel at ease.'
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
Charmaine Clubb
Charmaine Clubb
42BR Barristers
 ‘Charmaine is very well prepared. Her advocacy is direct, and she is courteous and impressive.’
Hannah Justiva
Hannah Justiva
42BR Barristers
 ‘Hannah’s advocacy is fierce, knowledgeable and insightful. She thinks fast on her feet.’