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Douglas Leach
Guildhall Chambers ‘Douglas is very analytical and hard working. He can quickly and incisively identify the legal issues and provide a clear strategy.’
Guildhall Chambers is ‘a fantastic set comprising excellent barristers’ who regularly appear before the employment tribunals, the High Court and the higher appellate courts. Julian Allsop is ’an excellent barrister’ and successfully acted for the defendant in Lal v DVSA, a case related to allegations of whistleblowing detriment, victimisation and unfair dismissal. ‘Prompt and pragmatic’ Debbie Grennan recently represented the school in Higgs v Farmor’s School, a case concerning a Christian administrative employee who was dismissed by the school after making Facebook posts which were alleged to be transphobic. Sarah Hornblower joined from Colleton Chambers in August 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Rob McDonald is fantastic. He is responsive and works hard to ensure needs are met.'
- 'The clerks at the chambers provide a fantastic service. Robert McDonald is particularly impressive. He is very responsive, friendly and always looking to assist us in finding appropriate counsel.'
- 'Rob McDonald is a fabulous, attentive, efficient and professional.'
- 'Guildhall Chambers as a whole is particularly strong and covers a wide range of employment law issues.'
- 'Guildhall Chambers is very good for employment law. It has a good strength in depth in this specialised area.'
- 'Guildhall Chambers is a stellar set. The employment team is excellent.'
- 'Guildhall Chambers is a top-class set. All of their employment barristers are of the highest quality. '
Silks
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.
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Julian Allsop
Guildhall Chambers ‘Julian is pragmatic, concise, calm under pressure and reassures clients with his demeanour and approach. He is meticulous in his preparation and research.’
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Debbie Grennan
Guildhall Chambers ‘Debbie's advocacy is excellent - strong and persuasive to whatever argument she is presenting. She is adept at assessing an overall case quickly, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses but always with a strategy ready.'
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Nicholas Smith
Guildhall Chambers ‘Nicholas is an excellent advocate. He is persuasive, thorough and pragmatic.’
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Kerry Gardiner
Guildhall Chambers 'Kerry is well prepared and insightful and gets to the nub of the issues in complex cases quickly.'
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Geraint Probert
Guildhall Chambers ‘Geraint is a technically gifted advocate. He is quick thinking, articulate and very strategic.’
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Fergus Currie
Guildhall Chambers ‘Fergus is excellent with clients in the conference and at court, a good listener and analyst, and provides good legal and practical advice.’
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Sarah Hornblower
Guildhall ChambersRising 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.
Charlotte Mallin-Martin
Guildhall Chambers 'Charlotte is impressive, effective in cross-examinations and incisive in submissions. She has the skill of a much more senior barrister.'